BENEFITS of righteousness

1 Thessalonians 5:15

King James Version

15 See that none render evil for evil unto any man; 

but ever follow that which is good, 

both among yourselves, 

and to all men.

We just finished an article on "being pure".

At the latter end, we shared the promises we get from GOD's WORD.

We thought a separate article enumerating the benefits would be fitting.

Considering the many benefits, and grace GOD gives us.

As well as additional verses SPIRIT led me to:

Psalm 1:1-3

King James Version

1 Blessed is the man 

that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, 

nor standeth in the way of sinners, 

nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.

2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord; 

and in his law doth he meditate day and night.

3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, 

that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; 

his leaf also shall not wither; 

and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

Psalm 19:7-11

King James Version

7 The law of the Lord is perfect, 

converting the soul: 

the testimony of the Lord is sure, 

making wise the simple.

8 The statutes of the Lord are right, 

rejoicing the heart: 

the commandment of the Lord is pure, 

enlightening the eyes.

9 The fear of the Lord is clean, 

enduring for ever: 

the judgments of the Lord 

are true and righteous altogether.

10 More to be desired are they than gold, yea, 

than much fine gold: 

sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.

11 Moreover by them is thy servant warned: 

and in keeping of them there is great reward.

Psalm 34:15

King James Version

15 The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, 

and his ears are open unto their cry.

Psalm 34:17

King James Version

17 The righteous cry, and the Lord heareth, 

and delivereth them out of all their troubles.

Psalm 34:18

King James Version

18 The Lord is nigh unto them 

that are of a broken heart; and saveth such 

as be of a contrite spirit.

Psalm 34:19-20

King James Version

19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous: 

but the Lord delivereth him out of them all.

20 He keepeth all his bones: 

not one of them is broken.

Psalm 34:22

King James Version

22 The Lord redeemeth the soul of his servants: 

and none of them that trust in him shall be desolate.

Psalm 37:5-6

King James Version

5 Commit thy way unto the Lord; 

trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.

6 And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, 

and thy judgment as the noonday.

Psalm 37:27-29

King James Version

27 Depart from evil, and do good; 

and dwell for evermore.

28 For the Lord loveth judgment, 

and forsaketh not his saints; 

they are preserved for ever: 

but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off.

29 The righteous shall inherit the land, 

and dwell therein for ever.

Psalm 112:6

King James Version

6 Surely he shall not be moved for ever: 

the righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance.

Proverbs 10:2

King James Version

2 Treasures of wickedness profit nothing: 

but righteousness delivereth from death.

Proverbs 11:18

King James Version

18 The wicked worketh a deceitful work: 

but to him that soweth righteousness 

shall be a sure reward.

Proverbs 11:19

King James Version

19 As righteousness tendeth to life: 

so he that pursueth evil 

pursueth it to his own death.

Proverbs 21:21

King James Version

21 He that followeth after righteousness and mercy 

findeth life, righteousness, and honour.

Matthew 5:6

King James Version

6 Blessed are they 

which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: 

for they shall be filled.

Matthew 5:8

King James Version

8 Blessed are the pure in heart: 

for they shall see God.

Matthew 5:10-12

King James Version

10 Blessed are they 

which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: 

for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11 Blessed are ye, 

when men shall revile you, 

and persecute you, 

and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, 

for my sake.

12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: 

for great is your reward in heaven: 

for so persecuted they the prophets 

which were before you.

Matthew 6:33

King James Version

33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, 

and his righteousness; 

and all these things shall be added unto you.

Acts 3:19

King James Version

19 Repent ye therefore, 

and be converted, 

that your sins may be blotted out, 

when the times of refreshing shall come 

from the presence of the Lord.

Galatians 6:9

King James Version

9 And let us not be weary in well doing: 

for in due season we shall reap, 

if we faint not.

Philippians 2:15-16

King James Version

15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, 

the sons of God, 

without rebuke, 

in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, 

among whom ye shine as lights in the world;

16 Holding forth the word of life; 

that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, 

that I have not run in vain, 

neither laboured in vain.

Titus 1:15

King James Version

15 Unto the pure all things are pure: 

but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving 

is nothing pure; 

but even their mind and conscience 

is defiled.

Titus 2:13-14

King James Version

13 Looking for that blessed hope, 

and the glorious appearing of the great God 

and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

14 Who gave himself for us, 

that he might redeem us from all iniquity, 

and purify unto himself a peculiar people, 

zealous of good works.

James 3:18

King James Version

18 And the fruit of righteousness 

is sown in peace of them that make peace.

