RIGHTEOUSNESS
righteousness
(noun) adhering to moral principles
Source: WordNet® 3.1
Etymology
Noun
righteousness (countable and uncountable, plural righteousnesses)
(uncountable) The quality or state of being righteous.
(uncountable, theology) Holiness; conformity of life to the divine law.
Synonyms: rectitude, uprightness, holiness, godliness, equity, justice, rightfulness, integrity, honesty, faithfulness
(countable) A righteous act, or righteous quality.
The act or conduct of one who is righteous.
(theology) The state of being right with God; justification; the work of Christ, which is the ground justification.
Source: Wiktionary
Right"eous*ness, n. Etym: [AS. rihtwisnes.]
1. The quality or state of being righteous; holiness; purity;
uprightness; rectitude.
Note: Righteousness, as used in Scripture and theology, in which it
chiefly occurs, is nearly equivalent to holiness, comprehending holy
principles and affections of heart, and conformity of life to the
divine law.
2. A righteous act, or righteous quality.
All our righteousnesses are as filthy rags. Isa. lxiv. 6.
3. The act or conduct of one who is righteous.
Blessed are they that keep judgment, and he that doeth right at all
times. Ps. cvi. 3.
4. (Theol.)
Definition: The state of being right with God; justification; the work of
Christ, which is the ground justification.
There are two kinds of Christian righteousness: the one without us,
which we have by imputation; the other in us, which consisteth of
faith, hope, and charity, and other Christian virtues. Hooker.
Only for the righteousness of Christ imputed to us, and received by
faith alone. Westminster Catechism.
Syn.
– Uprightness; holiness; godliness; equity; justice; rightfulness;
integryty; honesty; faithfulness.
Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition