Righteousness. We use that word often, but what does it mean? This is a rich theological word that describes who God is and what he does. Let’s take time to make sure we understand it.

Jeremiah 23:5-6
Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. In his days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell securely. And this is the name by which he will be called: “The Lord is our righteousness.”

The Hebrew word tsedeq can be translated with the words “honest,” “right,” “accurate,” “just,” “truth,” or “integrity.” It is usually translated with the word “righteousness.” Righteousness involves being in a right standing or right relationship with God. It requires that we follow all the commands and requirements of God. This, of course, is an impossible standard. On our best day, we cannot follow all the commands of God. On our own, we cannot stand right before God.

Here’s the good news. Jeremiah says, “The Lord is our righteousness”—Yahweh tsidqenu. God does for us what we cannot do for ourselves. He is a just God and demands that we are righteous—that we obey his law. However, he is also a merciful God. He provides the payment of our penalty for breaking the law and becomes our righteousness—tsidqenu.

Paul explains in Romans 3 that the righteousness of God has been made known apart from the law. The righteousness of God now comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe (Romans 3:22). When we trust in Jesus, the penalty of our sin is expunged. He paid our debt for sins by dying on the cross. Because of our trust in Jesus, God declares us, “Not guilty!” and gives us the right standing that Jesus has before the Father. Indeed, the Lord is our righteousness.

Lord God,
Thank you for sending Jesus to do for me what I could never do for myself. I am a lawbreaker. But Jesus, who never broke one law, paid the penalty of my sin on the cross. He carried my sin; I am clothed in his righteousness. Thank you for your love, mercy, and grace. In Jesus’ name. Amen.