# Righteousness ## Ignatius Catholic Study Bible *Righteousness* ([[matthew-03#^matthew-03-15|Mt 3:15]]) – *Dikaiosune* (Gk.): denotes the uprightness and faithfulness of God and his people ([[deuteronomy-06#^deuteronomy-06-25|Deut 6:25]]; [[isaiah-48#^isaiah-48-18|Is 48:18]]). The word is part of a distinctive covenant vocabulary found throughout the Bible. It is used seven times in Matthew and 85 times in the rest of the NT. (1) God\'s *righteousness* is characteristic of his being (holy) and revealed through his saving deeds and care of Israel ([[deuteronomy-32#^deuteronomy-32-4|Deut 32:4]]; [[isaiah-05#^isaiah-05-16|Is 5:16]]; [[isaiah-42#^isaiah-42-6|42:6]]). God is righteous because he). God is righteous because he). God is righteous because he). God is righteous because he). God is righteous because he). God is righteous because he perfectly fulfills his covenant with Israel as a divine Father. The NT builds on this foundation: God now demonstrates his *righteousness* through the saving work of Jesus Christ. The New Covenant is ratified by Jesus\' obedience to the Father ([[matthew-03#^matthew-03-15|Mt 3:15]]; [[romans-03#^romans-03-21|Rom 3:21-26]]) and is proclaimed in the gospel ([[romans-01#^romans-01-16|Rom 1:16-17]]). (2) For God\'s people, *righteousness* is a New Covenant gift from Christ. It is first given in Baptism and received by faith ([[romans-05#^romans-05-17|Rom 5:17]]). It denotes one\'s restored relationship with God as an adopted son or daughter. This gift of *righteousness* can increase through love and obedience to God\'s covenant Law ([[matthew-05#^matthew-05-6|Mt 5:6]]; [[matthew-06#^matthew-06-33|6:33]]; ; [[romans-06#^romans-06-16|Rom 6:16]]; [[ephesians-04#^ephesians-04-24|Eph 4:24]]; [[1-peter-02#^1-peter-02-24|1 Pet 2:24]]; [[1-john-03#^1-john-03-7|1 Jn 3:7]]). ### Sources [[matthews-infancy-narrative-historical#^y1dku6|Righteousness — word study]]