Righteousness

Righteousness is right standing with God. It requires perfect obedience to God’s commands. It is often used synonymously with holiness since holy character results in a righteous position (Acts 3:14). See Holiness.

Since no one can perfectly keep the commandments, it is impossible to be made righteous by the law (Romans 3:10,20). Only Jesus can be called “righteous” (1 John 2:1) because he lived perfectly for us under the law (Galatians 4:4). He gives us his perfect record (2 Corinthians 5:21, Romans 5:17) through faith (Romans 3:22).

Righteous, righteousness, and justify all share the same Greek root word. When believers trust “he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness” (Isaiah 61:10), they are confident of their standing before God (Romans 1:17).