What Does Righteousness Mean?

Righteousness is a common word found in the Bible. It appears hundreds of times. Scripture tells us that God loves righteousness, that God himself is righteous, and that one day he will judge the world in righteousness. Psalm 23 even says that God leads us along “paths of righteousness.”

But what does that word actually mean?

At its core, righteousness comes down to two things: a relationship and a lifestyle.

First, righteousness is about relationship. It’s a position. A relationship status. Are you in right standing with God? Is that your position?

So, it simply means being right with God.

Romans 1:17 says, “The Good News shows how God makes people right with himself” (NCV). That’s the heart of the Gospel. God made a way for us to be right with him through Jesus Christ. When Jesus died on the cross, he paid the penalty for our sins so that we could be forgiven and brought back into a relationship with God.

Because of Jesus, you don’t have to stay disconnected from your Creator. You can know him personally.

But, righteousness is also a lifestyle.

When you’re in a right relationship with God, it begins to shape the way you live. Your values change. Your priorities change. Your actions begin to reflect God’s character.

The Bible says, “Everyone who practices righteousness has been born of him” (1 John 2:29 MSG). In other words, when you belong to God, it shows up in the way you live.

We become like Christ, the more time we spend with him.

So, Jesus made a way for you to be right with God. And, he made a way for you to live right. Jesus changes everything!