Skip to main content

Pursuing Righteousness

blessed are those who pursue righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.*

Looking closer at this verse we see the word διώκω (diṓkō) which is used positively ("earnestly pursue") and negatively ("zealously persecute, hunt down"). In each case it means pursue with all haste ("chasing" after), earnestly desiring to overtake.* Righteousness in Christ is a gift given to us through faith. Justification brings about our righteousness and is by grace through redemption and through his blood.* Righteousness is not from ourselves, nor from works thus it is said Christ is our righteousness. If we have obtained righteousness then why did Jesus tell us to pursue it? And why did he say seeking first the kingdom of heaven is about righteousness?

Now, you man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, endurance...*

Paul writes we are to pursue righteousness. Again why are we told to pursue it? If we have righteousness in Christ and the old man is already dead then why does Paul tell us to put off the old man?  "And put on the new self the one created according to God in righteousness and holiness of truth."* And why is the sacrifice of the body, in which sin dwells, a living one if the old man is dead? And why do I put on the breastplate of righteousness? Because I am called to holiness. How important it is to walk in righteousness in this battle to stand against the pursuit of the devil, it is armor I put on to stand against the schemes of the devil. Putting on the breastplate represents the fruit of pursuing righteousness. I can not stand if I am walking in darkness. This speaks of maturity that bears fruit. We pursue righteousness when we pursue the character of Christ, when we pursue holiness, being conformed to His image, partaking of his divine nature.

We cleanse the inside of the cup first, desiring holiness over fleshly desires, to be led by or to walk in the Spirit so to put the deeds of the flesh to death. We must walk in righteousness to walk in the Spirit and to walk in the Light and truth. It is why the Spirit is life through righteousness. It is a process of growth in knowledge of Jesus, that conforms us to His image.* I receive righteousness in Christ, and I am called to be holy, like him.* So I devote myself to training in godliness, so to be filled with fruit of righteousness. Jesus said the kingdom of God is about the inward first, cleansing the inside, not like the Pharisee who cleanse only the outside.* And who claims to be righteous doing good works for people to see, while inside like dead men's bones. It is the inward that defiles a person so the seed of God, of righteousness, is planted within and will grow up to bear fruit.

his divine power given freely to us everything we need, that for life and godliness through knowledge of the one who called, his own glory and might.*

Everything is given but we must grow up into it, through knowledge of the Son. This is what is purposed in the Church, that we grow up in knowledge of the Son, into the full measure of the stature of the image of Christ.* In Christ is all wisdom and understanding from God.* James writes this wisdom is needed from Jesus so to mature, in which faith is active yielding fruit. Through knowledge of Him, we receive wisdom from God, who came into existence for us, wisdom from God and righteousness and sanctification and redemption.* There is a completion, a salvation waiting to come, a working out of our salvation of the soul, and we are awaiting a salvation, redemption of the body. A child sees dimly as in a mirror but when we grow up in Him, we see fully as we are known in him. This is why we pursue righteousness and godliness, which is a devotion to God, seeking first his kingdom and righteousness.

now, reject the unholy and absurd advice and train yourself for godliness.*

There are false brothers who teach another gospel as if there were another one, Paul writes they pervert the gospel, and he had strong words against them.* At its core their unholy speech and advice keeps children tossed to and fro and doesn't train for godliness, but appeals to the flesh and the glory of men, putting great confidence in the flesh. not in the Spirit. We are trained by discipline of God which at times seems unpleasant but those trained by it yield a fruit of righteousness, which is sharing in His holiness.* Consecration of the flesh in the Old testament did not accomplish this (it was to set a part a people of His own which shared in his character) if it had Jesus would not have needed to come, it was a shadow of things to come, for in the words of Jesus, the truth, and in power of the Spirit we are consecrated.* And it is not the Law with its fear of punishment but agape love and the Holy Spirit that leads us into consecration in truth so to become like Jesus.* 

All scripture is divinely inspired also beneficial for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,*

