RIGHTEOUSNESS

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.

(Matthew 5:20 KJV)

The Hebrew word for Righteous is tsadaq which means to be in the right, be justified, be just which can be used to describe someone who has received deliverance from condemnation.

In this sense, Righteousness is a pronouncement from God to man that is, an unmerited favour we received when we move to Him.

The Greek word for righteousness is Dikaisune which means the character of trait or quality of being just or right. In this sense, righteousness means fulfilling the requirement of the law especially in religious duties, almsgiving, prayer and fasting.

The Hebrew word tsadaq is in two forms which are tsedaqah (which is relational) and tsedeq (which is legal).

Many of us are using the word righteousness in Christ Jesus in a legal manner as if we deserve it. Meanwhile it is God’s benevolence that counted us righteous.

1 What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found?  2 For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory;  but not before God.   3 For what saith the scripture?  Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.

(Romans 4:3 KJV)

Most of us glory in ourselves, we use the word righteous in a relational manner, we compare and contrast our lifestyle with others and we are so quick to throw the first stone at any one we felt is not up to our standard.

We list itinerary of hell in our preaching, sometimes, our words make others think God cannot accept them.

We are saved by grace, lest any man should boast (Ephesians 2:9). We are like the Pharisee who went to the temple to pray boasting of all his religious activities, how he fast and pray, his giving to the needy and so on scorning the task collector.

9 And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:  10 Two men went up into the temple to pray;  the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.   11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.   12 I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.   13 And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.   14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other:  for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased;  and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

(Luke18:9-14 KJV)

Our righteousness is not as a result of our religious activities, it has nothing to do with the apparel you put on, and it has nothing to do with what you say but rather how you say it.

Righteousness is a heart matter which only God bestows on you not because you are perfect.

And Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him as righteousness.

Jesus said that except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:20.  

From Your Brother,

Joel Orido.