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

Genesis 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.

Hebrews 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 Genesis 15:6.

Genesis 15:6
6 And Abraham believed in the LORD; and the LORD counted it to him for righteousness.

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

Galatians 3:5-7
5 Therefore He who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you, does He do it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?--
6 just as Abraham "believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness."
7 Therefore know that only those who are of faith are sons of Abraham. (NKJ)

Paul wrote the epistle to the Galatians during the time that God was offering the New Covenant Kingdom to Israel. 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 superior power of faith lay in the fact that Abraham’s righteousness came through faith 430 years before the law was ever given.

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

Romans 4:1-5
1 What then shall we say that Abraham our father has found according to the flesh?
2 For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God.
3 For what does the Scripture say? "Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness."
4 Now to him who works, the wages are not counted as grace but as debt.
5 But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness, (NKJ)

From Genesis to Revelation we see that righteousness is a gift from God and is given in response to faith. Jesus said:

Rev 3:20
20 "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. (NKJ)

Write me at: jimjoan77@juno.com

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