RIGHTEOUS

Righteousness is that which is straight and accurate, wholly devoid of duplicity, double dealing, deviation or deceit.

`Gracious is the Lord, and righteous.` (Ps. 116: 5)

Christ is King of Righteousness.

` King of righteousness.` (Heb. 7: 2)

No one is qualified to be King of righteousness except He who is wholly and altogether Righteous. Therefore we know perfectly well that He will never be unfaithful, untruthful, unmerciful, or unreliable in anything He declares or does.

His majestic pre-eminence -

`A sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of your kingdom.` (Heb. 1: 8)                                                                                      `Behold, a King shall reign in righteousness.` (Isa. 32: 1)

Christ gives the gift of Righteousness.

Christ is inherently and essentially righteous. He is the absolute standard of divine righteousness in expression. And what Christ is, in His character, God has made available to us.

`But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God - and righteousness and sanctification and redemption, ..` (1 Cor. 1: 30)

This is the righteousness which is of God by faith. Righteousness is the passion of our saviour`s heart and is promoted by love.

`Your throne, O God is forever and ever; a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of your kingdom. You have loved righteousness and hated lawlessness.` (Heb. 1: 8 & 9)

Apart from this fact there is no remission of sins, no redemption from bondage, no reconciliation to God, no resurrection of the dead, and no reception into the family of God and the Father`s house.

All the compassionate benefits Christ bestows, all His blessings, His truths, His holiness are all based on His righteousness of Character. God`s purpose in sending forth Jesus Christ the Righteous is to make this precious gift available to man.

Imparted righteousness adds manliness to morality, sincerity to sympathy, faithfulness to fervour, confidence to courage, permanence to peace....... No excellence in Christian character is so upright and just, and no feature in godliness so desirable as righteousness.

`...those who receive abundance of grace and the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the one, Jesus Christ.` (Rom. 5: 17)