Righteousness, in its simplest form, means that which someone rightfully deserves. For instance, every human being has the right to live. No one has the right to take another person’s life based on their gender, physical appearance, mental state, or disability. As long as a person is human, they deserve the right to life.
Another example: if someone has studied and completed a degree in medicine, we rightfully call them a doctor. They’ve earned that title through the appropriate qualifications.
In the same way, in the spiritual realm, God also has His standards of righteousness. In the beginning, in order to be close to God and receive His blessings and favor, a person had to fully obey His Law. That is, they had to live a perfect life in line with all of God’s commandments. In return, they would receive His spiritual blessings. This is clearly outlined in Deuteronomy 28.
However, unfortunately, no one was ever able to completely fulfill all of God’s commandments. Human beings have consistently fallen short of God’s perfect standard. The Bible says:
“All have turned away, all have become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one.” — Psalm 14:3, NIV
Because of this, no one could rightfully claim righteousness before God through their own deeds. Everyone was guilty of sin.
In response to this, God created a new plan to save humanity. He made a way for human beings to be declared righteous—not by keeping the Law—but through faith in His Son, Jesus Christ. This is the essence of the Gospel: that anyone who believes in Jesus receives God’s righteousness as a free gift, apart from the Law.
“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. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” — Romans 3:21–24, NIV
So now, when you believe in Jesus as your Lord and Savior, you are counted as righteous before God—not because of your good works—but because of Christ’s perfect obedience and sacrifice on your behalf. You are made holy, you are accepted, and you can approach God with confidence.
“Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” — Hebrews 4:16, NIV
This is what we call “the righteousness that comes from God”—it is not earned by our effort but received by grace through faith in Christ.
Through Jesus:
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We receive eternal life freely.
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We receive answers to our prayers freely.
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We are called saints and children of God.
But the important question is: Have you believed in Jesus Christ?
Remember, no human being can please God through their own works alone. Every person under the sun needs Jesus Christ. If you have not yet received His salvation, the door is still open for you today.
Repent and turn to the Lord so that He may forgive your sins and make you a new creation.