In my devlotional yesterday (I’m reading “Be Still: 31 Days to a Deeper Meditative Prayer Life”.), I read Isaiah 32:17-18 four times using the Read, Reflect, Respond, Relax method utilized in the devotional. Verse 17 reads, “The fruit of righteousness will be peace;
the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever.”
So I think a great question is, “What is righteousness?”
Here’s a definition I found over at DiscipleshipTools.org:
Righteousness is defined as conformity to God’s Law, both from our heart and deeds, inside and outside. No one can attain it apart from perfect adherence to the law; Christ was the only one in all of human history to do it. No one can attain it without Divine intervention; righteousness to please God must come from God Himself. Because we all are corrupted by sin, and unable to live according to God’s perfect standards. Thus it must be a gift from God! Even though some people are better than others, your neighbor versus Stalin, both are guilty in view of God’s perspective. (vs. 1: 10; 17). Our only hope is in the Person and Work of our Lord.
What do you think righteousness is? Â Let me know 
Simply stated…. Right Living. I like the part in your above definition that says “no one can attain without divine intervention.” So important for us to pray daily that God would help us in living right!
I am grappling with a verse from Galatians 5:5″ For we through the Spirit, by faith, are waiting for the hope of righteousness. ” I thought the work of Christ had already declared us righteous, but it appears as though there is another level which will not be attained til Christ’s return. I quote from Bob Deffinbaugh at Bible.org ” Faith hopes for ultimate and final righteousness (v. 5). The Judaizers promised complete righteousness in ones’ earthly life, beginning with circumcision and achieved with obedience to the Law. Paul spoke of righteousness coming in completeness in the age to come (cf. 1:4), rather than in the present age. Righteousness, of course, should be manifested in our lives in the present, but not sinlessness. Complete righteousness will be ours when Christ comes to take us from this evil age. The Judaizers looked for full righteousness in the present, Paul, in the future.” What I have been grappling with for what seems like my whole Christian life (44years) is , how do I live a Spirit controlled life? I have always attended an evangelical Bible believing church, yet still always feel like I am missing something. Victorious living is probably what one would call it. Any answers?