1 Peter 2:12

King James Version

12 Having your conversation honest 

among the Gentiles: 

that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, 

they may by your good works, 

which they shall behold, 

glorify God in the day of visitation.

1 John 3:2

King James Version

2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, 

and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: 

but we know that, when he shall appear, 

we shall be like him; 

for we shall see him as he is.

In SUMMARY, the benefits of righteousness are:

he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; 

his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper

The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: 

the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.

The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: 

the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.

The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever: 

the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.

More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.

by them is thy servant warned: 

and in keeping of them there is great reward

his ears are open unto their cry

The righteous cry, and the Lord heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles.

The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.

Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all.

He keepeth all his bones: not one of them is broken.

The Lord redeemeth the soul of his servants: and none of them that trust in him shall be desolate.

Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.

And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday.

Depart from evil, and do good; and dwell for evermore.

The Lord loveth judgment, and forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved for ever: 

The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein for ever

the righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance

righteousness delivereth from death

to him that soweth righteousness shall be a sure reward

righteousness tendeth to life

He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour.

Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.

Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.

Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake...great is your reward in heaven.

seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you

Repent...and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.

let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not

That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world

Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.

Unto the pure all things are pure

Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace

they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation

we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is

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To be BLAMELESS

 1 Corinthians 1:2

King James Version

2 Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, 

to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, 

called to be saints, 

with all that in every place 

call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, 

both their's and our's:

What does it mean to be "blameless"?

Why the need for it?

What happens to the wicked?

What does the Bible say?

A born again workman has great responsibility.

I have to tell you we must walk with the HOLY SPIRIT.

Galatians 5:16-17

King James Version

16 This I say then, 

Walk in the Spirit,

and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.

17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, 

and the Spirit against the flesh: 

and these are contrary the one to the other: 

so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.

Only GOD's born again children could really understand.

And accept, as well as embrace, His laws.

SPIRIT teaches us how.

Through the teachings JESUS gave us in His ministry.

Until you're born again, you won't know the power of SPIRIT.

Only through SPIRIT can we know GOD's laws.

Only through SPIRIT can we know JESUS.

Only through SPIRIT can we be perfect.

He will teach us everything.

JESUS confirms this:

John 14:26

King James Version

26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, 

whom the Father will send in my name, 

he shall teach you all things, 

and bring all things to your remembrance, 

whatsoever I have said unto you.

John 15:26

King James Version

26 But when the Comforter is come, 

whom I will send unto you from the Father, 

even the Spirit of truth, 

which proceedeth from the Father, 

he shall testify of me:

John 16:8

King James Version

8 And when he is come, 

he will reprove the world of sin, 

and of righteousness, 

and of judgment:

John 16:13-15

King James Version

13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, 

he will guide you into all truth: 

for he shall not speak of himself; 

but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: 

and he will shew you things to come.

14 He shall glorify me: 

for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.

15 All things that the Father hath are mine: 

therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, 

and shall shew it unto you.

JESUS also alerted me to the imminence of the Rapture.

This, I was taught on 14 January 2020.

Four months after GOD made me born again.

Obviously, GOD doesn't want me to perish.

He knew I'd been searching for ABSOLUTE truth.

For the longest time.

Likewise, the LORD knew I'd be excited to share with you.

Everything about Him.

Whether it be the good news of eternal life, or salvation.

Wherein GOD shows His love for all.

And so it has been.

Every blog SPIRIT and I have created includes this verse:

1 Thessalonians 5:23

King James Version

23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; 

and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body 

be preserved blameless 

unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

This need to be holy, perfect, and blameless is important.

Philippians 2:15

King James Version

15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, 

the sons of God, 

without rebuke, 

in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, 

among whom ye shine as lights in the world;

It is vital we be acceptable to the LORD.

All our efforts must be for GOD alone.

2 Corinthians 5:9

King James Version

9 Wherefore we labour, 

that, whether present or absent, 

we may be accepted of him.

Why?

This verse answer it perfectly:

2 Corinthians 5:10

King James Version

10 For we must all appear 

before the judgment seat of Christ; 

that every one may receive the things done in his body, 

according to that he hath done, 

whether it be good or bad.

JESUS did say the time is "at hand".

Mark 1:15

King James Version

15 And saying, 

The time is fulfilled, 

and the kingdom of God is at hand: 

repent ye, 

and believe the gospel.

Why, then, are we taking our time?

Why haven't we sought GOD?

Why haven't we believed in JESUS?

Why haven't we repented?

Why haven't we reconciled to GOD?

Every day we're still on earth is PURE GRACE.

At any given moment, JESUS can come for His faithful.

