What does it mean to be righteous?

on Jul 12, 2025

From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

Q: What does it mean to be righteous? It seems like an arrogant thing to admit. Are we to strive to be righteous, or is it only something granted to church leaders? – R.P.

A: We must be righteous in order to be received into the kingdom of God – but no one is righteous apart from Holy God. So, where do we get righteousness? Jesus Christ purchased it for us at the cross. For those who come to the cross acknowledging their sin, repenting and turning from their sin and putting complete faith in Christ the Savior, they are seen as righteous before God. When God forgives us of sin and bestows upon us His wonderful salvation, He clothes us in His righteousness so that when we come before Him, He doesn’t see us; He sees the righteousness of His Son, who died to give us life eternal.

The Holy Spirit convicts people of their sin. He shows sinners that Jesus is the only way, the only truth, and the only life. Receiving salvation through Him is not repairing the original self; it is a new self, created of God in righteousness and true holiness. It is through Christ’s work on the cross that He purchased our redemption and provided a righteousness which we could not ourselves earn. This is available to everyone who will come humbly before Jesus and commit and submit wholly to God. He empowers us to walk in a new way as we learn of His truth and obey Him. “ He made [Jesus] who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him” (2 Corinthians 5:21, NKJV).

When Jesus Christ returns to this earth – and He will – He will set up His kingdom, and glory, peace, justice, and righteousness will reign. What a world that’s going to be! Will you be ready?

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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)