Paul’s great Epistle to the Romans has much to say about “the righteousness of God”; in fact, this is the theme of the Book of Romans. Sad to say, however, the Bible is so little read and studied of late that many people do not even know what the word “righteousness” means.

Actually, every man, woman and child should know about the righteousness of God — or, to simplify the word — the rightness of God. It is most important to understand that God does always and only that which is right. He can do nothing and will do nothing that is not right.

Thus God cannot and does not merely forgive sinners and smuggle them into heaven, for this would not be right. Man’s sin must be dealt with justly or righteously. Concerning this, consider this dialogue between Bildad and Job

Bildad said this to Job, “Behold, God will not cast away a perfect man, neither will He help evil doers,” for neither would be right. (Job 8:20). To this Job replied, almost exasperated; “I know it is so of a truth, but how shall a man be just with God?” (Job 9:2).

In other words, how can a holy God look upon a sinner and pronounce him righteous? With this background let’s consider Paul’s great declaration in Romans 1:16-17:

“I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth…. for therein is the righteousness [i.e., the rightness] of God revealed….”

Yes, the ‘love of God’ is also revealed in the gospel, but what made Paul so proud to proclaim the gospel He received from the ascended Lord Jesus from heaven… is the fact that it tells how God dealt “righteously,” or rightly, with sin… by paying its just penalty Himself at Calvary so that He might offer salvation to all who will believe… by the gift of grace.

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: ⁹  Not of works, lest any man should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)

Thus Paul declares in Romans 6:23:

“The wages of sin is death [this is its ‘just’ penalty] BUT the [free] gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ, our Lord.”

Praise God that He did for us what we could never do for ourselves!!!