The Attributes of God: Righteousness

This Sunday we will be discussing one of God's less popular attributes: His righteousness which encompasses His justice and His wrath.

Arthur Pink writes,

It is sad indeed to find so many professing Christians who appear to regard the wrath of God as something for which they need to make an apology, or who at least wish there were no such thing.

What was true of some in Pink's day seems to be true of the majority of Christians today. Some deny God's justice. Others claim to believe in it, but refuse to speak of it. Church growth experts advise preachers not to touch the subject because it will not draw unbelievers. John the Baptist, on the other hand, began his ministry proclaiming, “Flee from the wrath to come!” Heaven will tell who had the more ‘successful' ministry.

God is not ashamed of His righteousness, including its expression through His just wrath. These attributes are more fully expressed in Scripture than his love (the number 1 attribute on today's ‘hit parade'). I would even dare say that righteousness plays as great a role in our salvation as love. Both Paul and John speak of the gospel in terms of God's righteousness (Rom. 1:16-17 I Jo. 1:9) where one might expect to hear them speaking of love (look it up!).

I hope as we consider the Word of God together you will be moved to praise God for His righteous character, His righteous acts (including His wrath against sinners), and the righteousness salvation He has provided for us in Christ. I also pray that we will be moved to seek His righteousness (Mt. 5:6 6:33).