Righteousness and Justification; Discerning Good and Evil

“You Sit on a Throne of Lies” said Buddy the Elf to the imposter Santa. That line from the movie “Elf” makes me laugh.  This should be our accusation to the devil.  The devil sits on a throne of lies; and yet we hardly ever talk about him or accuse him in the Church.  It’s almost as if we think if we forget about him he will forget about us.  Or maybe we are superstitious and think if we speak about him we’ll come under attack bringing evil spirits into our lives.  Actually we may have completely talked ourselves out of this enemy in the church and by doing so the world then blames God the Creator for all bad things.  What a clever plan. Then the devil can do whatever he wants without being stopped by us.

The mature believers exercise themselves in the knowledge of good and evil, they understand the difference and live a godly life.  Righteousness makes it available to live godly in Christ on earth.  The Bible seems to contrast between righteousness and evil.  If we fail to point out evil, the devil can go unnoticed in the lives of others. Jesus’ death brought the ability for us to live righteous and justified; we couldn’t have done it on our own.  After we receive Him as Lord, we are then encouraged by the Holy Spirit to live better than we were. Let’s look at some ideas about righteousness and sin.

1 John 3:8 He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.KJV

People are to resist sin and the devil so that we are not taken captive.

James 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.KJV

2 Tim 2:26 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.KJV

Eph 4:27 Neither give place to the devil.KJV

Eph 6:11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.KJV

Soon satan will be bruised under our feet, but for now we are not to be ignorant.

Rom 16:20 And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.KJV

2 Cor 2:11 Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.KJV

2 Cor 11:14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.KJV

2 Cor 11:3But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.KJV

Let’s keep that last phrase in mind, “your minds corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ”, as we will come back to that concept.  Jesus will destroy satan, and those who choose to work with satan, rather than change kingdoms to Jesus’ kingdom.  This is why we should be pointing fingers at the devil when disasters happen, or when men inspired by evil, commit terrorist acts.  Pointing a finger publicly at the devil may cause some to scoff, but really those who hear the truth may then investigate salvation.

2 Thes 2:8-10 And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:9 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness[93] in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.KJV

Since the devil inspires people to do things that are unrighteous, we should explore what that is.

NT:93 adikia (ad-ee-kee'-ah); from NT:94; (legal) injustice (properly, the quality, by implication, the act); morally, wrongfulness (of character, life or act):KJV - iniquity, unjust, unrighteousness, wrong.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

NT:94 adikos (ad'-ee-kos); from NT:1 (as a negative particle) and NT:1349; unjust; by extension wicked; by implication, treacherous; specially, heathen:KJV - unjust, unrighteous.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

2 Thess 2:10-12 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness[93] in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness[93].KJV

Sometimes people choose to enjoy unrighteousness, they then are given over to it, and no matter how much truth they hear, they are under the delusion that they should be “allowed” to continue in their unrighteous ways.  These people in turn start a campaign to recruit others to their way of thinking.  The Christians should be praying and binding the move of the enemy and the evil being promoted. The leaders of evil won’t be able to hear the truth because they are under strong delusion, but by warring prayer, they won’t be able to sway more people to their unrighteousness. 

2 Peter 2:9 The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust [94]unto the day of judgment to be punished: KJV

If you are tempted by an evil campaign, spurred on by deluded people, take hope in Christ who overcame the evil one

1 Cor 6:9-10 Know ye not that the unrighteous [94]shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.KJV

This is why we loudly proclaim there is a devil, and that sin keeps one from the kingdom of God. If unrighteousness is excluded from the presence of God, we should look at the opposite of unrighteousness, righteousness and justification to see what Christ did for us.  Let’s start backward, close to the end of this age, where we see the Bride of Christ adorned in righteousness.

Rev 19:7-8 Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.8 And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness [1345] of saints.KJV

Jesus, Faithful and True, judges the world in righteousness. Righteousness is rewarded with a fine white garment to the Bride. As we will see, the simplicity of Christ is always made complicated by people who have a hard time accepting simplicity.

