Christian righteousness is a fundamental concept in the faith, encompassing both God's perfect standard and the believer's standing before Him.
## Two Types of Righteousness
**Imputed Righteousness**
This is the righteousness of Christ credited to believers through faith[1][4]. It's a gift from God, not earned by human effort[2]. When we trust in Jesus, His perfect righteousness is attributed to us, allowing us to be declared righteous before God[1][2].
**Practical Righteousness**
This refers to the ongoing process of living out righteous behavior in daily life[3]. While imperfect in this life, believers are called to pursue righteousness through the power of the Holy Spirit[5].
## Key Aspects
- Righteousness originates from God and is defined by His character[1].
- Human efforts at righteousness fall short of God's perfect standard[1][2].
- Justification (being declared righteous) comes through faith in Christ alone[2][4].
- Believers are called to pursue righteous living as a response to God's grace[3][5].
Christian righteousness fundamentally rests on Christ's work, not human achievement. It involves both a perfect standing before God and a progressive transformation of character[3].
Sources
[1] What is Righteousness? Bible Meaning Explained - Christianity.com https://www.christianity.com/wiki/christian-terms/what-is-righteousness.html
[2] What is righteousness? | GotQuestions.org https://www.gotquestions.org/righteousness.html
[3] Are Christians Righteous or Unrighteous? - Desiring God https://www.desiringgod.org/interviews/are-christians-righteous-or-unrighteous
[4] What Does Paul Mean by “the Righteousness of God”? https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justin-taylor/righteousness-of-god/
[5] What Does it Mean to be Righteous? - Crosswalk.com https://www.crosswalk.com/faith/spiritual-life/what-does-it-mean-to-be-righteous.html