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1 John 5:1–5
For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments (1 John 5:3a).
We have seen that mankind is called to reflect the holiness of God and that the Westminster Shorter Catechism declares that we are to bring glory to God. Well and good. But how, in practical terms, do we accomplish these lofty ends?
When Scripture speaks of God’s holiness and glory, it is using terms that primarily have to do with God’s inner being, with who God is inside Himself. However, when the Bible speaks of the things He does that show forth His holiness or glory, it normally uses a different term: righteousness. So if we are to fulfill our purpose as the image of God by reflecting His holiness and glory, the only way we can do so is by the practice of righteousness. Unfortunately, righteousness is not a word we like to discuss in the church today. We prefer to talk about spirituality, piety, or morality. However, these traits should be seen as means to the end of righteousness, which is to be our primary goal as believers. In fact, it is only as we develop righteousness that we will be able to experience true spirituality, true piety, and true morality in our lives.
In simple terms, righteousness has to do with doing what is right. That means conforming to the character of God as it is defined for us in His law. Thus, the practice of righteousness involves obedience to God’s commands. It is doing what God tells us to do. As we have seen, this is not something we can do on our own. Unbelievers obviously hate God and therefore disobey Him; they are unrighteous. But when God saves a person, He puts an end to that enmity, giving the person love for Him. With this change of heart comes the desire to obey God. That is why Jesus told His disciples, “ ‘If you love Me, keep My commandments’ ” (John 14:15). Thus, only believers can be righteous. With the help of the Holy Spirit, they can overcome their sinful natures and conform to God’s law.
The priority of righteousness is further seen in Matthew 6:33, where Jesus told His disciples,
“ ‘Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.’ ” At first glance, this directive seems to conflict with our call to reflect the image of God. Actually, however, there is no conflict. As we pursue the righteousness of God, we will quite naturally reflect His holy character and bring glory to Him.
Coram Deo Living before the face of God
Take time to read the For Further Study verses below, which list Scriptural calls to righteousness. Is personal righteousness a top priority for you? Making every effort to achieve righteousness in all facets of your life, think particularly about visible areas in which you need to practice a more diligent obedience so as to reflect the holiness of God.
For Further Study
- Proverbs 12:28
- Proverbs 21:21
- Matthew 5:17–20
- Ephesians 6:14
- 1 Timothy 6:11