If we look at Romans 3, we find the righteousness of God is the constant theme, but if we look at Romans 6, although we find righteousness continually spoken of, it is never the righteousness of God, the reason for the difference being that there are two righteousnesses, which are perfectly distinct. One is God’s, and the other is the believer’s. In chapter 3 the former is the theme (connected with our standing); in chapter 6 it is the latter (connected with our state).
For an example of these two, let us look for a moment at the first person who is clearly said to have had both. We are repeatedly told that Noah was a just and righteous man and also that he was a preacher of righteousness. We know that he was not a preacher of what we call “the gospel,” but that his preaching and practice were characterized by righteousness of walk and ways. This is analogous to the righteousness of Romans 6. If we now turn, however, to Hebrews 11, we there find that Noah “became heir of righteousness which is by faith.” Carefully notice the language. In the first place, he is an heir to it, which implies two things: the one, that he has not got it yet, and the other, that he has not worked for it, for no man can work for what he inherits. Second, this righteousness is by faith. Turning to Romans 3:2222Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: (Romans 3:22), we see clearly that the righteousness which is by faith is the righteousness of God. We thus see that Noah lived in one righteousness and became heir to another. The reason he was only heir to the righteousness of God is explained in Romans 3:2525Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; (Romans 3:25), where it is shown that God could not declare His righteousness, in passing over Noah’s sins, until an adequate propitiation had been made by the death of Christ. By considering this case, we see that the righteousness in which Noah stands (or will stand) before the throne is the righteousness of God, as seen in the perfect work of Christ, whereas that in which he lived and glorified God on earth was his own practical righteousness. In Ephesians 4:2424And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. (Ephesians 4:24) we read that the new man is created anew in “righteousness and true holiness,” or practical righteousness and sanctification. Walking in newness of life (Rom. 6:44Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. (Romans 6:4)) includes these two things (see Luke 1:7575In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life. (Luke 1:75)), as is seen in the end of Romans 6, when both are connected as the result of a godly walk (vss. 19,22).
Practical Righteousness
Taking practical righteousness first, we will briefly consider what Scripture says on the subject. In 2 Corinthians 6:14 we notice this remarkable fact that it is the first thing mentioned in separation from evil. It is also the very first thing that we are called to follow after (1 Tim. 6:11; 2 Tim. 2:22). Thus on three separate occasions it occupies the first place. Also, it is the first of the three things of which the kingdom of God is said to consist practically (Rom. 14:1717For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. (Romans 14:17)). In 2 Corinthians 6:7, it is generally described as the Christian’s armor, while in Ephesians 6 it is the breastplate, or that which protects the vital parts. Practically, it is said to give a good conscience (1 Peter 3:16), which is also of all importance. God’s eyes are over the practically righteous man (1 Peter 3:12), and that His ears are open to his cry is seen not only here, but also in James 5:1616Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. (James 5:16), where the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. In none of these passages does the word “righteous” refer to our standing before God, but to the individual acts and character of the believer’s life.
Righteousness in Daily Life
Such then is a brief review of the way in which Scripture speaks of this quality of the new nature. In what then does it consist? In perfect uprightness of walk and ways. How is it obtained? By living daily in the light of God’s presence. It is the fruit of the light (see Eph. 5:8-98For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: 9(For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) (Ephesians 5:8‑9) JND).
Do you suppose for one moment that the man who walks to his daily business and transacts it before God, can stoop to any of the thousand tricks of trade that pervade every calling — practices that are either commonly winked at or openly allowed, but which are not according to God’s standard of right? Impossible. He must do one of two things: Either he must forego all such ways and buy and sell and transact his business according to the perfect light in which he stands as a Christian, or, turning his back on the light and shutting his eyes to it, he must descend to the level of this world’s morality and allow many a thing to pass in his business life that he would shrink from allowing privately. Alas, how few are found in all things to carry out the former practically! How many dwarf their souls, check their spiritual life, and grieve their Lord by slipping into the latter. Let us consider how it will all look before the judgment seat of Christ. It may be that we are not actively employed in business, but all have their temptations to unrighteousness, and often in most insidious forms. Live as Paul did, in the light of God’s presence and the nearing eternity, and do not allow yourself to stoop to any action, however advantageous to yourself, however commended and advised by false friends, which will not bear that light.
Be Righteous in All Things
It is fearful to think how many of us live in daily unrighteousness in what we call little things and then venture to approach God in prayer and the Lord’s table without confession. His ears are open to the cry of the righteous. Nothing so arrests the attention of the world and makes it believe in the reality of Christianity as righteous acts that are to one’s own disadvantage, for there is no disguising the truth, “Ye cannot serve God and mammon” (Luke 16:1313No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. (Luke 16:13)). You cannot fear God and be heaping up riches for yourself. You may lose money and many a seemingly good opening if you walk strictly in practical righteousness, but in eternity I need not say who will be the gainer. If you enjoy and trust in “the grace of God” that has brought you salvation and remember and practice its lessons, you will live soberly, righteously and godly in this present world. Happy indeed is the man who, standing before God in the righteousness which He has provided, walks before his fellow-man in that practical rectitude which can alone adorn the grace that has picked him up.
A. T. Schofield