1 John 2:29 – Righteous in Him

1 John 2:29
²⁹ If you know that He is righteous, you know that everyone who practices righteousness is born of Him” (NKJV)

First, let’s look at what John is not saying. He is not say you can’t be born of God unless you do righteousness. Doing anything is not a prerequisite to salvation. In fact Paul says, “For with the heart man believes unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation” (Romans 10:10). Some have said if people are behaving righteously then they aren’t saved. Behavior and performance are not requirements for salvation.

When we are born again we are new creations. We are righteous—justified and in right standing with God. “But of him are you in Christ Jesus, who of God is made to us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:” (1 Corinthians 1:30).

Second, is knowing the righteousness of Jesus. Everything flows from knowing Jesus. When we see His righteousness, we know what righteousness looks like. Righteous is a fruit in our lives that flows from the gift of righteousness. It’s part of the grace package. (^“For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;” Ephesians 5:9).

We are righteous, and since we are it should manifest through us. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:” (2 Timothy 3:16). We learn what that means through the Word. It will instruct us in the ways of righteousness.

When we know Jesus the righteous one, we will know how that should look to others. Sadly, religion is too happy to tell us how to act or behave. Mostly how we handle external things. Paul reminds us that the kingdom is internal. “For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Romans 14:17).

Paul also says we need to “Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God:” (1 Corinthians 15:34). Let the fruit of righteousness grow through knowing Jesus. He will awaken that righteousness and grace will empower your behavior to conform to His image.