1. Righteous Living
In the Old Testament people who have faith in God and exhibit upright, just, and moral behavior are called righteous.
Romans 4:2-3 (NIV) If, in fact, Abraham was justified by works, he had something to boast about—but not before God. What does Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.”
Genesis 6:9 (NIV) Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked faithfully with God.
The guideline for righteous living was the God’s Law. In the New Testament Jesus teaches that righteousness includes loving our enemies, giving generously, forgiving others, and fasting and prayer. Living a righteous life means living justly and honestly, and living in a right relationship with God, others, and all creation. [1]
Micah 6:8 (ESV) He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?
2. God’s Righteousness
God’s righteousness -like all of His attributes- is divine, perfect and eternal. He is the ultimate standard of justice, mercy, and moral conduct.
Psalm 11:7 (ESV) For the Lord is righteous; he loves righteous deeds; the upright shall behold his face.
3. Righteousness for Salvation
Faith brings us salvation, and our faith is credited to us as righteousness. Jesus was the only one who was able to live a completely righteous life, perfectly following God’s Law. When we place our faith in Jesus, His righteousness becomes ours.
2 Corinthians 5:21 (ESV) For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
God’s righteousness given to us covers our sins forever. But we can still grow in righteous living through obedience to God by the power of the Holy Spirit (think sanctification).
1 John 2:29 (ESV) If you know that he is righteous, you may be sure that everyone who practices righteousness has been born of him.
[1] The Bible Project, The Meaning of Righteousness in the Bible