1 Thessalonians 4:16-17

King James Version

16 For the Lord himself 

shall descend from heaven 

with a shout, 

with the voice of the archangel, 

and with the trump of God: 

and the dead in Christ shall rise first:

17 Then we which are alive and remain 

shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, 

to meet the Lord in the air: 

and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

Wht happens to unbelievers?

Or those who remain wicked?

And the unrepentant?

What happens to them?

Know here.

Lastly, a beautiful promise.

Which JESUS gave:

Matthew 5:8

King James Version

8 Blessed are the pure in heart: 

for they shall see God.

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BORN AGAIN list

 

Ephesians 5:9-10

King James Version

9 (For the fruit of the Spirit 

is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)

10 Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.

There is the laundry list.

The grocery list.

The shopping list.

The bucket list.

But do you know there's a more important list?

Of things to do, on the road to righteousness?

SPIRIT guided me to gather it this morning.

Just from one chapter written by apostle Paul.

Here's how we can honor GOD, self, and others.

Through a BORN AGAIN list:

Ephesians 5:1

King James Version

5 Be ye therefore followers of God, 

as dear children;

Ephesians 5:2

King James Version

2 And walk in love, 

as Christ also hath loved us, 

and hath given himself for us 

an offering and a sacrifice to God 

for a sweetsmelling savour.

Ephesians 5:3

King James Version

3 But fornication, 

and all uncleanness, 

or covetousness, 

let it not be once named among you, 

as becometh saints;

Ephesians 5:4

King James Version

4 Neither filthiness, 

nor foolish talking, 

nor jesting, 

which are not convenient: 

but rather giving of thanks.

Ephesians 5:6-7

King James Version

6 Let no man deceive you with vain words: 

for because of these things cometh the wrath of God 

upon the children of disobedience.

7 Be not ye therefore partakers with them.

Ephesians 5:8

King James Version

8 For ye were sometimes darkness, 

but now are ye light in the Lord: 

walk as children of light:

Ephesians 5:11-12

King James Version

11 And have no fellowship 

with the unfruitful works of darkness, 

but rather reprove them.

12 For it is a shame even to speak of those things 

which are done of them in secret.

Ephesians 5:14-16

King James Version

14 Wherefore he saith, 

Awake thou that sleepest, 

and arise from the dead, 

and Christ shall give thee light.

15 See then that ye walk circumspectly, 

not as fools, but as wise,

16 Redeeming the time, 

because the days are evil.

Ephesians 5:17

King James Version

17 Wherefore be ye not unwise, 

but understanding what the will of the Lord is.

Ephesians 5:18

King James Version

18 And be not drunk with wine, 

wherein is excess; 

but be filled with the Spirit;

Ephesians 5:19

King James Version

19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms 

and hymns 

and spiritual songs, 

singing and making melody in your heart 

to the Lord;

Ephesians 5:20

King James Version

20 Giving thanks always 

for all things unto God and the Father 

in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;

Ephesians 5:21

King James Version

21 Submitting yourselves one to another 

in the fear of God.

Ephesians 5:22-24

King James Version

22 Wives, 

submit yourselves unto your own husbands, 

as unto the Lord.

23 For the husband is the head of the wife, 

even as Christ is the head of the church: 

and he is the saviour of the body.

24 Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, 

so let the wives be to their own husbands 

in every thing.

Ephesians 5:25-29

King James Version

25 Husbands, 

love your wives, 

even as Christ also loved the church, 

and gave himself for it;

26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it 

with the washing of water by the word,

27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, 

not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; 

but that it should be holy and without blemish.

28 So ought men to love their wives 

as their own bodies. 

He that loveth his wife loveth himself.

29 For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; 

but nourisheth and cherisheth it, 

even as the Lord the church:

Ephesians 5:30-31

King James Version

30 For we are members of his body, 

of his flesh, 

and of his bones.

31 For this cause shall a man 

leave his father and mother, 

and shall be joined unto his wife, 

and they two shall be one flesh.

Ephesians 5:33

King James Version

33 Nevertheless let every one of you in particular 

so love his wife even as himself; 

and the wife see that she reverence her husband.

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INSTRUMENTS of righteousness

 

Romans 6:13

King James Version

13 Neither yield ye your members 

as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: 

but yield yourselves unto God, 

as those that are alive from the dead, 

and your members 

as instruments of righteousness 

unto God.

We are to be used as instruments of righteousness, for GOD's purpose.

But what did apostle Paul mean when he mentioned "members" in this particular verse?

As always, we turn to other Bible versions, for greater clarity.

