WHAT IT MEANS TO BE RIGHTEOUS
While requiring effort, we can come to be considered upright by God based on our faith in Christ. Why is this desirable, and what is involved in achieving this? Let's learn the basics.
What it Means to Be Righteous, or Upright
1. How can we be considered righteous before God, and how is it that salvation is not earned?
1. REQUIREMENTS. God reasonably has requirements for those permitted to live forever in His new world of peace and rightdoing, based on true faith. The term “rightdoing” brings to mind that God has good and elevated standards of conduct which we must learn and observe. By striving to recognize and keep God’s standards, while having faith in God’s ransom provision through His Son, allowing true forgiveness for our past sins, we can be considered upright before God. It is really the model of God’s Son that all should want to follow in day-to-day life. He did keep God's law completely during this one's life course on earth. However, at his death, the Mosaic law, the “handwritten document,” didn't entirely pass away, as if permanently nailed to the implement of Christ's temporary death. This passage, if not spurious, can be understood in a different light! (Colossians 2:13-14). Still, Christianity teaches us that rightdoing is now found by faith in Christ rather than by works of law. This means one cannot earn salvation by keeping a list of rules and regulations perfectly—rather, salvation is a gift from God as we seek in faith to loyally obey God and Christ. The statutes of the Mosaic law are still in effect and as part of God’s inspired word, they enlighten us as to the things God hates and loves, ways of evil and of goodness. There are further laws for Christians, though fewer by comparison, as we are to gain understanding of Christian principles and standards, on the basis of deep trust, or faith, helping us to hate what is bad and love the good. Thus ones may follow the model of Christ and heed the counsel and instruction found in God’s word.
2. How are the Ten Commandments evidently distinct from the “handwritten document” of the Mosaic Law?
2. TEN COMMANDMENTS NOT OBSOLETE. So there is much in the inspired word of God that can reveal to us how to live in an upright way before Him. Take the Ten Commandments for instance. Recall that Jehoshua stated: "Do not think I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets--I came not to destroy but to fulfill (or satisfy, make more complete)." (Matth 5:17). Thus the nailing of the “handwritten document” to the stake with Christ, who embodied that Law, was likely temporary, like Christ's own impalement, and not permanent. With Christ's teachings that Law can be understood in Christian light and thus, with the coming of God's Kingdom established above, continues in effect, though becoming understood newly in Christian light. Nevertheless the Ten Commandments were still uniquely written by God’s finger on stone tablets, and clearly significant Laws to keep. And Jehoshua (Joshua) (Jesus' more correct given name and original English counterpart) kept the Ten Commandments as well as the handwritten Law completely. To this day, all Ten are beneficial for humans to observe. You cannot name one of the Ten Commandments that Christians are not to practice. Even the Sabbath is evidently to be observed “by the people of God,” helping true Christians always give priority to spiritual matters, although God and Christ have a much more reasonable view of “work” than did the Pharisees of Jesus’ day (Matthew 15:6; 12:10-12). Jesus calls the “Son of man” Lord of the Sabbath—as this one would regulate the Sabbath in harmony with God’s loving and perfect will. James references the “perfect law that belongs to freedom,” having in mind Christian faith, then later includes mention of two of the Ten Commandments (James 1:25; 2:10-12; Matthew 12:7-8; Hebrews 4:8-11). They are standards that will still be recognized and appreciated in God’s new world. Let’s consider them along with some other beneficial portions of God’s word, including Christ's teachings, to reveal what it means to be righteous or upright before God.
