The Righteousness of Christ & Our Salvation

[Follower777]

My question is; What is the Righteousness of Christ ? And how does it relate to our salvation ? This leads to the question of; How is my scriptural understandings and opinions of “The Way, The Truth, The Life" ... "= my righteousness", ... pertinent and relational, to ... God's Plan of Salvation, the Gospel, The Word, Jesus.

I'll start by expressing some of what the KJV Bible says about the Righteousness of Christ and we'll see what you think on the matter. Isaiah 1:18

The righteousness of Christ is central to the plan of salvation, and it is through His righteousness that believers are justified and can inherit eternal life.

Key Points from the KJV Bible on the Righteousness of Christ:

1. Imputed Righteousness: The Bible teaches that the righteousness of Christ is imputed to the believer by faith. This means that Christ's perfect righteousness is credited to those who believe in Him, and it is this righteousness that justifies them before God.

◦ Romans 3:22 (KJV): “Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference.”
◦ Romans 5:19 (KJV): “For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.”

It is Christ's perfect obedience—His righteousness—that covers believers.

2. The Righteousness of Christ as the Basis of Salvation: Christ’s righteousness is the only foundation for salvation, not human efforts or self-righteousness.

◦ Philippians 3:9 (KJV): “And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith.”

Salvation comes only through the righteousness of Christ.

3. Christ’s Righteousness and the Believer's Transformation: The righteousness of Christ is not only a legal declaration but also a transformative power. Through the Holy Spirit, believers are empowered to live according to the will of God and reflect Christ’s character in their lives.

◦ 2 Corinthians 5:21 (KJV): “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.”

Receiving Christ’s righteousness leads to a changed heart and life.

4. Righteousness of Christ: The Only Way to Enter Heaven: Entrance into heaven requires the righteousness of Christ, not any self-generated righteousness.

◦ Matthew 5:20 (KJV): “For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.”
◦ Romans 3:24 (KJV): “Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.”

The righteousness of Christ is the only way we can stand before a holy God.

Conclusion: Christ’s righteousness is central to salvation. It is through faith in Jesus Christ and the imputation of His perfect righteousness that we are justified before God. This righteousness not only justifies us legally but also transforms our lives, enabling us to live according to God's will. Without the righteousness of Christ, no one can be saved or enter heaven, as it is the only righteousness that exceeds the law and the righteousness of the Pharisees.

 

[ChristRoseFromTheDead]

Righteousness means equity and justice, like not showing partiality, and treating others like we would want to be treated and not treating others like we wouldn't want to be treated (this includes Jesus).

G1343 δικαιοσύνη dikaiosune (d̮iy-kai-o-sï '-nee) n.
1. equity (of character or act).
2. righteousness.

 

[Follower777]

Righteousness means equity and justice, like not showing partiality, and treating others like we would want to be treated and not treating others like we wouldn't want to be treated (this includes Jesus).

G1343 δικαιοσύνη dikaiosune (d̮iy-kai-o-sï '-nee) n.
1. equity (of character or act).
2. righteousness.

@homwardbound , @Dino246 , @JaumeJ @Rob7 @GRACE_ambassador , @ResidentAlien
Thank you for giving us the Strong's definition. I usually, just say, that righteous means, "right actions" or "right doing".

So in Jesus' case, His Righteousness would be His Character exemplified by His obedience to the Father''s Will... Which was necessary for Jesus to be "perfect" & The Lamb of God, to be our "sin offering", to pay the penalty of death, as HE redeems us. Thank You Jesus, Amen!

Jesus lived a perfectly sinless life, keeping all 10 of the Father's Commandments. Presenting a perfectly loving character, loving His Father with His whole heart, mind and soul and loving His neighbor as Himself. ( Matt 22:37-39 )

1. We Are Called to Receive, The Righteousness of Christ

1. Romans 3:22 ~ “Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all them that believe; for there is no difference.”
2. 2 Corinthians 5:21 ~ “For he hath made him to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in him.”
3. Philippians 3:9 ~ “And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith.”
4. 1 John 2:29 ~ “If ye love God, keep ye his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.” (The obedience that follows from receiving His righteousness.)

These verses make clear that the righteousness we enjoy is imputed to us through faith in Christ, not earned by our own works.

2. Righteousness Leads to Obedience

1. John 14:15 ~“If ye love me, keep my commandments.”
2. Romans 6:13 ~ “Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness.”
3. 1 Peter 1:16 ~ *“Because it is written, Be ye holy, for I am holy.” (Holiness—living in obedience—is the fruit of the righteousness we receive.)
4. Ephesians 2:10 ~ “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.”

The pattern is evident: receiving Christ’s righteousness produces a heart that obeys God’s law.

3. Jesus’ Desire That We Share His Righteousness

1. Matthew 5:20 ~ “For I say unto you, That except your righteousness exceedeth the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no wise enter into the kingdom of heaven.” (Christ sets a higher standard that He expects His followers to attain.)
2. John 17:24 ~ “Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, may be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me; for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.” (He longs that we partake in His divine nature.)
3. Hebrews 12:14 ~ “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.” (Holiness—righteousness—is the condition for seeing Christ.)
4. 1 John 3:2 ~ “Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be. We know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.” (Our future likeness to Christ rests on sharing His righteousness.)

How These Pieces Fit Together;

1. Imputed Righteousness ~  Romans 3:2,  2 Cor 5:21,  Phil 3:9 show that Christ’s righteousness is credited to us through faith.
2. Obedient Life ~  John 14:15,  Rom 6:13,  1 Pet 1:16 demonstrate that this righteousness naturally yields obedience to God’s law.
3. Christ’s Desire ~  Matt 5:20,  John 17:24,  Heb 12:14,  1 John 3:2 reveal that Jesus explicitly wishes His followers to share in His righteousness and the resulting holy life.