Rev 19:11 And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness [1343] he doth judge and make war.KJV

As we looked at 1 John 3:8 in regard to sin and being from the devil, let’s look at it in context. The contrast of sin and righteousness is important.

1 John 3:7-10 Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness [1343] is righteous[1342], even as he is righteous [1342].8 He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.9 Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.10 In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness [1343] is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.KJV

Let’s look at some definitions for righteousness and justification so that we can make sense of what John wrote both in Revelation and in 1 John. Sometimes we think we know the meaning of a word but our culture may have changed or skewed our understanding.  Therefore, looking at a definition helps to bring better understanding from the writers’ point of view.

NT:1342 dikaios (dik'-ah-yos); from NT:1349; equitable (in character or act); by implication, innocent, holy (absolutely or relatively):KJV - just, meet, right (-eous).

NT:1342 dikaios, dikaia, dikaion  righteous, observing divine and human laws; one who is such as he ought to be 1. in a wide sense, upright, righteous, virtuous, keeping the commands of God  a. universally: Matt 1:19  b. the negative idea predominating: innocent, faultless, guiltless,  c. preeminently, of him whose way of thinking, feeling, and acting is wholly conformed to the will of God, and who therefore needs no rectification in heart or life Acts 7:52  d. contextually, approved God, acceptable to God, Rom 5:19  2. In a narrower sense, rendering to each his due; and that in a judicial sense, passing just judgment on others, Titus 1:8

NT:1343 dikaiosune (dik-ah-yos-oo'-nay); from NT:1342; equity (of character or act); specially (Christian) justification:KJV - righteousness.

NT:1343 dikaiosunee, dikaiosunees, hee  the virtue or quality or state of one who is dikaios;  1. in the broad sense, the state of him who is such as he ought to be, righteousness  a. universally: the doctrine concerning the way in which man may attain to a state approved of God, Heb 5:13  b. integrity, virtue, purity of life, uprightness, correctness in thinking, feeling, and acting: Matt 3:15  c. in the writings of Paul hee dikaiosunee has a peculiar meaning, opposed to the views of the Jews and Judaizing Christians.2. in a closer sense, justice, or the virtue which gives each one his due 2 Peter 1:1(from Thayer's Greek Lexicon, Electronic Database. Copyright © 2000, 2003, 2006 by Biblesoft, Inc. All rights reserved.)

NT:1344 dikaioo (dik-ah-yo'-o); from NT:1342; to render (i.e. show or regard as) just or innocent: KJV - free, justify (-ier), be righteous.

NT:1345 dikaioma (dik-ah'-yo-mah); from NT:1344; an equitable deed; by implication, a statute or decision:KJV - judgment, justification, ordinance, righteousness.

NT:1346 dikaios (dik-ah'-yoce); adverb from NT:1342; equitably:KJV - justly, (to) righteously (-ness).(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

NT:1347 dikaiosis (dik-ah'-yo-sis); from NT:1344; aquittal (for Christ's sake):KJV - justification.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

NT:1347 dikaioosis, dikaiooseoos, hee the act of God's declaring men free from guilt and acceptable to him Rom 4:25(from Thayer's Greek Lexicon, Electronic Database. Copyright © 2000, 2003, 2006 by Biblesoft, Inc. All rights reserved.)

There are a few Greek words that relate to righteousness and justification.  As we read the definitions, we can see how closely these ideas are to one another.  Overall we see righteousness/justification contrasted to evil. It is black and white.

Heb 5:13-14 For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness [1343]: for he is a babe.14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.KJV

If we are young believers in Jesus, we may be unskillful in the word of righteousness. The Amplified gives us a little better understanding of being unskilled in the logos of righteousness.  It implies conformity to the will of God.

Heb 5:13 For everyone who continues to feed on milk is obviously inexperienced and unskilled in the doctrine of righteousness (of conformity to the divine will in purpose, thought, and action), for he is a mere infant [not able to talk yet]! AMP

If we are infants in Christ, we are not yet changing into God’s will for our lives.  But when we are mature, we are allowing God’s will to change us into being better and living better. The Holy Spirit in us helps us grow up in our thoughts and actions. We learn to discern good and evil. The word of righteousness is speaking about right living. When we first come to Jesus we have our old man ways and have to work at right living, even though God loves us just as we are. As we mature, right living becomes easier, and we gain insights and knowledge as we continue in the words of righteousness.