THE TEN COMMANDMENTS
3. What do the first three of the Ten Commandments involve, and how seriously does God take them?
3. 1ST-3RD LOVING GOD. The apostle Paul showed that it is fine to have an awareness of the Ten Commandments, when he referred to it in discussing family life at Ephesians 6:1-3. The Ten Commandments are found at Exodus 20:2-17. The first three commands especially involve our worship of God. The first says: “2 “I am Jehovoe your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. 3 You must not have any other gods besides me.” Thus it is our father Jehovoe alone we should seek to give due worship. The second prohibits making objects of veneration, saying that “5 You must not bow down to them nor be enticed to serve them, for I, Jehovoe your God, am a God who requires exclusive devotion, bringing punishment for the error of fathers upon sons, upon the third generation and upon the fourth generation of those who hate me, 6 but showing loyal love to the thousandth generation of those who love me and keep my commandments.” Thus we show our love to God by seeking to obey Him, shunning idolatry in all its forms. Idolatry, or placing anyone or anything above God to worship, has blinding effects spiritually, among other disastrous consequences (Psalm 115). The third command says we should not live in a way that reproaches Jehovoe’s name. These first three commands may remind us that Jesus pointed out the greatest commandments of God's law were to love Jehovoe with our whole heart, soul, mind, and strength, and then to love our neighbor as ourself. (Matt 22:37-39). The remaining commands involve showing love for both God and our neighbor.
4. What is the benefit of a Sabbath day, and what is the promised blessing of heeding the Fifth commandment to honor one’s parents?
4. 4TH-5TH SABBATH AND PARENTAL HONOR. The fourth commandment is the law of the Sabbath. Work was to be done six days, then a rest day was to be the seventh. This would provide opportunity for families to give more attention to spiritual things, upbuilding them. On this day was the reading of the Law at the various synagogues about Israel, besides other worship carried on there. The principle of the Sabbath benefits communities still today, having at least a day of rest from hard work for families per week. Let the apostle Paul’s words about the family explain the fifth commandment in Ephesians 6:1-3: “Children, be obedient to your parents in union with the Lord, for this is righteous. 2 “Honor your father and your mother” is the first command with a promise: 3 “That it may go well with you and you may remain a long time on the earth.”” This shows the apostle considered it right that all have familiarity with the Ten Commandments, expecting even children to know the fifth commandment.
5. How did Jesus address the root cause of multiple commandments?
5. 6TH-9TH LOVING NEIGHBOR. The next four commandments 6-9 refer to actions against fellow humans. Jehoshua (Joshua), however, taught in a superior way, helping ones to avoid the very thoughts leading to these sins. Starting in verse 13: “You must not murder. 14 “You must not commit adultery. 15 “You must not steal. 16 “You must not testify falsely when you are a witness against your fellow man.” Rather than simply teach ones to avoid these sins, Christ in his Sermon on the Mount, looked at the root cause, for example, in Matthew 5: “21 You heard that it was said to those of ancient times: ‘You must not murder, but whoever commits a murder will be accountable to the court of justice.’ 22 However, I say to you that everyone who continues wrathful with his brother will be accountable to the court of Justice.” Thus Jehoshua (Joshua) teaches us to get to the heart of the matter, the hatred or anger in this case, to govern and avoid the very thoughts that can lead up to serious sins. Regarding adultery, “27 “You heard that it was said: ‘You must not commit adultery.’ 28 But I say to you that everyone who keeps on looking at a woman so as to have a passion for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”” Once again, we should avoid the thoughts that lead to serious sin, or as stated here, lingering on an immoral thought can be sinning in itself.
6. How does the Tenth commandment also address the root cause of many problems?
6. 10TH AVOID WRONG DESIRE. These teachings of Jehoshua (Joshua) are in harmony with the tenth commandment, which involves our very thoughts and desires toward others: “17 You must not desire your fellow man’s house. You must not desire your fellow man’s wife nor his slave man nor his slave girl nor his bull nor his donkey nor anything that belongs to your fellow man.” So Jehovoe early on showed He was aware of the desires of people, wanting all to cultivate right desires to love Him and others. Thus Jesus taught the Golden Rule, at Matthew 7: “12 All things, therefore, that you want men to do to you, you also must do to them. This, in fact, is what the Law and the Prophets mean.” We should ponder regularly how to fulfill this exceptional Rule regarding our conduct—our speech and actions, doing and saying things toward others that we would like them to do and say toward us. And at root again would be our thoughts—thinking good toward others. Thus, by wanting the best for others, and not desiring what may rightly belong to them, we would avoid such peace-disrupting practices as stealing or robbery. Certainly heeding the principles of the Ten Commandments is vital if we wish to be considered upright in God’s view. What are some other passages of Scripture that teach us how to walk worthily before God?
