Featured The righteousness of God

Metonymy is a figure of speech where something is not called by its own name or description, but by something closely related. For example, the White house for a Presidential administration, or Hollywood for the film industry.

It is possible that "the righteousness of God" does not actually refer to God's perfection, His own righteousness, but rather is used metonymically for God's redemptive work through Christ.

Thus to be seeking the righteousness of God through (by means of) faith in Christ actually refers to seeking redemption in Christ where we are made perfect, holy and blameless, thus having the righteousness (perfection) of God.

Lets see if this possibility works for the verses that use the phrase. Note that each verse's possible meaning remains clear even with the meaning being evaluated is interposed.

Romans 1:17, For in it God's redemptive work is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “But the righteous man shall live by faith.”

The "it" at the beginning of the verse refers to the gospel of Christ. Faith to faith is understood in various ways, but the simplest idea is from beginning to end, thus God's revelation is from beginning to end about redemption in Christ Jesus. Thus, God's redemptive work by means of Christ is revealed in the gospel, from beginning to end.

Romans 3:5, "But if our unrighteousness demonstrates the need for God's redemptive work, what shall we say? The God who inflicts wrath is not unrighteous, is He? (I am speaking in human terms.)"

The Greek word translated "demonstrates" means highlights, makes more clear or in other words demonstrates the need for the redemptive work of God through Christ.

Romans 3:21, But now apart from the Law God's redemptive work has been manifested, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets,

Here we see that the redemptive work of God through Christ is apart from the work of the Law which brings knowledge of our sin. And this redemptive work is witnessed in the Old Testament scriptures.

Romans 3:22, even God's redemptive work through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe; for there is no distinction;

This verse strongly suggests that the righteousness of God is being used metonymically for God's redemptive work through faith in Jesus Christ. The possible literal meaning, God's perfection, cannot be intended, because it is not through faith in Jesus.

Romans 10:3, For not knowing about God’s righteousness and seeking to establish their own, they did not subject themselves to God's redemptive work.

Here we see the lost have the opportunity to subject themselves to the redemptive work of God by means of putting their faith in Christ Jesus. The cause of the failure in this case is ignorance of the gospel, rather than a lack of spiritual ability.

2 Corinthians 5:21, He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become God's redemptive work in Him.

Lets sidestep the mistaken view that Jesus became sin, rather on the cross the Lamb of God became a sin offering. What is key to the topic is that we obtain the righteousness of God when God puts us "in Him" where we are made perfect, holy and blameless, i.e. made righteous.

This alternate understanding of the phrase "the righteousness of God" offers another study opportunity.

 

Should we stop putting words in others mouths to create diversions? Yes
No need to change the subject to sin offerings, just another attempted diversion in my opinion.

Returning to topic, obviously from Romans 3:22, the phrase "the righteousness of God" is not always used to refer to God's own righteousness. However, does anyone think God's own righteousness was the intended idea in the remaining verses.

 

Aaron wants to change the subject so he implies I am acting like a "weasel." Typical Calvinist smokescreed,

 

Typical Calvinist smokescreed, ask questions endlessly to change the subject.
Is the phrase "the righteousness of God" used as a metonymy for God's redemptive work?

 

Yet another non-answer. Can you image a person who asks non-stop questions, but avoids answering questions?

Here is the question which was not answered: Is the phrase "the righteousness of God" used as a metonymy for God's redemptive work?

 

Yet another non-answer.
Is the phrase "the righteousness of God" used as a metonymy for God's redemptive work?

 

Is the phrase "the righteousness of God" used as a metonymy for God's redemptive work?

Calvinists seem unable to discuss biblical issues, but some are allowed to repeatedly use vulgar innuendo. Would it be wrong to consider this condoning a culture of harassment?

 

Romans 10:3 (NASB)
For not knowing about God’s righteousness and seeking to establish their own, they did not subject themselves to the righteousness of God.

Not knowing has the same meaning as "being ignorant." The gospel had not been presented or presented in a way they understood. So they were willing but there "works" based effort did not produce the righteousness of God. A person can be willing to submit to the requirements of the gospel, but if they are unaware of those requirements, they will not be able to submit.
And all this to say, without our faith in the gospel, we will not achieve the righteousness of God through faith in Christ.

 

Because this phrase "the righteousness of God" is ambiguous, and translators do not see it as a metonymy for the redemptive work of God through Christ, we get all sorts of interesting variations on the theme.

If we consider James 1:19-21 we find:

James 1:19-20 - My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. (NIV)​

Here the idea seems to be that the lost should be "receptive" to the gospel, rather than get angry because it asks for repentance and a willingness to submit to the requirements of God.

Bottom line, being angry with those witnessing, if you are lost, hinders the redemptive work of God through faith in Christ Jesus. Therefore repent and put aside all filthiness and meekly receive the word of God implanted in you which is able to save your souls.