Scripture Reading:
The marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready…. She should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. —Revelation 19:7-8
Definition:
Righteousness is “Acting in accord with divine or moral law. Free from guilt or sin” (Merriam-Webster). “The doctrine concerning the way in which man may attain a state approved of God. Integrity, virtue, purity of life, rightness, correctness of thinking, feeling, and acting” (Thayer).
Summary:
The Church is as a bride waiting on the coming of her bridegroom. She is to be adorned in white robes of righteousness. Children of God are to live righteous and godly lives, prepared for the return of Jesus Christ.
I. Bride of Christ
A. Revelation 21:1-2 Adorned for her husband.
B. Revelation 21:9-11 The Bride, the Lamb’s wife.
C. Ephesians 5:25-27 Not having spot or wrinkle.
D. 2 Corinthians 11:2 A chaste virgin.
II. White Raiment of the Saints
A. Revelation 19:7-9 White linen is righteousness.
B. Revelation 3:4-5 Clothed in white raiment.
C. Revelation 7:9 Saints in Heaven in white robes.
III. Serve the Lord in Righteousness
A. Luke 1:74-75 Serve God in righteousness.
B. 1 John 3:6-8 Those who abide in Christ sin not.
C. Romans 6:18-19 Servants of righteousness.
D. 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 Works of unrighteousness.
IV. Call to Righteousness
A. Matthew 6:33 Seek His righteousness.
B. 1 Timothy 6:11 Follow after righteousness.
C. Ephesians 4:24-25 Put on the new man.
V. By Faith and Not of the Law
A. Galatians 2:16 Not justified by works of the law.
B. Romans 5:1 Justified by faith.
C. Romans 5:18-21 Righteous through Christ.
VI. Personal Righteousness Is Insufficient
A. Philippians 3:7-9 Not personal righteousness.
B. Romans 10:3-4 Establish their own righteousness.
C. Isaiah 64:6 Our righteousnesses are as filthy rags.
D. Titus 3:5 Not by works of righteousness.
E. Matthew 5:20 Exceed that of the Pharisees.
F. Matthew 23:27-28 Outward appearance.
VII. Exhortation of Righteousness
A. 1 Corinthians 15:34 Awake to righteousness.
B. 2 Timothy 3:16 Scripture is for instruction.
C. Isaiah 28:17 Line and plummet.
D. 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 Unrighteous shall not inherit.
VIII. Bride Contrasted With the Harlot
A. Revelation 12:1 Woman clothed with the sun.
B. Revelation 17:1-6 The great whore.
C. Isaiah 1:21-22 Faithful city becomes an harlot.
IX. Promises to the Righteous
A. 1 Peter 3:12 Ears open to their prayers.
B. Acts 10:35 Accepted with God.
C. 1 Peter 3:14 Happy are ye.
D. Matthew 5:6 Blessed are they.
E. 2 Timothy 4:7-8 A crown of righteousness.
X. Spotless Garments
A. 2 Peter 3:10-11 What manner of persons.
B. 2 Peter 3:14 Without spot, and blameless.
Conclusion
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
—1 John 1:9
