Posted on 02/22/2004 4:28:54 AM PST by DoorGunner
Are there any people who are righteous? That is, specifically, righteous prior to the sacrifice of Yeshua (Jesus) and thus, not possessing His righteousness.
The following four passages are often used, to show that there neither was, is, nor can ever be, someone who is righteous, except those regenerated by Yeshua:
[all verses taken from the New American Standard Bible]
Romans 3
10 as it is written,
"THERE IS NONE RIGHTEOUS, NOT EVEN ONE;
11 THERE IS NONE WHO UNDERSTANDS,
THERE IS NONE WHO SEEKS FOR GOD;
12 ALL HAVE TURNED ASIDE, TOGETHER THEY
HAVE BECOME USELESS;
THERE IS NONE WHO DOES GOOD,
THERE IS NOT EVEN ONE."
Psalm 143:2
Do not bring your servant into judgment, for no one living is RIGHTEOUS
before you.
Ecclesiastes 7:20
There is not a RIGHTEOUS man on earth who does what is right and
never sins.
Isaiah 64:6
All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our RIGHTEOUS
acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind
our sins sweep us away.
We must, however, compare the above verses with the MANY verses, below which seem to show the opposite is true:
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These verses show that there are comparative degrees of RIGHTEOUSness:
Jeremiah 3:11
The LORD said to me, "Faithless Israel is more RIGHTEOUS than unfaithful
Judah.
Ezekiel 16:51
Samaria did not commit half the sins you did. You have done more
detestable things than they, and have made your sisters seem
RIGHTEOUS by all these things you have done.
Ezekiel 16:52
Bear your disgrace, for you have furnished some justification for your
sisters. Because your sins were more vile than theirs, they appear
more RIGHTEOUS than you. So then, be ashamed and bear your
disgrace, for you have made your sisters appear RIGHTEOUS.
======================================
These verses show that SOME people were RIGHTEOUS, before Yeshua come to earth, as our sacrifice:
Genesis 6:9
This is the account of Noah. Noah was a RIGHTEOUS man, blameless
among the people of his time, and he walked with God.
Genesis 7:1
The LORD then said to Noah, "Go into the ark, you and your whole
family, because I have found you RIGHTEOUS in this generation.
Genesis 18:23
Then Abraham approached him and said: "Will you sweep away the
RIGHTEOUS with the wicked?
Genesis 18:24
What if there are fifty RIGHTEOUS people in the city? Will you really
sweep it away and not spare [ 18:24 Or [ forgive ] ; also in verse 26 ]
the place for the sake of the fifty RIGHTEOUS people in it?
Genesis 18:25
Far be it from you to do such a thing-to kill the RIGHTEOUS with the
wicked, treating the RIGHTEOUS and the wicked alike. Far be it from
you! Will not the Judge [ 18:25 Or [ Ruler ] ] of all the earth do right?"
Genesis 18:26
The LORD said, "If I find fifty RIGHTEOUS people in the city of Sodom, I
will spare the whole place for their sake."
Genesis 18:28
what if the number of the RIGHTEOUS is five less than fifty? Will you
destroy the whole city because of five people?" "If I find forty-five
there," he said, "I will not destroy it."
Exodus 23:8
"Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds those who see and twists
the words of the RIGHTEOUS.
Numbers 23:10
Who can count the dust of Jacob or number the fourth part of Israel?
Let me die the death of the RIGHTEOUS, and may my end be like theirs!"
Deuteronomy 16:19
Do not pervert justice or show partiality. Do not accept a bribe, for a
bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and twists the words of the
RIGHTEOUS.
Deuteronomy 24:13
Return his cloak to him by sunset so that he may sleep in it. Then he
will thank you, and it will be regarded as a RIGHTEOUS act in the sight of
the LORD your God.
1 Samuel 24:17
"You are more RIGHTEOUS than I," he said. "You have treated me well,
but I have treated you badly.
1 Kings 3:6
Solomon answered, "You have shown great kindness to your servant,
my father David, because he was faithful to you and RIGHTEOUS and
upright in heart. You have continued this great kindness to him and
have given him a son to sit on his throne this very day.
Psalm 1:6
For the LORD watches over the way of the RIGHTEOUS, but the way of
the wicked will perish.
Psalm 5:12
For surely, O LORD , you bless the RIGHTEOUS; you surround them with
your favor as with a shield.
Psalm 7:9
O RIGHTEOUS God, who searches minds and hearts, bring to an end the
violence of the wicked and make the RIGHTEOUS secure.
Psalm 11:5
The LORD examines the RIGHTEOUS, but the wicked
LORD and those who love violence his soul hates.
Psalm 14:5
There they are, overwhelmed with dread, for God is present in the
company of the RIGHTEOUS.
Psalm 15:2
He whose walk is blameless and who does what is RIGHTEOUS, who
speaks the truth from his heart
Psalm 17:1
Hear, O LORD , my RIGHTEOUS plea; listen to my cry. Give ear to my
prayer- it does not rise from deceitful lips.
