Righteousness

Righteousness
by Pete Berardi

II Peter 3:13

Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.

Righteousness is what separates all believers in Christ from nonbelievers. In II Corinthians 6:14 Paul says that righteousness should have nothing to do with unrighteousness. Matthew 5:6 states that blessed are those that hunger and thirst after righteousness. What is righteousness?

Our first instinct in answering this question would be to say “Righteousness means doing the right thing”. Although this is partly correct, a believer’s righteous actions are merely fruit of the true meaning of righteousness.

In Romans 3:10 Paul states that there are no righteous people in the world no not even one. Paul goes on to explain what this righteousness and how people can obtain in. Righteousness is being just and free and guilt. When we are born, we are born sinners. Our lack of the Holy Spirit within us makes us unworthy to come before God. Our sin, which was passed to us from Adam, makes us unjust. Righteousness makes us just and it is given to us by faith in Jesus Christ.

Romans 3:22 states: 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 3:26 states: To declare, [I say], at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.

When a person believes in Jesus he becomes justified by Jesus. This is why, as believers, we are constantly looking for places here on earth where righteousness dwells. Yes, Peter in II Peter 3:13 is referring to the New Jerusalem which will be our eternal resting place when the Lord returns at the end of the world. However, while on this earth, it is very common for Christians to seek righteousness. This world is full of unrighteousness. The Devil has a stranglehold on this world and has convinced many people that Jesus and his saving faith is a lie. As Christians it is very hard to coexist in this kind of hostile environment. Christians seek areas of righteousness where we can celebrate our salvation, give God glory and be free from the damnation and temptation of the world.

This is the fruit of righteousness that was mentioned earlier. When one becomes righteous, he seeks to be righteous. Galatians 5:22 states “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.