Biblical righteousness is often misunderstood. Because the negative picture for many people is actually self-righteousness. Someone Jesus regularly condemned. So let’s look at how scripture describes Biblical righteousness.
Biblical righteousness is based on a relationship with God
Both the Old and New Testament called a number of people righteous or just. Who conducted themselves with personal integrity and in a morally ethical manner.
But there was a source they drew from. A standard for their behavior. And that was God and his word. They desired to imitate the perfect righteousness of God. And live in obedience to his law.
You find this expressed in the New Testament Greek word Díkaios, commonly translated righteous or just. Its meaning includes the concept of virtue, but also faithfulness to God’s law.
In other words, Biblical righteousness is not an independent attribute you inherently possess. It is pursuing a right relationship with God by following his commands.
Biblical righteousness is credited to us by Jesus Christ
Swipe now and pay later. That’s how a credit card works. And Biblical righteousness works the same way. Except you and I don’t pay. Jesus did by sacrificing his life. And his life of perfect righteousness is credited to our account when we accept and follow him. Even though we aren’t perfect. Can’t achieve perfection. But should strive for it anyway.
Although, to fully understand Biblical righteousness, you need to understand the opposite concept of unrighteousness. What the Bible calls sin.
We’re all guilty of sin. It separates us from God. And makes living in a right relationship to him challenging. Also why Jesus was the only one perfectly righteous.
Biblical righteousness is less about outward appearance and more about the heart
Virtue signaling is not new. Even in Jesus’ day, people made righteousness a public spectacle. And Jesus called them out on it. Ironically, they were who Jesus most often condemned. And the ones who confessed their sinfulness he regularly praised.
There are two distinguishing components to Biblical righteousness throughout the Bible.
It focuses on pleasing God
It does not draw attention to itself
That’s why the prophet Hosea declares God’s desire for mercy rather than sacrifice. And the apostle Paul describes a race finished in heaven. Jesus also encourages his followers to practice spiritual disciplines in private.
Because God is not impressed by outward appearances. He clearly sees into and measures the condition of our hearts. And is what he cares about the most.
Righteousness is connected to faith
Biblically righteous people look forward to perfect righteousness. Ultimately awarded in heaven. But till then pursued by faith.
Faith is what connects belief and discipleship. And moves you beyond passive acceptance to applying the truth of scripture in daily life.
It’s faith driven by hope. But with confidence and assurance. That your belief is true and worth your commitment.
The book of Hebrews lists several Biblical characters with this kind of faith. And James, the half-brother of Jesus takes it further. He calls faith without actions dead.
So you see? Although Biblical righteousness is an simple choice to make. It’s a hard, narrow path to travel.
Involving belief and faith. Accepting and following Jesus. And walking in a right relationship with God.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and freelance copywriter. He publishes humorous Christian drama, books and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.
A consensus leading to moral truth has formed in America over the war in Ukraine. A unifying agreement that the war is evil. But reaching that consensus demands a moral truth. Here’s why.
A consensus leading to moral truth demands objective reality
A consensus leading to moral truth has formed in America over the war in Ukraine. A unifying agreement that the war is evil. But reaching that consensus demands a moral truth. Here’s why.
You can’t reach a consensus if truth is a moving target. And something subjective that we individually decide for ourselves. Because if that’s the case, then Putin gets his subjective opinion too. And how can we condemn him if he is pursuing his truth?
Therefore, truth demands an objective reality that everyone recognizes and agrees to.
This is where the Bible speaks with authority in a way that is consistent and explains how the world actually works. It clearly defines good and evil. Right and wrong. Justice and injustice.
Ironically, even Putin quoted scripture to rationalize his invasion. Although it was taken completely out of context.
The point is, you can’t move in and out of subjective and objective moral truth to suit an agenda. Because you’ll never find moral consistency. Certainly never reach a moral consensus.
And you’ll always struggle to explain what is hardwired in each of us. The existence of an objective, moral truth that defines right and wrong.
A consensus leading to moral truth demands absolutes
Moral truth must not only be objective, it must be absolute. A fixed, unwavering standard.
This again is where scripture provides a stable foundation. Beginning with the Ten Commandments that provide moral absolutes. But then include further scriptural teachings that tell us how to manage human relationships and live in harmony with one another.
Absolutes create boundaries. So you know when someone has invaded another’s territory. Both physically and morally.
Seems pretty obvious doesn’t it? Russia and Ukraine both have borders that should be mutually respected. And the Russian invasion into Ukraine demonstrates the stark reality of what happens when one does and the other doesn’t.
The same is true with moral boundaries. When you eliminate the ones you don’t like or erratically move them to suit your pleasure, it leads to chaos and moral confusion. Although you may not like or agree with certain absolutes, they are necessary for ordered society. When everyone decides what is right in their own eyes, it creates anarchy. And we’ve tasted a little of that too.