Psalm 31:18
Let their lying lips be silenced, for with pride and contempt they speak
arrogantly against the RIGHTEOUS.
Psalm 32:11
Rejoice in the LORD and be glad, you RIGHTEOUS; sing, all you who are
upright in heart!
Psalm 33:1
Sing joyfully to the LORD , you RIGHTEOUS; it is fitting for the upright to
praise him.
Psalm 37:12
The wicked plot against the RIGHTEOUS and gnash their teeth at them;
Psalm 37:16
Better the little that the RIGHTEOUS have than the wealth of many
wicked;
Psalm 37:17
for the power of the wicked will be broken, but the LORD upholds the
RIGHTEOUS.
Psalm 37:21
The wicked borrow and do not repay, but the RIGHTEOUS give
generously;
Psalm 37:25
I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the RIGHTEOUS
forsaken or their children begging bread.
Psalm 37:29
the RIGHTEOUS will inherit the land and dwell in it forever.
Psalm 37:30
The mouth of the RIGHTEOUS man utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks
what is just.
Psalm 37:32
The wicked lie in wait for the RIGHTEOUS, seeking their very lives;
Psalm 37:39
The salvation of the RIGHTEOUS comes from the LORD ; he is their
stronghold in time of trouble.
Psalm 52:6
The RIGHTEOUS will see and fear; they will laugh at him, saying,
Psalm 55:22
Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let
the RIGHTEOUS fall.
Psalm 58:10
The RIGHTEOUS will be glad when they are avenged, when they bathe
their feet in the blood of the wicked.
Psalm 58:11
Then men will say, "Surely the RIGHTEOUS still are rewarded; surely
there is a God who judges the earth."
Psalm 64:10
Let the RIGHTEOUS rejoice in the LORD and take refuge in him; let all the
upright in heart praise him!
Psalm 68:3
But may the RIGHTEOUS be glad and rejoice before God; may they be
happy and joyful.
Psalm 69:28
May they be blotted out of the book of life and not be listed with the
RIGHTEOUS.
Psalm 75:10
I will cut off the horns of all the wicked, but the horns of the
RIGHTEOUS will be lifted up.
Psalm 92:12
The RIGHTEOUS will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar
of Lebanon;
Psalm 94:21
They band together against the RIGHTEOUS and condemn the innocent
to death.
Psalm 97:11
Light is shed upon the RIGHTEOUS and joy on the upright in heart.
Psalm 97:12
Rejoice in the LORD , you who are RIGHTEOUS, and praise his holy name.
Psalm 112:6
Surely he will never be shaken; a RIGHTEOUS man will be remembered
forever.
Psalm 118:20
This is the gate of the LORD through which the RIGHTEOUS may enter.
Psalm 119:121
I have done what is RIGHTEOUS and just; do not leave me to my
oppressors.
Psalm 125:3
The scepter of the wicked will not remain over the land allotted to the
RIGHTEOUS, for then the RIGHTEOUS might use their hands to do evil.
Psalm 140:13
Surely the RIGHTEOUS will praise your name and the upright will live
before you.
Psalm 142:7
Set me free from my prison, that I may praise your name. Then the
RIGHTEOUS will gather about me because of your goodness to me.
Psalm 146:8
the LORD gives sight to the blind, the LORD lifts up those who are
bowed down, the LORD loves the RIGHTEOUS.
Proverbs 2:20
Thus you will walk in the ways of good men and keep to the paths of
the RIGHTEOUS.
Proverbs 3:33
The LORD's curse is on the house of the wicked, but he blesses the
home of the RIGHTEOUS.
Proverbs 4:18
The path of the RIGHTEOUS is like the first gleam of dawn, shining ever
brighter till the full light of day.
Proverbs 9:9
Instruct a wise man and he will be wiser still; teach a RIGHTEOUS man
and he will add to his learning.
Proverbs 10:3
The LORD does not let the RIGHTEOUS go hungry but he thwarts the
craving of the wicked.
Proverbs 10:6
Blessings crown the head of the RIGHTEOUS, but violence overwhelms
the mouth of the wicked. [ 10:6 Or [ but the mouth of the wicked
conceals violence ] ; also in verse 11 ]
Proverbs 10:7
The memory of the RIGHTEOUS will be a blessing, but the name of the
wicked will rot.
Proverbs 10:11
The mouth of the RIGHTEOUS is a fountain of life, but violence
overwhelms the mouth of the wicked.
Proverbs 10:16
The wages of the RIGHTEOUS bring them life, but the income of the
wicked brings them punishment.
Proverbs 10:20
The tongue of the RIGHTEOUS is choice silver, but the heart of the
wicked is of little value.
Proverbs 10:21
The lips of the RIGHTEOUS nourish many, but fools die for lack of
judgment.
Proverbs 10:24
What the wicked dreads will overtake him; what the RIGHTEOUS desire
will be granted.
