The concept of Divine righteousness in Christianity
Divine righteousness, according to Christianity, encompasses several key aspects of God's nature. It represents the eternal and unchanging righteousness of God, which serves as a model for human conduct and reflects His moral perfection and justice. This concept ties closely to the necessity of Jesus� sacrificial atonement for humanity's sins. Additionally, divine righteousness involves the qualities of God's character revealed through scripture, culminating in the life and teachings of Jesus. Early Christianity also hints at the implications of divine righteousness for personal accountability and moral order.
Synonyms: Celestial goodness, Spiritual integrity, Divine justice, Holiness, Sanctity, Virtue, Piety, Godliness, Purity, Moral excellence
In German: Göttliche Gerechtigkeit; In Spanish: Justicia divina; In Malay: Kebenaran Ilahi; In Swedish: Gudomlig rättfärdighet; In Finnish: Jumalallinen vanhurskaus
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Christian concept of 'Divine righteousness'
From: Expositions of Holy Scripture
(1) The divine righteousness and the divine love are but two names for one thing, and forgiveness lifts us into a region of higher purity, as the text suggests.[1] (2) It refers to the righteousness of God, which is eternal and unchanging, serving as a model for human righteousness and an essential aspect of His being.[2] (3) This term refers to the righteous nature of God, and it is associated with the fire of God, and it is what those who dwell with God must be like.[3] (4) The text discusses the 'divine righteousness' as the moral qualities of the divine nature, which are made clear in revelation, and it reaches its greatest brightness in the person and work of Jesus.[4] (5) The moral perfection and justice of God, which necessitated Jesus� death to make amends for the sins of humanity.[5]
From: A Dictionary of the Bible (Hastings)
(1) This is a characteristic of God, specifically the side that exhibits absolute fairness, and is often represented by the word 'righteousness'.[6] (2) Divine righteousness is vindicated in the context of forgiveness, according to the text, which is also associated with sacrificial atonements.[7]
From: Ante-nicene Fathers
(1) Divine righteousness is referenced in the context of the advantage of those who lived after the advent, indicating the idea that all rational souls could exhibit repentance or confess that their punishment was just because they believed not.[8] (2) The notion that God inflicts punishment on those who engage in morally questionable arts, indicating a divine moral order.[9]
From: The Works of Dionysius the Areopagite
(1) The text describes Divine righteousness as the Hierarch giving thanks for it, offering a sacred prayer, and extolling the worshipful Godhead.[10]