A consensus leading to moral truth demands a truth giver
An evolving truth doesn’t work. By it’s very definition, it keeps evolving into something else. And if you and I are both evolving, and are at different points in our evolution, it’s impossible to put a stake in the ground on truth. Let alone for millions of other evolving people.
And who gets to define this truth? You? Me? Most likely, whoever holds the power. And if we are all, admittedly, imperfect humans, how will there ever be equal law, justice and fairness?
Again, scripture provides an answer. There is an absolute God, who provides absolute truth, and an absolute moral law.
God is unchangeable. So too, is his truth and law.
All of which Putin clearly violated by invading Ukraine. And the whole world agrees. Although we struggle to explain why because we’ve discarded absolutes and lack an adequate workaround answer.
But we know it when we see it. Putin’s invasion is morally wrong. And he is an evil actor. Which is why there is a consensus. And perhaps an unspoken, but at least in this case, a majority agreement on moral truth.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and freelance copywriter. He publishes humorous Christian drama, books and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.
The death and resurrection of Lazarus is recorded in the Gospel of John. It’s one of many extraordinary miracles performed by Jesus during his three year ministry. And has important lessons for us today.
The death and resurrection of Lazarus teaches that God’s timing is always perfect
Mary, Martha and Lazarus of Bethany are mentioned several times in the New Testament. And it’s clear they had a special relationship with Jesus. So it seems odd when a messenger rushes to tell Jesus that Lazarus is critically ill, Jesus didn’t leave immediately and go to him.
Instead, he stays where he is and shows up in Bethany four days later!
Why?
A possible reason is because there was a common belief that when someone died, their soul hovered over the body for three days hoping to re-enter it. But finally left for good when decomposition started. Martha confirmed this had started when Jesus arrived and asked them to open the tomb. She warned that by now there would be a bad odor.
This means when Jesus brought Lazarus back to life, no one could claim a hovering soul managed successful re-entry. But rather, the resurrection of Lazarus was solely by God’s miraculous power. It shows that God’s timing is perfect. And we can trust his timing in our lives today.
The death and resurrection of Lazarus teaches that God’s miracles are not about your faith but his power
We all have moments when we struggle in our faith. Implore God for a miracle. Ask him why? And even though Mary and Martha both believed in Jesus, this was a moment they struggled too. They fully believed Jesus could have healed Lazarus while he was alive and sick. But weren’t so sure when Jesus talked about raising him from the dead.
Martha deferred to the end of time when God would raise all believers. But Jesus talked about the present.
And what further complicates the matter is we have this tendency to mistakenly believe God works based on our level of faith. He will answer our prayers if we just have enough of it.
But Jesus didn’t require a certain level of belief in this Bible story. Or chastise Martha for lacking it. He simply affirmed her belief in him. And in this case–whatever that amount– was enough.
Because it’s not the level of our faith that is important. But God’s omnipotent power.
The death and resurrection of Lazarus teaches God uses our circumstances to Glorify his name
In John 11:14, Jesus appears to demonstrate divine knowledge because he knows Lazarus already died. And perhaps it helps explain why he was not in a hurry to leave. And in John 11:4, he reveals the purpose for it: So the Son of God may be glorified through it.
In other words, God had a plan and was already working to carry it out. Although it didn’t look like it, considering Jesus’ lack of action.
Mary and Martha had a plan too. Get Jesus to Lazarus before he died. Because they knew Jesus could heal him. But God’s plan was even better. Because it glorified him in a spectacular manner. And led even more people to believe in Jesus.
Sure. It’s easy to read of a miracle like this and claim to trust God. Much harder when you’re actually struggling through difficult circumstances. But this story should gives us hope. Because it says God always has a plan. He’s working even when you can’t see it. Only asks you to trust and believe in him. And he will cause all things to work together for good. And his glory.
A Biblical worldview of planet earth care believes we should exercise responsible care for the earth. But differs on the root cause of the earth’s problems, solution and future outlook.
A Biblical worldview of planet Earth care says mankind is responsible for stewardship of the world and its resources
A Biblical worldview begins in the first chapter of Genesis with a sovereign God who spoke the universe into existence. And after creating the earth along with plants and animals, he saw that it was “good.”
He then formed mankind in his “image” and his “likeness.” And gave us dominion over the earth. To rule over the animals and to work and keep the garden. In other words, God created the earth for our benefit and welfare. And put us in charge of it.
But since we are created in God’s image, we are to imitate his goodness. And our dominion over the earth is a benevolent rule. To use the earth’s resources for sustenance. And responsibly care for them too.
This calls for a balance between using and preserving resources. Along with the understanding that God created the world for us and not the other way around. In other words, human welfare is God’s priority and should be ours too.
However, long before climate change became a thing, something changed. Creating chaos in the cosmos.