KEEPING INTEGRITY
7-8. According to Psalm 15, what are some key aspects of pleasing God?
7. PSALM 15. Perhaps before examining Christian teachings further, we could examine one of the Psalms that teaches integrity before God. Notice how Psalm 15 begins: “O Jehovoe, who may be a guest in your tent? Who may reside in your holy mountain?” What a privilege awaits those who side with Jehovoe God and desire to dwell with Him! We must meet His standards, however, if we’re to reside with Him. What might these include? The psalm continues: “2 The one who is walking faultlessly, Practicing what is right And speaking the truth in his heart.” Could this be your desire? If so, it is not out of reach. We really can practice what is right day by day and please Jehovoe. It is as expressed in another valuable psalm, 119:1-4 “1 Happy are those who are blameless in their way, Who walk in the law of Jehovoe. 2 Happy are those who observe his reminders, Who search for him with all their heart. 3 They practice no unrighteousness; They walk in his ways. 4 You have commanded That your orders be carefully kept.” To do this we need God’s help, along with the assistance of His powerful holy spirit. With such help we can overcome “strongly entrenched things” within us and make over our minds to please God more fully. (Roman 12:2; 2Corinthians 10:4). Psalm 15 continues: “3 He does not slander with his tongue, He does nothing bad to his neighbor, And he does not defame his friends.” Thus defaming others is taken seriously by God. He expects us to use our tongues to build up others, encouraging them, and not hurting others in such a way.
8. CONTINUED. Let’s take note of the next verse: “4 He rejects anyone who is contemptible [corrupt, vile, evil], But he honors those fearing Jehovoe (“who revere and worship Him”, AMP). He does not go back on his godly promise, even when it is bad for him.” While loving our neighbor, the Scriptures discourage us from becoming close associates with those practicing things such as dishonesty or selfish works opposing the will of God. Rather, we dwell with and honor those fearing to displease Jehovoe, walking in His ways. And we view it as a matter of integrity to keep our word, thus choosing to be careful about the promises we make before God, to make sure we can keep them, even if it comes at a cost. However, any promise kept should be in harmony with the will of God. Now let’s see the final verse: “5 He does not lend his money on interest, And he does not accept a bribe against the innocent. Whoever does these things will never be shaken.” Not accepting a bribe includes following the principle of the Ninth Commandment, which you may recall says “You must not testify falsely when you are a witness against your fellow man.” Of course all of these ways are in harmony with the teachings of Christianity. What a fine collection of thoughts to help us walk in a way that pleases God, being considered upright before Him.
9. (a) What are some things that made Noah an upright man in God’s view? (b) How is it that goodness can go beyond rightdoing?
9. UPRIGHT NOAH, GOODNESS. The idea of being upright before God is mentioned early in God’s word. Noah was described in such a way at Genesis 6: “9 This is the history of Noah. Noah was an upright man. He proved himself faultless among his contemporaries. Noah walked with the true God.” Rightdoing is described as behaving faultlessly or blamelessly among others. Noah thus kept integrity to God, doing what he knew to be right at all times. It says he walked with the true God. Thus he faithfully sought God’s guidance and direction, seeking to please Him. Do we not wish to be considered faithful as Noah was, pleasing God in all things, walking with Him? Being upright before God thus involves the keeping of Jehovoe’s standards as revealed in His word the Bible, especially those that Jehoshua (Joshua) taught and demonstrated in his life and ministry. These are the basic requirements of living a life that pleases God. A person considered “good” however actually goes beyond what is upright to practice goodness toward others, going beyond the minimum necessary. (Romans 5:7). Still, we should at least measure up to what God considers right before Him.
