A Simple Guide to Righteousness and Its Promises
Have you ever heard someone say, “the righteous will inherit the earth,” and wondered what it actually means? Or maybe you’ve been curious about what the Bible says about righteous people—are they just “good” people who always follow the rules? Let’s break it down in simple terms.
What is a Righteous Person?
Being “righteous” sounds like a big, fancy word, but at its core, it simply means being in right standing with God. And here’s something surprising: the Bible teaches that you don’t become righteous just by being perfect or doing lots of good deeds. Instead, righteousness is more about trusting God and having faith in Him.
It’s like being given a membership to a special club—not because you earned it on your own, but because you were invited and you accepted the invitation. In the Christian faith, this “invitation” comes through believing in Jesus.
Righteousness: A Gift and a Journey
Righteousness is both a gift and a journey. The gift part is that God declares you righteous because of your faith—not because of a perfect track record. The journey part is that, once you start following God, your life gradually starts to change. You begin to care more about doing what’s right, loving others, and living according to God’s ways.
What Sets Righteous People Apart?
Righteous people aren’t perfect, but here are some things that often describe their lives:
· Listening to God: They try to follow what the Bible teaches and live by its principles.
· Showing Love: They truly care about God and other people.
· Being Fair and Honest: They aim to treat others with justice and integrity.
· Seeking Peace: Their lives often show a sense of peace and they try to bring calm into their relationships.
· Respecting God: They have a deep respect and awe for God.
Righteous vs. Wicked: What’s the Difference?
The Bible often compares the righteous with the wicked. “Wicked” doesn’t just mean “bad people”—it refers to people who ignore God and only live for themselves. The Bible says that the righteous will experience blessings and favor from God, while those who reject God’s ways will eventually face consequences.
Examples of Righteous People
If you read the Bible, you’ll find people like Abraham, David, and Daniel described as righteous—not because they were perfect (they made mistakes, too!), but because they trusted God and tried to live by His ways. Above all, Jesus is seen as the ultimate example of true righteousness.
The Righteous Will Inherit the Earth—What Does That Mean?
The phrase “the righteous will inherit the earth” comes from Psalm 37:29 in the Bible: “The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein forever.” But what does that really mean?
Some people think it means that those who live God’s way will literally live on a peaceful, perfect earth in the future. Others see it as a promise that righteous people will have deep spiritual blessings, like peace, contentment, and a lasting home with God—either in this life or the next.
No matter how you interpret it, the main idea is that living God’s way leads to real blessings and that, in the end, good will triumph over evil.
Final Thoughts: The Lifelong Journey
The Bible makes it clear: no one is righteous on their own. But through faith, anyone can be made right with God and can start living in a way that reflects His character. It’s a lifelong journey—sometimes with ups and downs—but it’s one filled with hope, peace, and the promise that God sees and rewards those who trust Him.
So, when you hear “the righteous will inherit the earth,” remember—it’s not about being flawless. It’s about trusting God, choosing His ways, and walking a path that leads to lasting peace and blessing.
Minister A Francine Green
August 2025
afrancinegreen.com 