Can anyone be righteous according to the Bible?

The question of whether anyone can be righteous according to the Bible is a profound and central theme in Christian theology. To adequately address this, we must delve into the nature of righteousness, the human condition, and the means by which the Bible suggests righteousness can be attained.

In the Bible, righteousness is fundamentally about being in right standing with God. It encompasses moral integrity, justice, and living in accordance with God's will. The Hebrew word for righteousness, "tsedeq," and the Greek word, "dikaiosyne," both convey this sense of ethical conduct and divine approval.

However, the Bible also makes it clear that humanity, in its natural state, falls short of God's standards. This is evident from the very beginning. In Genesis, Adam and Eve's disobedience results in the Fall, introducing sin into the world and severing the perfect relationship between humanity and God (Genesis 3). The Apostle Paul reiterates this in his letter to the Romans: "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23, ESV). This verse underscores the universal nature of sin and the inherent inability of humans to achieve righteousness on their own.

The Old Testament provides numerous examples of individuals who sought to live righteously, yet even the most devout figures exhibited flaws. King David, described as a man after God's own heart (1 Samuel 13:14), committed adultery and murder. The prophet Isaiah, recognizing the pervasive nature of sin, declared, "All our righteous acts are like filthy rags" (Isaiah 64:6, NIV), indicating that even our best efforts are tainted by sin.

Given this bleak assessment, one might wonder if righteousness is attainable at all. The answer lies in the concept of justification, a cornerstone of Christian theology. Justification is the act of God declaring a sinner to be righteous on the basis of faith in Jesus Christ. This doctrine is most clearly articulated in the New Testament, particularly in the writings of Paul.

Paul explains that righteousness is not something we can earn through our deeds but is a gift from God. In Romans 3:21-22, he writes, "But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe" (NIV). Here, Paul contrasts the righteousness that comes from the law—human efforts to follow God's commandments—with the righteousness that comes from faith in Christ.

This righteousness through faith is further elaborated in Romans 4, where Paul uses the example of Abraham. "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness" (Romans 4:3, NIV). Abraham's faith, not his works, was the basis for his righteousness. This principle is foundational to the Christian understanding of justification: it is by faith alone that we are deemed righteous before God.

The transformative power of faith is also highlighted in the life and teachings of Jesus. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus presents a higher standard of righteousness that goes beyond mere external compliance with the law. He calls for a purity of heart and intent, saying, "For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 5:20, NIV). This statement emphasizes that true righteousness is not about outward appearances but an inward transformation made possible through a relationship with Him.

Jesus' sacrificial death and resurrection are central to this transformative process. By taking upon Himself the sins of the world, Jesus provides the means for humanity to be reconciled with God. As Paul states in 2 Corinthians 5:21, "God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God" (NIV). This exchange—our sin for His righteousness—is the essence of justification.

Moreover, the role of the Holy Spirit in the believer's life is crucial for understanding how one can live righteously. The Holy Spirit empowers and guides Christians to live in accordance with God's will. Paul writes in Galatians 5:16, "So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh" (NIV). The fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23)—are manifestations of a righteous life made possible through the Spirit's work within us.

In addition to scriptural evidence, Christian literature has also extensively explored the concept of righteousness and justification. Martin Luther, a pivotal figure in the Protestant Reformation, emphasized justification by faith alone. In his commentary on Galatians, Luther writes, "This is the truth of the gospel. It is also the principal article of all Christian doctrine, wherein the knowledge of all godliness consisteth. Most necessary it is, therefore, that we should know this article well, teach it unto others, and beat it into their heads continually." Luther's insistence on faith alone underscores the belief that human efforts are insufficient for attaining righteousness.

John Calvin, another Reformation theologian, also stressed the significance of justification by faith. In his seminal work, "Institutes of the Christian Religion," Calvin writes, "We say that justification consists in the remission of sins and the imputation of Christ's righteousness." Calvin's perspective aligns with the biblical teaching that righteousness is granted through faith in Christ's atoning work.

In summary, the Bible presents a clear and consistent message: no one can achieve righteousness through their own efforts. The universal nature of sin ensures that all fall short of God's glory. However, through faith in Jesus Christ, righteousness is imputed to believers. This righteousness is not earned but is a gift from God, made possible by Christ's sacrificial death and resurrection. The Holy Spirit further empowers believers to live in accordance with God's will, producing the fruit of a righteous life.

Thus, while no one can be righteous on their own, anyone can be declared righteous through faith in Jesus Christ. This profound truth is the heart of the gospel and the foundation of Christian hope.