HATING AND DISMISSING NEGATIVE TRAITS
10. According to 1Corinthians 6:9-11, how have some halted unclean practices to become upright in God’s view?
10. HATING BAD, BEING DECLARED UPRIGHT. The Christian Scriptures, while offering some lists of rules or standards to recognize, primarily give us the model of God’s Son Jesus to follow. There are a few lists of bad habits or practices, which can help us know what to avoid. Recall that godly fear means the hating of bad, thus these lists allow us to contemplate the bad consequences of sinful, selfish works, thus hating them completely. (Proverbs 8:13). One such list involves serious sins, and is found at 1Corinthians 6:9-11: “9 Or do you not know that crooked people will not inherit God’s Kingdom? Do not be misled. Those who are sexually immoral [those not honoring the marriage arrangement for satisfying sexual desires], idolaters [engaging in idolatry, as described earlier], adulterers, men who submit to homosexual acts, men who practice homosexuality, 10 thieves [practicing stealing in any form], greedy people, drunkards, revilers [those abusing others with their speech], and extortioners [taking by force one’s property illegally] will not inherit God’s Kingdom. 11 And yet that is what some of you were. But you have been washed clean; you have been sanctified; you have been declared upright in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and with the spirit of our God.” Thus by repenting and turning around from such works, with faith in the ransom sacrifice of Jesus, ones can be forgiven and declared upright by God.
11. Why might it be understandable that some people are given to homosexual tendencies in “the last days” of the system of things (2Timothy 3:1)?
11. WHAT OF HOMOSEXUALITY? God’s word upholds marriage between a man and a woman to be God’s standard in a relationship that can last into eternity, allowing for the conception of precious children and a loving, godly family. However, it has become clear that some have developed even romantic feelings for those of the same sex from apparently a young age. What may be contributing to this? Humans are not just spirits—we are physiological creatures affected by a multitude of chemical processes. In our scientific age, many are yet unaware of the hormonal disturbances caused by such things as plastics and other petroleum products, including derived chemicals present in skin creams and medications, which actually mimic hormones such as estrogens, that could have significant impacts on biological processes, if used over time. Could some such skin creams, applied perhaps daily near a baby’s genital area for diaper rash, for instance, have a gradual effect over time? Other chemicals may be culprit, just as one study for instance reported that the pesticide Atrazine can turn male frogs female. And Atrazine has been one of the most widely used herbicides in the United States, having treated 75% or more of all U.S. cornfields. Also, plant estrogens are present in high amounts in things which God may not have primarily intended as food, such as soybeans. These can evidently be used to make biodegradable plastics, among other things. And dairy cows fed feminine stimulants to increase milk production, may produce milk with hormonal influences. These and other chemical disturbances need to be further researched and studied for prevention and/or development of corrective formulas or treatments for the human organism. In the meantime, compassionate understanding should be shown such ones. Still, might daily prayer for God’s intervention assist one to possibly overcome hormonal tendencies against God’s established standard for marriage (Philippians 4:13; Matthew 19:4-6)? In line with Bible prophecy, during “the last days, critical times,” even exploitation, would make life more difficult and trying. (2Timothy 3:1). An oil spill once off the coast of Florida apparently caused same-sex birds to begin roosting with one another. Of course, God is lovingly understanding of such things, but wants us to find ways to remedy the real causes, enabling us to hold firmly to His right standards for living and eternal life.
12-13. What is another list of practices that generally meet with God’s disapproval, but how can we overcome them?
12. REJECTING WORKS OF FLESH. A further list of sinful, typically selfish works is found at Galatians 5, such works being called “works of the flesh,” referring to the sinful inclinations of our fleshly body. We must oppose such inclinations, trusting God for power, as Paul described at Philippians 4: “13 For all things I have the strength through the one who gives me power.” Galatians 5:19-21 reads this way: “19 Now the works of the flesh are plainly seen, and they are sexual immorality, uncleanness, brazen [defiantly shameless] conduct, 20 idolatry, spiritism [practices involving divination, the casting of spells, etc. as detailed in Deuteronomy 18], hostility, strife [bitter contentiousness], jealousy, fits of anger, dissensions [contentious quarreling], divisions, sects, 21 envy [desiring to have or take what another rightly possesses], drunkenness, wild parties, and things like these. I am forewarning you about these things, the same way I already warned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit God’s Kingdom.”