If I have already received righteousness and do not have to do anything else then why is scripture for training in righteousness? Why is there a salvation of my soul? And teachings of righteousness? Because we grow up truth in love in Christ to bear fruit of righteousness. "I pray that you may abound more and more in knowledge and all understanding so you prove that essential, so that existing pure and blameless on the day of Christ, filled with fruit of righteousness that through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God."* Do we see what is essential? that we exist pure, filled with fruit of righteousness. It is what Paul promised Jesus, a pure church. And if I have all things, including righteousness in Christ, then why is Paul praying for us to abound more and more in knowledge and understanding in Christ, to be filled with fruit of righteousness? Does not the devil plant weeds that prevent growth of God's children? If it is true that we are to live a life of righteousness that bears fruit through growth in knowledge of Jesus, then are we not to pursue it, seeking it first? why would doctrines and traditions of men say differently? "Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some of faith will fall away, holding to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons."*

Popular (last 30 days)

Blessed Are The Forgiven

Blessed! the one whose lawless deeds are forgiven and the one whose sins are covered over, blessed is the man whom sin, the Lord will not consider . * Paul writes David foresaw and spoke " blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered . *  Blessed, is the one whom sin is not considered, this word considered  means "to credit, count, reckon, to set down as a matter of account; regard, think, consider." This blessing comes through faith and according to grace, " also David speaks of the blessedness of the one to whom God considers righteousness apart from works ." *  The word for  lawless deeds speaks of the violation of the Law and the word for sin  speaks of missing the mark of God's righteousness. Blessed are those who (by faith in Christ according to grace) have been forgiven. In Him receiving the redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of trespasses according to the riches of His grace . * This fundamental ...
Read more

Spirit of Life

" Indeed, the law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus liberates from the law of sin and death ." 1 This word for liberates "I free, set free, liberate" is from a root word meaning free, exempt, not bound by an obligation. As partakers of God's divine nature, being born of Spirit, we are no longer obligated to the sinful nature but to righteousness which is God's nature. When we believe we receive the Spirit of promise, a guarantee of our inheritance, a great testimony that we are His children, it is a Spirit of Life. " Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life." 24 The Son came not to condemn the world but to save it. "One trespass   led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men. " 6 " He was delivered over to death for our trespasses and wa...
Read more

All Who Are Thirsty

“ Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters;  and he who has no money,  come, buy and eat!  Come, buy wine and milk  without money and without price.  Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread,  and your labor for that which does not satisfy?  Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good,  and delight yourselves in rich food. .." (Isaiah 55). " Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price ." Buy is defined as to acquire the ownership of by giving an accepted price or consideration therefore; to accept or believe as true .[ 1 ] When we buy something we consider the price that we must pay, we accept this and purchase the thing we have considered worthy of the sacrifice we make in payment. W e can not buy, with money or price, redemption from t his tragic flaw we are born into. However Jesus paid the price for us, so we buy or accept through consideration, the Greek word is  logizomai.[ 2] ...
Read more

The Tripartite Nature of Humanity: Spirit, Soul, and Body

The Tripartite Nature of Humanity: Spirit, Soul, and Body in Biblical Understanding The human being, as depicted in the Bible, is a multifaceted creation, often understood through the distinct yet interconnected components of spirit, soul, and body. While some theological perspectives lean towards a bipartite view (soul and body), which we do see in the Old Testament, a careful examination of the New Testament scripture reveals a compelling case for a tripartite understanding, where each is divided into or composed of three parts. Let’s explore the biblical distinction between spirit, soul, and body. The Body: Our Earthly Vessel The body is the physical form that interacts with the material world. From the very beginning, Genesis 2:7 states, " Then the Lord God formed man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being ." This verse clearly establishes the body's origin from the earth, emphasizing its connec...
Read more

Lord, Stand By Me

"... present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness ." 1 This word for present means "I bring, present, come up to and stand by," it is parístēmi (from pará, "from close-beside" and hístēmi, "to stand") – properly, stand close beside, i.e. ready to present (exhibit). I pray Lord stand by me which expresses that I put my trust in Him, or I come up to and stand by Him. We use phrases like surrendering or bowing at the cross to explain such a moment, surely it is a coming to the end of ourselves and it is desirable that I find His will acceptable, but it is important to understand that it is about trust, not my will power, the key is that it is in Christ. The terminology the scriptures use is "present yourselves to God," or come up to and stand by and walk with Him. "... present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God--this...
Read more

