Righteousness and God's Image vs. Righteousness and God's Kingdom

 

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.