What makes us righteous?

[Deborah13]

Given the entire context of Matt 5:43-48, it means we should have a perfectly consistent attitude towards others, and not have our attitude fractured into discrimination based on whatever traits we happen to value given the circumstances.

Nice

 

[Doulos Iesou]

Doulos,
Im not real sure but we seem to be saying the same thing.
Thing is i dont believe anyone can lead a sinless life.

I don't think we can either, which is why John mentions previous to this that if anyone does sin that we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus who will forgive us and cleanse us of all unrighteousness when we confess our sins.

The question then remains, does your assessment make any sense of 1 John 3:7 in light of its context?

 

[Rick W]

The question then remains, does your assessment make any sense of 1 John 3:7 in light of its context?

Of course it makes sense. How can one practice righteousness if righteousness is not in him in the first place?
I think the problem is attempting to make one verse stand on it's own.

 

[Doulos Iesou]

Of course it makes sense. How can one practice righteousness if righteousness is not in him in the first place?
I think the problem is attempting to make one verse stand on it's own.

They practice it because they are born of God according to the text, that God has made them a New Creation and given them his Holy Spirit to by grace become righteous.

What you're saying contradicts the text, that someone who doesn't practice righteousness is righteous.

 

[Rick W]

No, that's not what I'm saying at all.

How can one practice righteousness if righteousness is not in them?
We already know where the righteousness comes from. Jesus Christ. He is the truth and the life.
His prayer to the Father shows us how. He in us, we in Him. Thereby the righteousness is counted to those who are in Him, He in them and thus righteousness is practiced.

Practice what? Righteousness.
Where does it come from? Jesus Christ.
How? He in us and we in Him.


Scripture says it so much better than I do though.

 

[WIP]

This thread is growing into a really interesting discussion. Thanks. :nod

 

[Rick W]

They practice it because they are born of God according to the text, that God has made them a New Creation and given them his Holy Spirit to by grace become righteous.

That I agree with. We are born again, a new creation because our older self is gone. Yes.
We in Him, He in us through the Holy Spirit, yes.
And by grace, unmerited favor. Yes

Like I said. I think we're saying the same thing but from a different angle.

And all Glory to Christ. Yes

 

[Rick W]

Btw,
Remove Christ and we're no longer righteous.

 

[jasonc]

Btw,
Remove Christ and we're no longer righteous.

we cant without the power of god ever be holy enough, even in the torah that is in implied.
what saith the psalmist david?

I will hide thy law in my heart so that I might not sin against thee

 

[His_nee (Jeff)]

at least One did. (lead a Righteous Life)

 

[Sinthesis]

Was David vain when he distinguished himself among the righteous and his foes among the wicked?

He was if he believed this perceived difference was due to his own qualities rather than his relationship to God's purpose.

 

[His_nee (Jeff)]

Yhwh said plainly that David was a man after God's own heart. Plus / and so much more. What Yhwh says about him, or about anything for that matter, is what is.

 

[Sinthesis]

Yhwh said plainly that David was a man after God's own heart. Plus / and so much more. What Yhwh says about him, or about anything for that matter, is what is.

God also told David that he was a murderer. The only reason why David is counted as righteous is because of his service within God's Messianic plan.

 

[His_nee (Jeff)]

that doesn't fit everything. the betrayer who betrayed the Messiah was "of service" within God's Messianic plan, and he was decidedly unrighteous AND unrepentant. (David was repentant or he may well have not been said to be righteous by Yhwh's Word)