13. HATING BADNESS. Thus, to become and remain righteous before God, one must reject such sinful, selfish works as these, coming to hate what is bad in God’s view. Of course, once we understand and come to hate bad practices, how fine to continue reflecting upon positive, upbuilding things, as expressed at Philippians 4:8: “8 Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are of serious concern, whatever things are righteous, whatever things are chaste, whatever things are lovable, whatever things are well-spoken-of, whatever virtue there is, and whatever praiseworthy thing there is, continue considering these things.”
14-15. What are some of the ungodly attitudes or viewpoints that have affected human society negatively, and how must we guard ourselves?
14. ATTITUDES OF LAST DAYS. Every day we face bad things in this world not yet cleansed of unrighteousness. Sinful, selfish works are practiced by people who have wrong views or attitudes about life, giving themselves over to wrong thinking. We come into contact with those having attitudes described at 2 Timothy 3:1-5: “But know this, that in the last days critical times hard to deal with will be here. 2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, haughty, blasphemers [blaming and cursing God for their misfortunes], disobedient to parents, unthankful, disloyal, 3 having no natural affection, not open to any agreement, slanderers, without self-control, fierce, without love of goodness, 4 betrayers, headstrong [not reasonably understanding], puffed up with pride, lovers of pleasures rather than lovers of God [violating God’s law to achieve such], 5 having an appearance of godliness but proving false to its power; and from these turn away.”
15. GUARD ASSOCIATIONS. We still need to be alert to such attitudes, as much as we wish them to vanish before us. We must be able to recognize them so as to “turn away” from those having such views. While still loving the world of mankind as God does, we must not too closely associate with those having such bad habits, ways, or attitudes. As 1Corinthians 15:33 warns: “33 Do not be misled. Bad associations spoil useful habits.” Or as another translation puts it: “…Bad company corrupts good character.” (NIV). Thus we may come to practice what is righteous before God and be able to maintain our righteous standing by choosing to associate more closely with those loving God’s standards as we do.
16. What might we consider on a regular basis to improve our practice of Christian love, expressed in harmony with what is truly upright?
16. THE ROYAL LAW. God’s law as expressed through the teachings of Jesus is primarily centered on the manifestation of true faith. The more we endeavor to place our complete and lasting trust in God and Jesus, while seeking a greater understanding of God's word, the more genuine love may grow in our hearts, for God and others. Such love is called the “royal” or “kingly” law. (James 2:8). Such loyal love is underscored throughout the teachings of the Sermon on the Mount, as found at Matthew chapters 5-7. It has been said that this Sermon contains about a quarter of all that is required of us as Christians. How important for one seeking to be upright before God to consider this on a regular basis, to become familiar with these teachings. Also, the book of Proverbs was written, among other things, “to give to a young man knowledge and thinking ability”—something everyone can benefit from. Written by a wise king, and inspired by God, what wisdom it contains! There are 31 chapters of Proverbs, so some consider the chapter coinciding with the day of the month, 1 through 31. Another beneficial reading along the same lines is the Psalm 119 (or, Psalm 13 of Book 5). This is the longest chapter in the entire Bible, being an acrostic, with every eight verses beginning with the same letter of the Hebrew alphabet. This psalm overflows with encouragement to love God’s laws, standards, regulations, reminders and the like. Notice, for example, Psalm 119:9-12: “9 How can a young man keep his path clean? By keeping on guard according to your word. 10 With my whole heart I seek you. Do not let me stray from your commandments. 11 In my heart I treasure up your saying So that I may not sin against you.12 May you be praised, O Jehovoe; Teach me your regulations.” How fine to consider such reminders to be loving God’s laws and standards at all times, especially as revealed through Christ, thus helping us maintain a right view of our life before God—becoming upright before Him.