Righteousness and God's Image vs. Righteousness and God's Kingdom
Rom 8:2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.
Rom 8:4 That the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.
Rom 8:29 For those whom God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.
Rom 14:17 For the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
|
Item |
Righteousness and God's Image |
Righteousness and God's Kingdom |
|---|---|---|
|
Core Meaning |
Righteousness signifies God's expression and God's Son's image; living out God's nature and character through the Spirit of life |
Righteousness is the foundation and essence of God's kingdom; God's kingdom is righteousness, manifested as orderly administration and governance |
|
Biblical Foundation |
Romans 8:2,4,29 - Law of the Spirit of life, requirement of law's righteousness, conformed to Son's image |
Romans 14:17 - God's kingdom is righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit |
|
Generation Method |
Walking according to the Spirit of life, fulfilling law's requirement of righteousness in us |
Living out righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit in church life |
|
Key Characteristics |
• God's expression • Christ's image • Life's manifestation • Spiritual impression |
• Proper order • Appropriate governance • Establishment and maintenance • Harmonious administration |
|
Practical Expression |
Family Life Examples: • Harmonious husband-wife relationship • Living in the spirit • Whole family joyful • Manifesting Christ's image |
Church Life Examples: • No complaints or criticism • Orderly meetings • Many functioning • Displaying God's kingdom |
|
Contrasting Conditions |
When Lacking: • Marital discord • Unhappy family • No Christ's image • No impression of God's expression |
When Lacking: • Complaints and criticism • Chaotic meetings • No God's kingdom • Various opinions and divisions |
|
Results and Impact |
• Others convinced and conquered • Opponents convinced by seeing God's expression • Giving impression of God's Son |
• All under the headship • Well-ordered • Peace and joy in Holy Spirit • Practically becoming God's kingdom |
|
Old Testament Basis |
Isaiah 53:11 - Justified by knowledge of My righteous Servant Jeremiah 23:6 - Jehovah our righteousness |
Psalm 89:14 - Righteousness is foundation of Your throne Isaiah 32:1 - A king will reign in righteousness Hebrews 1:8-9 - Scepter of Your kingdom is scepter of uprightness |
|
New Testament Scriptures |
• Romans 8:2 - Law of Spirit of life • Romans 8:4 - Law's righteousness fulfilled in us • Romans 8:29 - Conformed to Son's image • 2 Corinthians 3:18 - Transformed into same image |
• Romans 14:17 - God's kingdom is righteousness, peace, joy in Holy Spirit • Matthew 6:33 - Seek first God's kingdom and righteousness • 1 Corinthians 4:20 - God's kingdom is not in word but in power |
|
Practical Application |
Personal Level: • Daily walking according to Spirit of life • Living out Christ's nature • Becoming God's expression • Witnessing Christ in life Relational Level: • Living harmoniously in family • Marriage relationship witnessing God • Parent-child relationship showing love |
Corporate Level: • Orderly church life • Harmonious coordination in meetings • Avoiding criticism and judgment • Building love-based relationships Social Level: • Living righteously at work • Being light and salt in community |
|
Ultimate Goal |
Fully conformed to God's Son's image, appearing with Christ in glory |
God's kingdom fully realized, all things subject to Christ's authority |
|
Mutual Relationship |
Righteousness produces God's image; image is based on righteousness |
Righteousness establishes God's kingdom; God's kingdom is righteousness |
Summary:
Two main aspects of righteousness:
- 1. Inward Aspect - Righteousness and God's Image: Focuses on life's expression and nature's manifestation
- 2. Outward Aspect - Righteousness and God's Kingdom: Focuses on order's establishment and administration's realization
Both are based on walking according to the Spirit of life and fulfilling the law's requirement of righteousness in us as the reality, ultimately achieving God's expression and God's kingdom establishment.
*Please refer to the 2025 Memorial Day Blending Conference. General Topic: Preparation of the Bride. Chapter 5: Righteousness of the Bride.
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