Proverbs 10:25
When the storm has swept by, the wicked are gone, but the RIGHTEOUS
stand firm forever.
Proverbs 10:28
The prospect of the RIGHTEOUS is joy, but the hopes of the wicked
come to nothing.
Proverbs 10:29
The way of the LORD is a refuge for the RIGHTEOUS, but it is the ruin of
those who do evil.
Proverbs 10:30
The RIGHTEOUS will never be uprooted, but the wicked will not remain in
the land.
Proverbs 10:31
The mouth of the RIGHTEOUS brings forth wisdom, but a perverse
tongue will be cut out.
Proverbs 10:32
The lips of the RIGHTEOUS know what is fitting, but the mouth of the
wicked only what is perverse.
Proverbs 11:8
The RIGHTEOUS man is rescued from trouble, and it comes on the
wicked instead.
Proverbs 11:9
With his mouth the godless destroys his neighbor, but through
knowledge the RIGHTEOUS escape.
Proverbs 11:10
When the RIGHTEOUS prosper, the city rejoices; when the wicked
perish, there are shouts of joy.
Proverbs 11:19
The truly RIGHTEOUS man attains life, but he who pursues evil goes to
his death.
Proverbs 11:21
Be sure of this: The wicked will not go unpunished, but those who are
RIGHTEOUS will go free.
Proverbs 11:23
The desire of the RIGHTEOUS ends only in good, but the hope of the
wicked only in wrath.
Proverbs 11:28
Whoever trusts in his riches will fall, but the RIGHTEOUS will thrive like a
green leaf.
Proverbs 11:30
The fruit of the RIGHTEOUS is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is
wise.
Proverbs 11:31
If the RIGHTEOUS receive their due on earth, how much more the
ungodly and the sinner!
Proverbs 12:3
A man cannot be established through wickedness, but the RIGHTEOUS
cannot be uprooted.
Proverbs 12:5
The plans of the RIGHTEOUS are just, but the advice of the wicked is
deceitful.
Proverbs 12:7
Wicked men are overthrown and are no more, but the house of the
RIGHTEOUS stands firm.
Proverbs 12:10
A RIGHTEOUS man cares for the needs of his animal, but the kindest
acts of the wicked are cruel.
Proverbs 12:12
The wicked desire the plunder of evil men, but the root of the
RIGHTEOUS flourishes.
Proverbs 12:13
An evil man is trapped by his sinful talk, but a RIGHTEOUS man escapes
trouble.
Proverbs 12:21
No harm befalls the RIGHTEOUS, but the wicked have their fill of trouble.
Proverbs 12:26
A RIGHTEOUS man is cautious in friendship, [ 12:26 Or [ man is a guide
to his neighbor ] ] but the way of the wicked leads them astray.
Proverbs 13:5
The RIGHTEOUS hate what is false, but the wicked bring shame and
disgrace.
Proverbs 13:9
The light of the RIGHTEOUS shines brightly, but the lamp of the wicked
is snuffed out.
Proverbs 13:21
Misfortune pursues the sinner, but prosperity is the reward of the
RIGHTEOUS.
Proverbs 13:22
A good man leaves an inheritance for his children's children, but a
sinner's wealth is stored up for the RIGHTEOUS.
Proverbs 13:25
The RIGHTEOUS eat to their hearts' content, but the stomach of the
wicked goes hungry.
Proverbs 14:19
Evil men will bow down in the presence of the good, and the wicked at
the gates of the RIGHTEOUS.
Proverbs 14:32
When calamity comes, the wicked are brought down, but even in
death the RIGHTEOUS have a refuge.
Proverbs 15:6
The house of the RIGHTEOUS contains great treasure, but the income of
the wicked brings them trouble.
Proverbs 15:28
The heart of the RIGHTEOUS weighs its answers, but the mouth of the
wicked gushes evil.
Proverbs 15:29
The LORD is far from the wicked but he hears the prayer of the
RIGHTEOUS.
Proverbs 16:31
Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained by a RIGHTEOUS life.
Proverbs 18:10
The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the RIGHTEOUS run to it and
are safe.
Proverbs 20:7
The RIGHTEOUS man leads a blameless life; blessed are his children after
him.
Proverbs 21:15
When justice is done, it brings joy to the RIGHTEOUS but terror to
evildoers.
Proverbs 21:18
The wicked become a ransom for the RIGHTEOUS, and the unfaithful for
the upright.
Proverbs 21:26
All day long he craves for more, but the RIGHTEOUS give without
sparing.
Proverbs 23:24
The father of a RIGHTEOUS man has great joy; he who has a wise son
delights in him.
Proverbs 24:15
Do not lie in wait like an outlaw against a RIGHTEOUS man's house, do
not raid his dwelling place;
Proverbs 24:16
for though a RIGHTEOUS man falls seven times, he rises again, but the
wicked are brought down by calamity.
Proverbs 25:26
Like a muddied spring or a polluted well is a RIGHTEOUS man who gives
way to the wicked.
