What does it mean to be the righteousness of God?

The concept of being "the righteousness of God" is one of the most profound and transformative truths in Christian theology. It centers on the idea of justification, which is a legal term signifying that a person has been declared righteous by God. This declaration is not based on the individual's own merit or works but is granted through faith in Jesus Christ. To understand what it means to be the righteousness of God, we must delve into the biblical texts, explore the theological implications, and consider the practical outworking of this truth in the life of a believer.

The phrase "the righteousness of God" is prominently featured in the writings of the Apostle Paul. In 2 Corinthians 5:21, Paul writes, "For our sake, He made Him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God" (ESV). This verse encapsulates the doctrine of imputation, where our sins are imputed to Christ, and His righteousness is imputed to us. This divine exchange is the foundation of our justification.

To fully appreciate this, we need to understand the nature of God's righteousness. In the Old Testament, righteousness is often associated with God's character and His covenantal faithfulness. For instance, Psalm 11:7 declares, "For the Lord is righteous; He loves righteous deeds; the upright shall behold His face" (ESV). God's righteousness is intrinsic to His nature; it is His moral perfection and justice. When we speak of being the righteousness of God, we are talking about a righteousness that originates from God, not from human effort.

Paul elaborates on this in his letter to the Romans. In Romans 3:21-22, he writes, "But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it—the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe" (ESV). Here, Paul makes it clear that this righteousness is accessible through faith in Jesus Christ. It is not something we can achieve by adhering to the Law; rather, it is a gift from God, made available through the redemptive work of Christ.

The theological term for this is "justification by faith." Martin Luther, the great Reformer, emphasized this doctrine, asserting that it is the article by which the church stands or falls. In his commentary on Galatians, Luther writes, "This is the truth of the gospel. It is also the principal article of all Christian doctrine... 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 highlights the centrality of justification by faith in Christian theology.

Justification involves a legal declaration by God. When a person places their faith in Jesus Christ, God declares them righteous. This is not because they have become inherently righteous, but because Christ's righteousness is credited to their account. This is often referred to as "forensic justification" because it pertains to a legal standing before God. The believer is acquitted of all charges of sin and is seen as righteous in God's sight.

The implications of this are monumental. Firstly, it means that our standing before God is secure. Romans 8:1 assures us, "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" (ESV). This security is not based on our performance but on Christ's finished work. It liberates us from the fear of judgment and allows us to approach God with confidence.

Secondly, being the righteousness of God transforms our identity. 1 Peter 2:9 describes believers as "a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His own possession" (ESV). This new identity is rooted in our union with Christ. We are no longer defined by our past sins or failures but by Christ's righteousness. This has profound implications for how we view ourselves and how we live our lives.

Thirdly, this righteousness is not merely positional but also practical. While justification is a one-time legal declaration, it initiates a process of sanctification, where the believer is progressively conformed to the image of Christ. Philippians 2:12-13 exhorts us to "work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure" (ESV). This ongoing transformation is evidence of the righteousness of God at work in us.

The practical outworking of being the righteousness of God manifests in various ways. It affects our relationship with God, with others, and with the world around us. In our relationship with God, it fosters a sense of gratitude and worship. Knowing that we have been declared righteous by God leads us to live lives that honor Him. Romans 12:1 urges us, "I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship" (ESV).

In our relationships with others, being the righteousness of God calls us to live out the values of the Kingdom of God. This involves loving our neighbors, seeking justice, and extending grace and forgiveness. Ephesians 4:32 instructs us, "Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you" (ESV). Our righteous standing before God should be reflected in our interactions with others.

Moreover, being the righteousness of God compels us to engage with the world in a way that brings glory to God. This includes being ambassadors for Christ, as Paul describes in 2 Corinthians 5:20, "Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making His appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God" (ESV). As representatives of Christ, we are called to live out the gospel in our words and actions, pointing others to the righteousness that is available through faith in Jesus.

In conclusion, to be the righteousness of God means to be declared righteous by God through faith in Jesus Christ. This righteousness is not based on our own merit but is a gift of God's grace. It secures our standing before God, transforms our identity, and initiates a process of sanctification. It impacts our relationship with God, our interactions with others, and our engagement with the world. Understanding and embracing this truth is essential for living a life that honors God and reflects His righteousness to the world.