Surrender and Giving Control in Christian Thought: Scriptural Roots, Modern Interpretations, and the Quest for Spiritual Maturity

Surrender and Giving Control in Christian Thought: Scriptural Roots, Modern Interpretations, and the Quest for Spiritual Maturity Introduction The theological concept of surrender—or giving control to God—occupies a prominent place in the modern Christian consciousness. From pulpits, in devotional material, songs, and across a multitude of Christian traditions, believers are often exhorted to “surrender their lives to Christ,” to “give up control." This is often expressed as a “come to the end of yourselves,” experience. These exhortations, frequently couched in emotive and urgent language, invite believers to a posture of yielding, releasing, and letting go. Yet, when this language is measured against the actual vocabulary, teachings, and emphases of the Greek New Testament, important questions emerge:  How biblically grounded are the concepts of “surrender” and “giving control”? Does such language reflect the spiritual vision of the earliest Christian church and scripture, or...
Read more

Freedom from the Mosaic Law: A Deep Theological Exploration of New Testament Teaching

  Freedom from the Mosaic Law: A Deep Theological Exploration of New Testament Teaching Introduction: The Question of the Mosaic Law and Christian Identity One of the most significant theological debates and practical challenges for the early church was the place of the Mosaic Law in the life of believers in Jesus Christ. This question remains alive today, particularly in communities and churches that quote the Old Testament as if its legal prescriptions still directly obligate Christians. The apostolic writings, especially those of Paul, provide the primary lens through which the New Testament resolves this matter. Paul’s letters—rich in both theological reflection and ecclesiastical urgency—not only confront false teaching but chart the path of new covenant living by the Holy Spirit.  This essay seeks to offer a doctrinal synthesis on why believers are no longer “under the Mosaic Law,” supported by original-language insights, harmonized scripture references, and commentar...
Read more

Theological Comparison of the New Covenant of Grace and the Old Covenant of the Law

Theological Comparison of the New Covenant of Grace and the Old Covenant of the Law: A Detailed Study Rooted in Ephesians 2:11–22 Introduction The theme of covenant is central to the biblical narrative, shaping God’s relationship with humanity from creation through redemption. The new covenant is called by Paul a ministry of reconciliation, righteousness, and of the Spirit. The shift from the old Mosaic covenant—rooted in the Law given to Israel at Sinai—to the new covenant of grace established in Christ, fundamentally redefines how people approach God, community, and salvation. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, particularly 2:11–22, provides a remarkably clear and rich theological exposition of this transition, addressing not only the spiritual implications for Jews and Gentiles but also the very nature of the church as God’s new creation. This report develops an in-depth, paragraph-driven theological comparison between the old and new covenants, structured around nine key themes de...
Read more

Called According to His Purpose: A Biblical Examination

  Called According to His Purpose: A Biblical Examination 📖 Introduction The phrase “called according to His purpose” appears in Romans 8:28 (ESV), a foundational verse that reads: “And we know that for those loved of God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose.” This statement gives comfort and more—it is a declaration about identity, destiny, and divine intent. To be “called according to His purpose” means participating in God’s sovereign, redemptive plan. God's plan is being manifested through the church through the "new covenant in his blood" as it was established by the death of Jesus. The calling is not arbitrary or based on human merit, but is rooted in God’s purpose, eternal will and love. 🔍 The Nature of the Calling In Scripture, God's calling is effectual—that is, it accomplishes what He intends. Paul writes: "...those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified,...
Read more

Need of Endurance

There's no space that His love can't reach There's no place where we can't' find peace There's no end to amazing grace Take me in with Your arms spread wide Take me in like an orphan child Never let go, Never leave my side I am,  Holding on to You... In the middle of the storm I am holding on,  I am  Love like this, Oh my God to find I am overwhelmed, With a joy divine Love like this sets our hearts on fire This is my resurrection song This is my hallelujah come This is why it's to You I run. 1 He is holding on to you, through the middle of the storm, the disease, sickness, pain, tears, heartache, desires, and addictions... I Am is holding on to you. Let us exult, dance in our tribulations knowing that in our suffering we partake of His. Knowing also that suffering produces patience and patience produces endurance and endurance produces strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. ...
Read more