Proverbs 28:1
The wicked man flees though no one pursues, but the RIGHTEOUS are as
bold as a lion.
Proverbs 28:12
When the RIGHTEOUS triumph, there is great elation; but when the
wicked rise to power, men go into hiding.
Proverbs 28:28
When the wicked rise to power, people go into hiding; but when the
wicked perish, the RIGHTEOUS thrive.
Proverbs 29:2
When the RIGHTEOUS thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule,
the people groan.
Proverbs 29:6
An evil man is snared by his own sin, but a RIGHTEOUS one can sing and
be glad.
Proverbs 29:7
The RIGHTEOUS care about justice for the poor, but the wicked have no
such concern.
Proverbs 29:16
When the wicked thrive, so does sin, but the RIGHTEOUS will see their
downfall.
Proverbs 29:27
The RIGHTEOUS detest the dishonest; the wicked detest the upright.
Ecclesiastes 3:17
I thought in my heart, "God will bring to judgment both the RIGHTEOUS
and the wicked, for there will be a time for every activity, a time for
every deed."
Ecclesiastes 7:15
In this meaningless life of mine I have seen both of these: a RIGHTEOUS
man perishing in his RIGHTEOUSness, and a wicked man living long in his
wickedness.
Ecclesiastes 8:14
There is something else meaningless that occurs on earth: RIGHTEOUS
men who get what the wicked deserve, and wicked men who get what
the RIGHTEOUS deserve. This too, I say, is meaningless.
Ecclesiastes 9:2
All share a common destiny-the RIGHTEOUS and the wicked, the good
and the bad, the clean and the unclean, those
who offer sacrifices and those who do not. As it is with the good man,
so with the sinner; as it is with those who take oaths, so with those
who are afraid to take them.
Isaiah 3:10
Tell the RIGHTEOUS it will be well with them, for they will enjoy the fruit
of their deeds.
Isaiah 26:2
Open the gates that the RIGHTEOUS nation may enter, the nation that
keeps faith.
Isaiah 26:7
The path of the RIGHTEOUS is level; O upright One, you make the way
of the RIGHTEOUS smooth.
Isaiah 57:1
The RIGHTEOUS perish, and no one ponders it in his heart; devout men
are taken away, and no one understands that the RIGHTEOUS are taken
away to be spared from evil.
Jeremiah 4:2
and if in a truthful, just and RIGHTEOUS way you swear, 'As surely as
the LORD lives,' then the nations will be blessed by him and in him
they will glory."
Jeremiah 20:12
O LORD Almighty, you who examine the RIGHTEOUS and probe the heart
and mind, let me see your vengeance upon them, for to you I have
committed my cause.
Lamentations 4:13
But it happened because of the sins of her prophets and the iniquities
of her priests, who shed within her the blood of the RIGHTEOUS.
Ezekiel 3:20
"Again, when a RIGHTEOUS man turns from his RIGHTEOUSness and does
evil, and I put a stumbling block before him, he will die. Since you did
not warn him, he will die for his sin. The RIGHTEOUS things he did will
not be remembered, and I will hold you accountable for his blood.
Ezekiel 3:21
But if you do warn the RIGHTEOUS man not to sin and he does not sin,
he will surely live because he took warning, and you will have saved
yourself."
Ezekiel 13:22
Because you disheartened the RIGHTEOUS with your lies, when I had
brought them no grief, and because you encouraged the wicked not to
turn from their evil ways and so save their lives,
Ezekiel 18:5
"Suppose there is a RIGHTEOUS man who does what is just and right.
Ezekiel 18:9
He follows my decrees and faithfully keeps my laws. That man is
RIGHTEOUS; he will surely live, declares the Sovereign LORD .
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These verses SEEM to say that (at least in OT times) a person's righteousness was determined by his ACTs:
Ezekiel 18:20
The soul who sins is the one who will die. The son will not share the
guilt of the father, nor will the father share the guilt of the son. The
RIGHTEOUSness of the RIGHTEOUS man will be credited to him, and the
wickedness of the wicked will be charged against him.
Ezekiel 18:22
None of the offenses he has committed will be remembered against
him. Because of the RIGHTEOUS things he has done, he will live.
These verses SEEM to say that a RIGHTEOUS person can, by doing unrighteous acts, (sins) be counted as unrighteous:
Ezekiel 18:24
"But if a RIGHTEOUS man turns from his RIGHTEOUSness and commits sin
and does the same detestable things the wicked man does, will he
live? None of the RIGHTEOUS things he has done will be remembered.
Because of the unfaithfulness he is guilty of and because of the sins
he has committed, he will die.
Ezekiel 18:26
If a RIGHTEOUS man turns from his RIGHTEOUSness and commits sin, he
will die for it; because of the sin he has committed he will die.
Ezekiel 33:12
"Therefore, son of man, say to your countrymen, 'The RIGHTEOUSness
of the RIGHTEOUS man will not save him when he disobeys, and the
wickedness of the wicked man will not cause him to fall when he turns
from it. The RIGHTEOUS man, if he sins, will not be allowed to live
because of his former RIGHTEOUSness.'
