This is a question that puzzles me. The early church was taught righteousness because this is the way to the Kingdom of heaven. “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever; A scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Your kingdom. YOU LOVE RIGHTEOUSNESS and hate wickedness; Therefore God, Your God, has anointed You With the oil of gladness more than Your companions.” How do I know the early church was being instructed in righteousness? Paul told Timothy regarding the instruction of righteousness. “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, FOR INSTRUCTION IN RIGHTEOUSNESS, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” So if God’s Kingdom is righteousness, and the scriptures are for instruction in righteousness, why isn’t righteousness taught in the church?
Another thing came to mind. If a new heaven and a new earth are coming where righteousness dwells, why then are we being taught and living in righteousness? “Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.” Isaiah prophesied regarding new heaven and new earth. “For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth; And the former shall not be remembered or come to mind.” John saw a new heaven and new earth. “Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also, there was no more sea.” I am still puzzled why righteousness isn’t being taught even when Jesus came to fulfill righteousness. “Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. And John tried to prevent Him, saying, “I need to be baptized by You, and are You coming to me?” But Jesus answered and said to him, “Permit it to be so now, FOR THUS IT IS FITTING FOR US TO FULFILL ALL RIGHTEOUSNESS.” Then he allowed Him. When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” Do you see why this puzzles me?
I pray that your eyes of understanding be enlightened to righteousness. It’s the way of the Kingdom. “For the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but RIGHTEOUSNESS and PEACE and JOY IN THE HOLY SPIRIT.” Be blessed, my friends.
