Righteousness is both a gift and a pursuit. Through Christ, believers are declared righteous—justified before God not by works but by faith. Yet we are also called to pursue practical righteousness in daily life, allowing the Holy Spirit to produce right living in us. These KJV verses explore both dimensions of this foundational truth.
"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."
"Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe."
"For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him."
"He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake."
"In the way of righteousness is life; and in the pathway thereof there is no death."
"He hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness."
"And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith."
"Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous."
"And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday."
"For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost."
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Our own righteousness is like filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6), but Christ's righteousness is a spotless robe placed upon us by grace. We don't pursue righteousness to earn God's love—we pursue it because we already have it. Righteous living is the fruit of a righteous standing in Christ.
Lord, clothe me in the righteousness of Christ. I know my own efforts fall short, but in Him I am made right with You. Help me pursue practical righteousness—doing justice, loving mercy, and walking humbly. Let my life reflect the righteous standing You've given me by grace. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Righteousness includes God's perfect moral character, His just rule, and the right standing He gives through faith. Romans 3:22 speaks of “the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe.” It is received before it is displayed.
Grace produces a changed life rather than permission to remain unchanged. Micah 6:8, the Sermon on the Mount, and the epistles describe righteousness through justice, truth, purity, mercy, and faithful love. Good works do not buy acceptance; they demonstrate its fruit.
Righteousness is both a gift and a pursuit. Through Christ, believers are declared righteous—justified before God not by works but by faith. Key King James Version passages include Matthew 6:33, Romans 3:22, 2 Corinthians 5:21. This page collects 10 KJV verses about righteousness, each quoted in full.
Righteousness has two dimensions: imputed righteousness (being declared right before God through faith in Christ, Romans 3:22) and practical righteousness (living in a way that reflects God's moral character, 1 John 3:7). Believers receive Christ's righteousness as a gift (2 Corinthians 5:21) and are called to live it out through the Spirit's power.
You cannot become righteous through your own efforts (Romans 3:10, Isaiah 64:6). Righteousness is a gift received by faith in Jesus Christ (Romans 3:22, Philippians 3:9). When you trust Christ, His perfect righteousness is credited to your account. Practical righteousness then grows as the Holy Spirit transforms your character.
No. Isaiah 64:6 says 'all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags.' Righteousness comes through faith in Christ — 'the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ' (Romans 3:22). We receive His righteousness as a gift, then the Holy Spirit produces righteous living through us.
Isaiah 64:6 declares human righteousness as 'filthy rags.' Romans 3:10 states 'there is none righteous.' Biblical righteousness comes only through faith in Christ (Philippians 3:9)—His perfect righteousness is credited to believers (2 Corinthians 5:21).
Righteousness includes God's perfect moral character, His just rule, and the right standing He gives through faith. Romans 3:22 speaks of “the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe.” It is received before it is displayed.
Yes. All of these KJV verses are included in the complete King James Bible PDF — a free download with no sign-up required.
You can download the full KJV Bible PDF with all 66 books and 1,189 chapters. The download page also includes a bookmarked Book of Psalms KJV PDF for easy reference.
Yes. The download page includes a dedicated Book of Psalms KJV PDF section with all 150 Psalms, bookmarked by chapter.
Common questions people ask about this passage — answered with KJV scripture.
Salvation comes by grace through faith in Jesus Christ — not by works or human effort.
Read answerThe armor of God is Paul's metaphor in Ephesians 6 for the spiritual resources believers need to stand against the devil: truth, righteousness, the gospel, faith, salvation, and the Word of God.
Read answerGrace is God's unmerited favor — the free gift of salvation and blessing that cannot be earned but is received through faith in Jesus Christ.
Read answerIt means salvation is God's free gift, not earned by good works — received through personal trust in Jesus Christ and His finished work on the cross.
Read answerEach piece of God's armor — truth, righteousness, gospel, faith, salvation, and God's Word — equips believers for specific aspects of spiritual warfare.
Read answerSalvation is by grace through faith alone — not works. But genuine faith produces good works as evidence. Faith and works are not opposing paths to salvation but inseparable aspects of authentic Christianity.
Read answerContinue your study with related content from across our library:
The breastplate of righteousness guards the heart with Christ's righteousness im
Paul's armor of God in Ephesians 6 — six pieces every believer puts on by faith
10 curated KJV verses
10 curated KJV verses
10 curated KJV verses
In-depth study • Salvation & Grace
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