Ezekiel 33:13
If I tell the RIGHTEOUS man that he will surely live, but then he trusts in
his RIGHTEOUSness and does evil, none of the RIGHTEOUS things he has
done will be remembered; he will die for the evil he has done.
Ezekiel 33:18
If a RIGHTEOUS man turns from his RIGHTEOUSness and does evil, he will
die for it.
*******************************
These two verses SEEM to say that (at least in certain circumstances) both RIGHTEOUS and UNRIGHTEOUS are to be punished!
Ezekiel 21:3
and say to her: 'This is what the LORD says: I am against you. I will
draw my sword from its scabbard and cut off from you both the
RIGHTEOUS and the wicked.
Ezekiel 21:4
Because I am going to cut off the RIGHTEOUS and the wicked, my sword
will be unsheathed against everyone from south to north.
===========================
[More ordinary RIGHTEOUS verses]
Ezekiel 23:45
But RIGHTEOUS men will sentence them to the punishment of women
who commit adultery and shed blood, because they are adulterous and
blood is on their hands.
Hosea 14:9
Who is wise? He will realize these things. Who is discerning? He will
understand them. The ways of the LORD are right; the RIGHTEOUS walk
in them, but the rebellious stumble in them.
Amos 2:6
This is what the LORD says: "For three sins of Israel, even for four, I
will not turn back {my wrath}. They sell the RIGHTEOUS for silver, and
the needy for a pair of sandals.
Amos 5:12
For I know how many are your offenses and how great your sins. You
oppress the RIGHTEOUS and take bribes and you deprive the poor of
justice in the courts.
Habakkuk 1:4
Therefore the law is paralyzed, and justice never prevails. The wicked
hem in the RIGHTEOUS, so that justice is perverted.
Habakkuk 1:13
Your eyes are too pure to look on evil; you cannot tolerate wrong.
Why then do you tolerate the treacherous? Why are you silent while
the wicked swallow up those more RIGHTEOUS than themselves?
Habakkuk 2:4
"See, he is puffed up; his desires are not upright- but the RIGHTEOUS
will live by his faith
Zephaniah 3:5
The LORD within her is RIGHTEOUS; he does no wrong. Morning by
morning he dispenses his justice, and every new day he does not fail,
yet the unRIGHTEOUS know no shame.
Malachi 3:18
And you will again see the distinction between the RIGHTEOUS and the
wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not.
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These verses are found in the New Testament, but are talking about the personal, pre-Christian, RIGHTEOUSNESS as do the OT passages above:
Matthew 1:19
Because Joseph her husband was a RIGHTEOUS man and did not want to
expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.
Matthew 5:45
that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to
rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the RIGHTEOUS and the
unRIGHTEOUS.
Matthew 9:13
But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.'[ 9:13
Hosea 6:6] For I have not come to call the RIGHTEOUS, but sinners."
Matthew 10:41
Anyone who receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a
prophet's reward, and anyone who receives a RIGHTEOUS man because
he is a RIGHTEOUS man will receive a RIGHTEOUS man's reward.
Matthew 13:17
For I tell you the truth, many prophets and RIGHTEOUS men longed to
see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but
did not hear it.
Matthew 23:28
In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as RIGHTEOUS
but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness.
Matthew 23:29
"Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You
build tombs for the prophets and decorate the graves of the
RIGHTEOUS.
Matthew 23:35
And so upon you will come all the RIGHTEOUS blood that has been shed
on earth, from the blood of RIGHTEOUS Abel to the blood of Zechariah
son of Berekiah, whom you murdered between the temple and the
altar.
Mark 2:17
On hearing this, Jesus said to them, "It is not the healthy who need a
doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the RIGHTEOUS, but
sinners."
Luke 2:25
Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was RIGHTEOUS
and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy
Spirit was upon him.
Luke 5:32
I have not come to call the RIGHTEOUS, but sinners to repentance."
Acts 10:22
The men replied, "We have come from Cornelius the centurion. He is a
RIGHTEOUS and Godfearing man, who is respected by all the Jewish
people. A holy angel told him to have you come to his house so that
he could hear what you have to say."
Romans 1:17
For in the gospel a RIGHTEOUSness from God is revealed, a
RIGHTEOUSness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written:
"The RIGHTEOUS will live by faith."
Romans 5:7
Very rarely will anyone die for a RIGHTEOUS man, though for a good man
someone might possibly dare to die.
(Excerpt) Read more at bible.gospelcom.net ...
2 Peter 2:7
and if he rescued Lot, a RIGHTEOUS man, who was distressed by the
filthy lives of lawless men
2 Peter 2:8
(for that RIGHTEOUS man, living among them day after day, was
tormented in his RIGHTEOUS soul by the lawless deeds he saw and
heard)
1 John 3:7
Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray. He who does what is
right is RIGHTEOUS, just as he is RIGHTEOUS.
