Righteousness is conformity to the character, will, and standard of God.
Scripture uses the term both for God's own perfect holiness and for the standing granted to believers through faith in Jesus Christ.
Because all people are sinners, no one possesses a righteousness capable of justifying them before God. The gospel declares that God provides righteousness through Christ. His righteousness is credited to those who believe, giving them a right standing before God apart from works.
Righteousness therefore includes both a legal and a practical dimension. Believers are declared righteous in Christ, and they are also called to pursue righteous living as the fruit of their new life.
See in Scripture: Genesis 15:6; Romans 1:16–17; Romans 3:21–26; Romans 4:1–8; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Philippians 3:9