The first time the word righteous is used in the Bible is in the Lord’s description of Noah in Gen 6:9.

Gen 6:9
9 This is the account of Noah. Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked with God. (NIV)

Hebrews says that Noah’s righteousness was the righteousness of faith.

Heb 11:7
7 By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith. (KJV)

The first time the word righteousness is used in the Bible is in Gen 15:6.

Gen 15:6
6 And (Abraham) believed in the LORD; and (the LORD) counted it to him for righteousness. (KJV)

Paul quoted Gen 15:6 as he wrote to the believers in Galatia.

Gal 3:5-7
5 He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?
6 Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.
7 Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham.
(KJV)

Paul wrote the epistle to the Galatians during the dispensation of the offer of the New Covenant Kingdom. During that time many miracles were done as a sign to the nation of Israel. Paul’s point was that these miracles were not done through the power of the law but through the power of faith. His proof of the power of faith lay in the fact that Abraham’s righteousness came through faith before the law was ever given.

Paul quoted Gen 15:6 again as he wrote to the Romans.

Rom 4:1-5
1 What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found?
2 For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God.
3 For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.
4 Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt.
5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. (KJV)

From the very beginning of the Bible we see that righteousness is a gift from God and is given in response to faith.

Write me at: jimjoan77@juno.com

Other church links:
http://www.peacechurch-ok.org/
http://www.eleventhavenuechurch.com/
http://gracebiblechurch-fw.com/

James III's link:
http://www.jeditime.blogspot.com