1 John 3:12
Do not be like Cain, who belonged to the evil one and murdered his
brother. And why did he murder him? Because his own actions were
evil and his brother's were RIGHTEOUS.
**************************************
************************************
[These verses may (probably) refer to Christians--having been given RIGHTEOUSness]
Matthew 13:43
Then the RIGHTEOUS will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their
Father. He who has ears, let him hear.
Matthew 13:49
This is how it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come and
separate the wicked from the RIGHTEOUS
Matthew 25:37
"Then the RIGHTEOUS will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you
hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink?
Matthew 25:46
"Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the RIGHTEOUS to
eternal life."
Luke 14:14
and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be
repaid at the resurrection of the RIGHTEOUS."
Luke 15:7
I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven
over one sinner who repents than over ninetynine RIGHTEOUS persons
who do not need to repent.
Acts 24:15
and I have the same hope in God as these men, that there will be a
resurrection of both the RIGHTEOUS and the wicked.
Romans 2:13
For it is not those who hear the law who are RIGHTEOUS in God's sight,
but it is those who obey the law who will be declared RIGHTEOUS.
Romans 3:20
Therefore no one will be declared RIGHTEOUS in his sight by observing
the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin.
Romans 5:19
For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were
made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many
will be made RIGHTEOUS.
Galatians 3:11
Clearly no one is justified before God by the law, because, "The
RIGHTEOUS will live by faith."
1 Thessalonians 2:10
You are witnesses, and so is God, of how holy, RIGHTEOUS and
blameless we were among you who believed.
Hebrews 10:38
But my RIGHTEOUS one will live by faith. And if he shrinks back, I will not be pleased with
him."
The above verses either directly state that a certain person was RIGHTEOUS, or are based on the assumption that many RIGHTEOUS persons exist. Furthermore, many of the verses clearly state that (at least in the OT) righteousness is determined by ACTIONS.
I think that these verses can provide some insight into the biblical concept or "RIGHTEOUSNESS," and whether people have ever possessed it, prior to Yeshua's sacrifice of Himself.
DG
p.s. the immediately above would not fit in the "article space."
I would suggest reading the book of Romans. The reason it was written was to explain your question.
I am unaware of explicit teaching regarding this. Are you willing to point me to Bible passages which provide this explicit teaching? I would appreciate it.
"...no context needed. Is that right?"
Goodness, no! I would be glad to discuss the context of any and all of these verses. Unfortunately, merely the verses, sans context, were more than could be handled by the FR software. Hence the overrun.
I am sure that, if you were to look up the context of all of these verses (it is fairly simple, using the site cited) you would find that I have mistakenly included a few verses which do not effectively illustrate the point. If you wish to call my attention to those verses, I will see if the Mods will remove them. Also, there ARE a couple of Psalms, which should have been added to the first few passages, which also illustrate or demonstrate the concept that there are none righteous. But, there was no room.
DG
You know, thanks to your suggestion, I began to read the Book of Romans. Look at what I found, just in the first two chapters:
Romans 1:
15 So, for my part, I am eager to preach the gospel to you also
who are in Rome.
16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power
of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first
and also to the Greek.
17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to
faith; as it is written, "BUT THE RIGHTEOUS man SHALL LIVE BY
FAITH."
The above SEEMS to be saying that salvation (dare I say righteousness) is "to everyone who BELIEVES"--who "LIVE BY FAITH."
Romans 2:
6 who WILL RENDER TO EACH PERSON ACCORDING TO HIS DEEDS:
7 to those who by perseverance in doing good seek for
glory and honor and immortality, eternal life;
8 but to those who are selfishly ambitious and do not obey
the truth, but obey unrighteousness, wrath and indignation.
The above verses SEEM to be saying that "DEEDS,' and "doing good," lead to "eternal life."
11 For there is no partiality with God.
12 For all who have sinned without the Law will also perish
without the Law, and all who have sinned under the Law will be judged
by the Law;
13 for it is not the hearers of the Law who are just before God,
but the doers of the Law will be justified.
14 For when Gentiles who do not have the Law do instinctively
the things of the Law, these, not having the Law, are a law to
themselves,
15 in that they show the work of the Law written in their
hearts, their conscience bearing witness and their thoughts alternately
accusing or else defending them,
16 on the day when, according to my gospel, God will
judge the secrets of men through Christ Jesus.
These verses SEEM to say that "...there is no partiality with God."
They (verse 14) SEEM to say that people who were completely foreign to the Law (sometimes, occasionally) "...do INSTINCTIVELY the things of the Law..."
They (verse 16) SEEM to say that these people will be saved, at the last judgement.
But, maybe my take on these is incorrect. I would be glad to discuss them with you.
DG
Sorry about that. I will attempt to be less obtuse.
First it seemed that you were saying the OT people were saved without the need for Christ.