2 Tim 3:16-17 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness [1343]:17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.KJV

The Bible is for instruction in righteousness, so that we can be perfect, through and through.  That seems simple enough.

Titus 2:12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously[1346], and godly, in this present world; KJV

Here is the contrast; this is how the Bride gets clothed in righteousness, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts.

Matt 5:6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness [1343]: for they shall be filled.KJV

Jesus mentions that those who live for becoming righteous are going to be filled.  If we desire it, we will be able to live it.  That is a very important key. 

Matt 5:10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' [1343]sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.KJV

Also, we are persecuted for living righteousness, and yet that is something that makes us eligible for the kingdom of heaven, but there is no turning back.

2 Peter 2:20-22 For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.21 For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness [1343], than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.22 But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.KJV

There would seem to be simplicity to righteousness, the mature speak it, and desire it.  The Bible gives instructions regarding it so that we can live it, and we will be persecuted for living it.  As we mature, we learn the difference between good and evil. There is a crown given for loving His appearing.

2 Tim 4:7-8 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness [1343], which the Lord, the righteous [1342] judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.KJV

Fighting, finishing, keeping the faith, and loving His appearing, gives one a crown of righteousness. It is not only something we will wear on our heads, but something we wear now on our torso.

Eph 6:14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness [1343];KJV

We are to put on righteousness as well as the new man.

Eph 4:24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness [1343]and true holiness.KJV

The New Man is created in righteousness and holiness. We put it on by putting off ungodliness and worldly lusts. When the Holy Spirit comes, he will do some work in the world regarding sin, righteousness, and judgment. 

John 16:8-11 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness[1343], and of judgment:9 Of sin, because they believe not on me;10 Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more;11 Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.KJV

Jesus made righteousness available by going to the Father. He made it available to live, and to succeed at living Godly.

 

Rom 4:25 Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification [1347].KJV

Jesus’ resurrection was for our justification, freeing us from guilt.

Rom 5:16-18 And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification [1347].17 For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness[1342] shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)18 Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness[1345] of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification [1347]of life.KJV

The free gift, given to everyone, is the open door of righteousness for us to walk through.   It is the ability to live Godly in an ungodly world.  Jesus bought back what Adam lost, the ability to live rightly. The more rightly we live the more rewarded we are, with a crown of righteousness and fine linen which is the righteousness of the saints.  Let’s look at some definitions of righteousness/justification.  In Easton’s, when one looks up the word righteousness, it refers us to Justification.  Because the words are the same in the Greek, yet translated as either/or, we have to remember that the words have the same meaning.

JUSTIFICATION

Justification — a forensic term, opposed to condemnation. As regards its nature, it is the judicial act of God, by which he pardons all the sins of those who believe in Christ, and accounts, accepts, and treats them as righteous in the eye of the law, i.e., as conformed to all its demands. In addition to the pardon (q.v.) of sin, justification declares that all the claims of the law are satisfied in respect of the justified. It is the act of a judge and not of a sovereign. The law is not relaxed or set aside, but is declared to be fulfilled in the strictest sense; and so the person justified is declared to be entitled to all the advantages and rewards arising from perfect obedience to the law (Rom 5:1-10).

It proceeds on the imputing or crediting to the believer by God himself of the perfect righteousness, active and passive, of his Representative and Surety, Jesus Christ (Rom 10:3-9). Justification is not the forgiveness of a man without righteousness, but a declaration that he possesses a righteousness which perfectly and forever satisfies the law, namely, Christ's righteousness (2 Cor 5:21; Rom 4:6-8).

The sole condition on which this righteousness is imputed or credited to the believer is faith in or on the Lord Jesus Christ. Faith is called a "condition," not because it possesses any merit, but only because it is the instrument, the only instrument by which the soul appropriates or apprehends Christ and his righteousness (Rom 1:17; 3:25,26; 4:20,22; Phil 3:8-11; Gal 2:16).