A Biblical worldview of planet Earth care says the world has been corrupted by sin
Everything was perfect right after creation. The climate was ideal. Man and animals lived harmoniously. Everyone had all the natural resources needed. Life was good.
But that changed when Adam and Eve ate fruit from the tree in the middle of the garden that God said not to eat. That disobedience introduced sin, which corrupted human nature. We became naturally self-centered and disobedient to God.
And the sin spread like a cancer to all of mankind and corrupted the planet’s nature too. Paul talks about this in Romans and says the earth “groans” under the weight of it. As it waits for the redemption of God’s children.
Because of sin, the harmonious relationship between planet, mankind and animals changed into an adversarial one. The climate became extreme and more hostile. Man and animals preyed on one another. Dominion became less about benevolence and more about mastery and survival.
And the earth cannot be fully restored until mankind is fully restored. Because we’re both afflicted by the same problem.
A Biblical worldview of planet Earth care saysGod offers the solution
The Bible views sin as THAT PROBLEM. And it’s so pervasive, so deeply woven into the fabric of all creation, we can’t fix it. Only God can.
Which he accomplished through his son, Jesus Christ. And those who follow him find redemption and inclusion as children of God.
And while that redemption involves an amazing, spiritual transformation on earth. Along with a purposeful, joyful life. It is not completed until final glorification. Or Christ returns to earth and establishes his kingdom.
So what does that mean for a Biblical worldview of earth care?
Well, the Biblical mandate in Genesis has not changed. We are to care for the earth as best we can. But with the understanding that we are both broken at a level beyond our repair. We can’t fix ourselves or the earth.
But God can and has an eternal plan for both of us. That ultimately, he will redeem his children. And remake the world.
Until then, we carry on in faith. Empowered by this hope.
Lessons from Jonah and the whale.The Bible story presents an amazing miracle. And it’s not about the whale. In fact, we’re not certain it was a whale. But that’s another story. Here are four things the Bible story teaches us today.
Lessons from Jonah and the whale. It teaches the importance of obedience.
Obedience to God is consistently taught throughout the Bible. Scripture tells us to trust God. Exercise faith. And obey his commands. Usually presented as a choice we can follow or reject.
But the Bible story of Jonah and the whale is different.
God tells Jonah to go and preach to the city of Nineveh. Warn them to repent from their wicked ways. But Jonah doesn’t want to. And he tries to run away…or in this case sail away on a ship.
Typically when we choose not to speak up for God, that’s all there is to it. God finds someone else or other means to achieve his will. But in this story, God is insistent. He’s really serious about Jonah delivering his message to the people of Nineveh.
So God gently persuades Jonah to change his mind by sending a violent storm. And the sailors on the ship throw him overboard to save themselves.
Lessons from Jonah and the whale. It teaches that God often takes unexpected measures.
Enter the whale. The big fish. Massive, life form, ocean transport. Who saves Jonah from drowning by swallowing him and spitting him up on land three days later.
It’s a good reminder there is no place beyond God’s reach. Whether you’re running from him. Or feel lost and forgotten.
There’s no pit too deep. No place too remote. Sin too horrible.
And God will take unexpected measures to spread this news. He’ll use unlikely people, unusual circumstances, and unconventional methods. The whale, I’m sure you’ll agree, was pretty unconventional. And surprised both Jonah and the whale.
The point is, God is sovereign. He doesn’t have to use us in serving his purpose. He wants to. And we don’t have to obey. We get to.
It was an important lesson for Jonah. One we should learn too.
Lessons from Jonah and the whale. It teaches about God’s mercy.
Jonah finally obeys. Goes to Nineveh, travels through the city and preaches. Although it’s not a message of love and forgiveness. But of doom. Turn to God or face his wrath!
Not a message that would go over well today. And yet, the people of Nineveh repented and turned to God. Even the king who issued a proclamation for everyone to turn to God.
Therefore, God relented on sending a disaster on the city
And this makes Jonah mad! He even admits it’s why he didn’t want to go in the first place. Because he knew God was merciful and would forgive the people of Nineveh if they repented.
Seriously? Aren’t we supposed to celebrate when sinners repent? Welcome them into the kingdom of God?
And yet, perhaps there’s a little bit of Jonah in all of us. A tiny bit of satisfaction to see others get what’s coming to them. But thanks be to God he is not like us. Slow to anger and quick to forgive. His compassion never fails. And his mercies are new every day.
Lessons from Jonah and the whale. It teaches that people are God’s priority.
The amazing miracle in the story is not that a whale swallowed Jonah. That he survived it for three days. Or even that Jonah’s message pierced the hearts of a city’s entire population.
Rather, it’s the grace, mercy and love of an almighty God. Who takes extreme measures to reach a lost world with the gospel message. That all who call upon the name of the Lord will be saved.
And changed forever.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
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