My main point was this:
Although some people use the first few verses cited (and a few more) as a foundation of the dogma that (absent the explicit CALL of God, the Father, and His monergic regeneration) NO PERSON can be anything but wicked--that they can do no good thing--that they CANNOT be RIGHTEOUS; [as I say, notwithstanding that use of those verses] MANY verses (~200) either plainly state, or clearly imply, that many people during Old Testament times were considered "RIGHTEOUS." Furthermore, there are many verses, in the New Testament, which discuss persons who are called "RIGHTEOUS," in the same way it was used in the OT.
There are also, many New Testament verses in which, when people are considered "RIGHTEOUS," the meaning is probably that righteousness conferred or imputed on the believer in Christ. That is, NOT any righteousness intrinsic to the believer, rather, the righteousness of Yeshua (Jesus).
Now it seems you're saying people are saved by works.
I wrote:
The above verses SEEM to be saying that "DEEDS,' and "doing good," lead to "eternal life."
This is not a dogmatic statement, it is merely my opinion of the meaning of those verses. It would be wrong, to take those few verses, and develop a dogma, which may very well be antithetical to the remainder of the Bible. A person needs to look at the whole Bible.
are you saying people are saved by faith? Or is it all of these? Please clarify.
I don't know if I can clarify...
Luke 7
37 And there was a woman in the city who was a sinner; and
when she learned that He was reclining at the table in the Pharisee's
house, she brought an alabaster vial of perfume,
38 and standing behind Him at His feet, weeping, she began to wet
His feet with her tears, and kept wiping them with the hair of her
head, and kissing His feet and anointing them with the perfume......
44 Turning toward the woman, He said to Simon, "Do you see this
woman? I entered your house; you gave Me no water for My
feet, but she has wet My feet with her tears and wiped them with her
hair.
45 "You gave Me no kiss; but she, since the time I came in, has
not ceased to kiss My feet.
46 "You did not anoint My head with oil, but she anointed My
feet with perfume.
47 "For this reason I say to you, her sins, which are many, have
been forgiven, for she loved much; but he who is forgiven little, loves
little."
48 Then He said to her, "Your sins have been forgiven."
49 Those who were reclining at the table with Him began to say to
themselves, "Who is this man who even forgives sins?"
50 And He said to the woman, "Your faith has saved you;
go in peace."
This passage seems to give some answers, but it seems to conflict with itself:
Yeshua said that her sins, which were many, were FORGIVEN, because she LOVED much. But the only WE can see that she LOVED much is by her ACTIONS. [Of course, Yeshua knew all about her sins, and her love.]
Then He says, "Your FAITH has SAVED you..." ???
So, we must have LOVE, which is demonstrated by ACTIONS, and founded on FAITH, to be forgiven, and saved. Of course, that FAITH must be in Yeshua HaMashiach (Jesus, the Messiah).
This is too much for me to process. I will have to look up some SALVATION verses, and see if we can make sense of them, in another post.
It is extremely dangerous to pick apart scripture to make a point.
Agreed.
One can make scripture say anything-which is what cults generally do.
That would be very bad. We wouldn't want to do that.
Scripture must be read in context of the whole Bible...
Absolutely!
with a doctrinal position in mind.
Now, here, I must strenuously object. I believe that this idea (having a "doctrinal position" into which we must fit what the Bible clearly states) is seriously wrong. If one obtains such a "doctrinal position" from someone (or some organization) else, leaves one open to whatever bias that person (or organization) may have originally had, or may develop.
Consider the present situation in all of the major denominations [at least, in the US]. First, the "liberals" (most only pretending to be anything LIKE a Christian) infiltrated the seminaries. There, they taught a whole generation of pastors many unbiblical things. Then, this generation of pastors was sent out to the various congregations, and taught the people these same unbiblical things.
The result of all this can be clearly seen in the utterly vile things in which SOME of these congregations have participated, or at least condoned.
If we accede to a "doctrinal position," which colors all of our Bible study, and if there are "wolves in sheep's clothing" who have the ability to pervert that doctrine, we put ourselves at GREAT risk.
DG
p.s. I will see what I can do about a "salvation thread."
People in the Old Testament were saved by grace looking for God’s redemption work. Those of us today are saved by grace looking back at God’s redemption. God justifies because God is not in time and does not look forwards or backwards. “For the death that He died, He died to sin once FOR ALL; but the life that He lives, He lives to God;” Roman 6:10
The above verses SEEM to be saying that "DEEDS,' and "doing good," lead to "eternal life."
SHAME ON YOU!!! GET THIS OUT OF YOUR HEAD. THIS IS APOSTACY. It is only the redemptive work of Christ that saves us. NOTHING we can do will make us right before God.
Luke 7
Well, the Arminians and the Calvinists will give you different interpretations on this verse but it WAS NOT the woman’s work that saved her. Being from a more Calvinistic persuasion I would say that it was our Lord Jesus’ grace which saved her. Notice 1) She came in a sinner and weeping, 2) She began to wash our Lord Jesus’ feet/perfume/etc, 3) Lord Jesus make the point with Simon, 4) Lord Jesus forgives her sins, 5) the people get upset at Lord Jesus forgiving sins, 6) Lord Jesus says the woman’s faith has saved her go in peace.
