Scripture is About Righteousness -- His!

"16All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." (2 Timothy 3: 16)

When most people read this passage, they think of righteousness as something that you do.

Yet the harmony of Scripture is clear - righteousness is not something that we earn, but something that we receive as a gift.

Isaiah prophesied of this gift of righteousness from God our Father:

"No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD." (Isaiah 54: 17)

Jesus taught the disciples and fans of His days to seek God's righteousness, not their own:


"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." (Matthew 6: 33)

Paul writes that this righteousness is accorded to us as a gift in Christ Jesus!

"For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ." (Romans 5: 17)

and

"For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him." (2 Corinthians 5: 21)

So, whenever you read the following passages, think of His righteousness, not your own!

"These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God." (Genesis 6: 9)

and

"And the LORD said unto Noah, Come thou and all thy house into the ark; for thee have I seen righteous before me in this generation." (Genesis 7:1)

and

"And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness." (Genesis 15: 6)

and

"In righteousness shalt thou be established: thou shalt be far from oppression; for thou shalt not fear: and from terror; for it shall not come near thee." (Isaiah 54: 14)

The whole Scripture is about righteousness, His righteousness granted to us!