The act of faith which thus secures our justification secures also at the same time our sanctification (q.v.); and thus the doctrine of justification by faith does not lead to licentiousness (Rom 6:2-7). Good works, while not the ground, are the certain consequence of justification (6:14; 7:6). (See GALATIANS, EPISTLE TO THE.)

(from Easton's Bible Dictionary, PC Study Bible formatted electronic database Copyright © 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. All rights reserved.)

JUSTIFICATION

The process by which sinful human beings are made acceptable to a holy God.

Justification by Grace. Christianity is unique because of its teaching of justification by grace (Rom 3:24). Justification is God's declaration that the demands of His Law have been fulfilled in the righteousness of His Son. The basis for this justification is the death of Christ. Paul tells us that "God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them" (2 Cor 5:19). This reconciliation covers all sin: "For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified" (Heb 10:14). Justification, then, is based on the work of Christ, accomplished through His blood (Rom 5:9) and brought to His people through His resurrection (Rom 4:25).

When God justifies, He charges the sin of man to Christ and credits the righteousness of Christ to the believer (2 Cor 5:21). Thus, "through one Man's righteous act, the free gift came to all men, resulting in justification of life" (Rom 5:18). Because this righteousness is "the righteousness of God" which is "apart from the law" (Rom 3:21), it is thorough; a believer is "justified from all things" (Acts 13:39). God is "just" because His holy standard of perfect righteousness has been fulfilled in Christ, and He is the "justifier," because this righteousness is freely given to the believer (Rom 3:26; 5:16).

Justification by Faith. Although the Lord Jesus has paid the price for our justification, it is through our faith that He is received and His righteousness is experienced and enjoyed (Rom 3:25-30). Faith is considered righteousness (Rom 4:3,9), not as the work of man (Rom 4:5), but as the gift and work of God (John 6:28-29; Phil 1:29).

The New Testament sometimes seems to speak of justification by works. For example, Jesus spoke of justification (and condemnation) "by your words" (Matt 12:37). Paul said, "the doers of the law will be justified" (Rom 2:13). And James concluded that "a man is justified by works, and not by faith only" (James 2:24).

These statements seem to conflict with Paul's many warnings that "by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight" (Rom 3:20), and that the attempt to be justified through law is equivalent to being "estranged from Christ" and "fallen from grace" (Gal 5:4).

The solution to this problem lies in the distinction between the works of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:16-25). Not only is Christ's righteousness legally accounted to the believer, but Christ also dwells in the believer through the Holy Spirit (Rom 8:10), creating works of faith (Eph 2:10). Certainly God's works may be declared righteous (Isa 26:12). If this is true, then the order of events in justification is grace, faith, and works; or, in other words, by grace, through faith, resulting in works (Eph 2:8-10).

The Results of Justification. The negative result of justification is what we are saved from: "Having now been justified...we shall be saved from wrath" (Rom 5:9). The positive result is what we are saved to: "Whom He justified, these He also glorified" (Rom 8:30).

Paul also notes "peace with God" (Rom 5:1) and access to God's grace (Rom 5:2) as positive benefits. The believer in Christ may look forward to the redemption of his body (Rom 8:23) and an eternal inheritance (Rom 8:17; 1 Peter 1:4).

(from Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Copyright © 1986, Thomas Nelson Publishers)

Here is a very important point, we are not justified or found righteous by the works of the law.  The law cannot, does not, will not, nor ever will, make us righteous or justified.  Following the law can never achieve that point.

Gal 2:16-19 Knowing that a man is not justified[1344] by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified[1344] by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified[1344].17 But if, while we seek to be justified [1344]by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid.18 For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor.19 For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God.KJV

Faith is the only way to receive righteousness and justification. While we have the ability to live righteous or justified, and we are to learn the difference between good and evil, we can only receive it, the initial gift, by faith, not works.  While we work to be better, and attain a crown and white linen, we only receive by faith. Once we receive righteousness by faith, we can discern good and evil, live godly and grow up in Him, yet we don’t follow the law anymore.  The Holy Spirit lives inside us, helping us to live rightly, while the law does not help us attain a crown or linen garment at all.