There is a wealth of information contained in this story (not to mention the part of Simon). But just to focus on your concern, it was not the woman’s deed that saved her but #4 where our Lord Jesus forgives her sins because of what?-His grace. Notice in #6 Jesus mentions her faith and now she has peace.
I believe that this idea (having a "doctrinal position" …) is seriously wrong. If one obtains such a "doctrinal position" from someone (or some organization) else, leaves one open to whatever bias that person (or organization) may have originally had, or may develop.
Now it’s my turn for being unclear. When I refer to “doctrine” I’m referring to the references by Paul. For example, “But as for you, speak the things which are fitting for sound doctrine.” Titus 2:1 Paul also refers to doctrine in 1st & 2nd Timothy. I don’t believe this refers to the 5 points of Calvinism, the teaching of John Wesley, or the doctrinal positions of the Catholic Church. From what I can tell when Paul is talking about doctrine it is the basic message of the cross of Christ.
MANY verses (~200) either plainly state, or clearly imply, that many people during Old Testament times were considered "RIGHTEOUS."
People in the Old Testament were saved by grace looking for God's redemption work. Those of us today are saved by grace looking back at God's redemption. God justifies because God is not in time and does not look forwards or backwards.
My comment (above) is not about being "SAVED." It is about (people) being considered "RIGHTEOUS," in the Old Testament. As I said, "SAVED" deserves another thread.
"For the death that He died, He died to sin once FOR ALL; but the life that He lives, He lives to God;" Roman 6:10
This is an excellent verse! It is sad, that some folks feel the need to change that "FOR ALL" to mean "FOR A FEW."
The above verses SEEM to be saying that "DEEDS,' and "doing good," lead to "eternal life."
SHAME ON YOU!!! GET THIS OUT OF YOUR HEAD. THIS IS APOSTACY. It is only the redemptive work of Christ that saves us. NOTHING we can do will make us right before God.
Shame on ME!? I did not write those verses! Do you mean "SHAME ON THE HOLY SPIRIT?" I wrote an accurate summary of what those Holy Spirit inspired verses actually SAID."
You know, and I know, that these verses are not the last word, regarding salvation and righteousness. But, the reality is that they ARE there. THEY must be fit, whole, into any legitimate theory, or "theology," which talks about salvation, or righteousness. So do many other verses, which say DIFFERENT things about salvation and righteousness.
Luke 7
Well, the Arminians and the Calvinists will give you different interpretations on this verse but it WAS NOT the woman's work that saved her.
Of course it was not. Nor, did I so state. I attempted to state, that the only WE have of seeing her "LOVE" is to have her ACTIONS described.
Being from a more Calvinistic persuasion I would say that it was our Lord Jesus' grace which saved her.
I agree that we can ONLY be saved, by the GRACE of God. But, THIS passage did not so state--that will require more, different, verses.
Notice
1) She came in a sinner and weeping,
Humble, knowing her sinfulness.
2) She began to wash our Lord Jesus' feet/perfume/etc,
Humble, loving enough to sacrifice something precious.
3) Lord Jesus make the point with Simon,
He hammered on their SELF-righteousness.
4) Lord Jesus forgives her sins,
He said: "...her sins, which are many, have been forgiven, for she loved much..."
[Love and forgiveness are connected.]
5) the people get upset at Lord Jesus forgiving sins,
[Because only God can forgive sins.]
6) Lord Jesus says the woman's faith has saved her go in peace.
Yes. He said, "Your faith has saved you..."
[HER] LOVE and [HER] FAITH were essential aspects of [HER] salvation. We are given an EXAMPLE of HOW to demonstrate [OUR] LOVE and FAITH.
There is a wealth of information contained in this story (not to mention the part of Simon). But just to focus on your concern, it was not the woman's deed that saved her
Absolutely. [See above]
but #4 where our Lord Jesus forgives her sins because of what?-His grace. Notice in #6 Jesus mentions her faith and now she has peace.
I agree that God's GRACE is the essential requirement in salvation. However, this passage speaks to [HER] LOVE, and [HER] FAITH. I agree, that NEITHER of these would have any salvific effect, absent God's GRACE.
I believe that this idea (having a "doctrinal position" …) is seriously wrong. If one obtains such a "doctrinal position" from someone (or some organization) else, leaves one open to whatever bias that person (or organization) may have originally had, or may develop.
Now it's my turn for being unclear. When I refer to "doctrine" I'm referring to the references by Paul. For example, "But as for you, speak the things which are fitting for sound doctrine." Titus 2:1 Paul also refers to doctrine in 1st & 2nd Timothy. I don't believe this refers to the 5 points of Calvinism, the teaching of John Wesley, or the doctrinal positions of the Catholic Church. From what I can tell when Paul is talking about doctrine it is the basic message of the cross of Christ.
All right. My mistake. I read more into it than you wrote.
DG
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