Biblical Answer

Understanding Original Righteousness

The concept of "original righteousness" is central to our understanding of human nature and morality. In the Bible, righteousness is often described as a forensic or juridical concept, where a person is declared right with God due to their faith in Jesus Christ. This idea is rooted in the Old Testament, where righteousness is understood as a matter of being declared right by a judge, rather than a moral transformation of human beings. For example, in Genesis 15:6, Abram is credited with righteousness because of his faith, not because of his moral behavior.

The Nature of Righteousness

Righteousness is not just about being good or doing good things. It is a whole orientation of life towards God and his will. This means that a righteous person is one who has a right standing before God, not because of their own efforts, but because of their faith in Jesus Christ. As Paul writes in Romans 3:22, "This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe." This righteousness is not just a one-time declaration, but a persistent righteousness that continues throughout life. It is a commitment to make the right decision, even when it is difficult.

Implications for Human Nature and Morality

The concept of original righteousness has significant implications for our understanding of human nature and morality. It suggests that human beings are not inherently righteous, but rather are declared right with God through their faith in Jesus Christ. This means that our moral behavior is not the basis of our righteousness, but rather a result of our faith. As Paul writes in Romans 6:14, "For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace." This understanding of righteousness emphasizes the importance of faith in Jesus Christ and the role of God's grace in our lives. It also highlights the need for a personal relationship with God, rather than relying on our own efforts to be good. By understanding original righteousness, we can see that our moral behavior is not the basis of our righteousness, but rather a result of our faith in Jesus Christ.