1 Cor 6:10 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified[1344] in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.KJV

Let’s look at the context in the Amplified.

1 Cor 6:9-11 Do you not know that the unrighteous and the wrongdoers will not inherit or have any share in the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived (misled): neither the impure and immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor those who participate in homosexuality, 10 Nor cheats (swindlers and thieves), nor greedy graspers, nor drunkards, nor foulmouthed revilers and slanderers, nor extortioners and robbers will inherit or have any share in the kingdom of God. 11 And such some of you were [once]. But you were washed clean (purified by a complete atonement for sin and made free from the guilt of sin), and you were consecrated (set apart, hallowed), and you were justified [pronounced righteous, by trusting] in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the [Holy] Spirit of our God. AMP

If you try to do this on your own, following the law, you are not trusting in the Lord Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit.  We may have been among those who will not inherit the kingdom, but now by faith we are cleansed and made whole. The Father and Jesus do not hold anything against us as that was the purpose for Jesus’ death, to bring us to them. The devil may try to accuse us before God but if we are by faith growing in right living, nothing can separate us from the Father or the Son.

Rom 8:30-34 And those whom He thus foreordained, He also called; and those whom He called, He also justified [1344](acquitted, made righteous, putting them into right standing with Himself). And those whom He justified [1344], He also glorified [raising them to a heavenly dignity and condition or state of being]. 31 What then shall we say to [all] this? If God is for us, who [can be] against us? [Who can be our foe, if God is on our side?]  [Ps 118:6.] 32 He who did not withhold or spare [even] His own Son but gave Him up for us all, will He not also with Him freely and graciously give us all [other] things? 33 Who shall bring any charge against God's elect [when it is] God Who justifies[1344] [that is, Who puts us in right relation to Himself? Who shall come forward and accuse or impeach those whom God has chosen? Will God, Who acquits us?] 34 Who is there to condemn [us]? Will Christ Jesus (the Messiah), Who died, or rather Who was raised from the dead, Who is at the right hand of God actually pleading as He intercedes for us? AMP

Sometimes people have a hard time receiving gifts, and in this case that would be a shame.  All along, the intent of God was to make us immortal beings, yet we have a choice.  We can get saved but never grow in right living, that is a milk drinker who does not have the word of righteousness.  Solomon makes it simple for us.

Wisdom 2:22-3:10 As for the mysteries of God, they knew them not: neither hoped they for the wages of righteousness, nor discerned a reward for blameless souls.23 For God created man to be immortal, and made him to be an image of his own eternity.24 Nevertheless through envy of the devil came death into the world: and they that do hold of his side do find it. 3:1 But the souls of the righteous are in the hand of God, and there shall no torment touch them.2 In the sight of the unwise they seemed to die: and their departure is taken for misery,3 And their going from us to be utter destruction: but they are in peace.4 For though they be punished in the sight of men, yet is their hope full of immortality.5 And having been a little chastised, they shall be greatly rewarded: for God proved them, and found them worthy for himself.6 As gold in the furnace hath he tried them, and received them as a burnt offering.7 And in the time of their visitation they shall shine, and run to and fro like sparks among the stubble.8 They shall judge the nations, and have dominion over the people, and their Lord shall reign for ever.9 They that put their trust in him shall understand the truth: and such as be faithful in love shall abide with him: for grace and mercy is to his saints, and he hath care for his elect.10 But the ungodly shall be punished according to their own imaginations, which have neglected the righteous, and forsaken the Lord.KJV

Righteousness and justification are a very interesting study.  As we have seen, we have to receive the ability to live righteously by faith, not by works.  Then we have to continue to grow in it, discerning evil and good, and living our life led by the Holy Spirit.  This is how we can grow into having the word of righteousness.  When we first receive Jesus we are usually a mess, but slowly and steadily we journey with the Holy Spirit to get cleaned up.  We learn to put off bad living, not just physically but emotionally and mentally as well. The Bride then puts on the white linen garment, but those who never get cleaned up do not get to wear the white garment. So we see the Bride comes out of the redeemed. Next we will explore the mysteries of Hell.