Romans 6:13

Amplified Bible

13 Do not go on offering members of your body to sin as instruments of wickedness. But offer yourselves to God [in a decisive act] as those alive [raised] from the dead [to a new life], and your members [all of your abilities—sanctified, set apart] as instruments of righteousness [yielded] to God.

Romans 6:13

Amplified Bible, Classic Edition

13 Do not continue offering or yielding your bodily members [and [a]faculties] to sin as instruments (tools) of wickedness. But offer and yield yourselves to God as though you have been raised from the dead to [perpetual] life, and your bodily members [and [b]faculties] to God, presenting them as implements of righteousness.

Romans 6:13

Christian Standard Bible

13 And do not offer any parts[a] of it to sin as weapons for unrighteousness. But as those who are alive from the dead, offer yourselves to God, and all the parts of yourselves to God as weapons for righteousness.

Romans 6:13

Complete Jewish Bible

13 and do not offer any part of yourselves to sin as an instrument for wickedness. On the contrary, offer yourselves to God as people alive from the dead, and your various parts to God as instruments for righteousness.

Romans 6:13

Contemporary English Version

13 or let any part of it become a slave of evil. Give yourselves to God, as people who have been raised from death to life. Make every part of your body a slave that pleases God.

Romans 6:13

Disciples’ Literal New Testament

13 nor be presenting your body-parts to sin as instruments[a] of unrighteousness. But present yourselves to God as-if [b] being alive from the dead, and your body-parts to God as instruments of righteousness.

Romans 6:13

Expanded Bible

13 Do not offer ·the parts of your body [or any part of yourself; L your parts/members] to serve sin, as ·things to be used in doing [L instruments/weapons of] ·evil [unrighteousness; injustice]. Instead, offer yourselves to God as people who have died and now live. Offer ·the parts of your body [or every part of yourself; L your parts/members] to God ·to be used in doing good [L as instruments/weapons of righteousness/justice].

Romans 6:13

Good News Translation

13 Nor must you surrender any part of yourselves to sin to be used for wicked purposes. Instead, give yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life, and surrender your whole being to him to be used for righteous purposes.

Romans 6:13

International Children’s Bible

13 Do not offer the parts of your body to serve sin. Do not use your bodies as things to do evil with, but offer yourselves to God. Be like people who have died and now live. Offer the parts of your body to God to be used for doing good.

Romans 6:13-14

J.B. Phillips New Testament

12-14 Do not, then, allow sin to establish any power over your mortal bodies in making you give way to your lusts. Nor hand over your organs to be, as it were, weapons of evil for the devil’s purposes. But, like men rescued from certain death, put yourselves in God’s hands as weapons of good for his own purposes. For sin is not meant to be your master—you are no longer living under the Law, but under grace.

Romans 6:13

Living Bible

13 Do not let any part of your bodies become tools of wickedness, to be used for sinning; but give yourselves completely to God—every part of you—for you are back from death and you want to be tools in the hands of God, to be used for his good purposes.

Romans 6:13

Modern English Version

13 Do not yield your members to sin as instruments of unrighteousness, but yield yourselves to God, as those who are alive from the dead, and your bodies to God as instruments of righteousness.

Romans 6:13

Names of God Bible

13 Never offer any part of your body to sin’s power. No part of your body should ever be used to do any ungodly thing. Instead, offer yourselves to God as people who have come back from death and are now alive. Offer all the parts of your body to God. Use them to do everything that God approves of.

Romans 6:13

New International Version

13 Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer every part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness.

Romans 6:13

New Living Translation

13 Do not let any part of your body become an instrument of evil to serve sin. Instead, give yourselves completely to God, for you were dead, but now you have new life. So use your whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God.

Romans 6:13

New Testament for Everyone

13 Nor should you present your limbs and organs to sin to be used for its wicked purposes. Rather, present yourselves to God, as people alive from the dead, and your limbs and organs to God, to be used for the righteous purposes of his covenant.

Kehillah in Rome 6:13

Orthodox Jewish Bible

13 And do not give Chet (sin) control of your natural capacities as neshek (weapons) of peysha (unrighteousness, transgression), but present yourselves to Hashem as ones alive from the Mesim and present to Hashem your natural capacities as neshek (weapons) of Tzedek Olamim.

In SUMMARY, "members" mean:

all of your abilities—sanctified, set apart

bodily members [and [b]faculties]

all the parts of yourselves

your various parts

every part of your body

your body-parts

the parts of your body [or every part of yourself; L your parts/members

your whole being

the parts of your body

your mortal bodies, your organs, yourselves

yourselves

bodies

all the parts of your body

every part of yourself

your whole body

your limbs and organs

your natural capacities

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Image: Elina Sazonova