In simple terms, righteousness is the state of being in the right. In a theological context, it refers to a state of being upright in the sight of God, This righteousness is not defined by human opinion or cultural ethics, but by God’s eternal, immovable and perfect character and holy standard. Because God Himself is perfectly holy and just (Ps 11:7), His standard of righteousness is a measure of conformity to His nature.

The Bible describes humanity as inherently lacking this righteousness due to sin (Rom 3:10, 23). Sin is the basis of unrighteousness, defined by it’s deviation from the righteous character of God. As a pervasive predisposition, sin leaves people unable to meet God’s standard through their own efforts or moral living.

On this basis, biblical righteousness must be received from God as a gift of grace and cannot be achieved by our human efforts. This happens in two ways. Righteousness is imputed, or legally credited to a believer through faith in Jesus Christ (Rom 4:5), resulting in a right legal standing before God. It is also imparted, describing the internal, progressive work of the Holy Spirit where Christ’s righteousness becomes dimly, though increasingly reflected in the life of a believer (Rom 6:19).