Section 2
of God is revealed in the gospel. In 3:21 he says that the righteousness of God has been mani fested, and in 3:25 and 26 he speaks of the show ing forth of the righteousness of God. In 5:17 Paul refers to the gift of righteousness and in 5:21 of grace reigning through righteousness. In 8:10 he says that our spirit is life because of right eousness.
These verses indicate that in the book of Romans righteousness is a footing, a standing, a base, for God's dispensation. The dispensation of the Triune God into us is according to God's righteousness. It is not according to the law nor according to virtue. It is uniquely according to the righteousness of God. Psalm 89:14 says that righteousness and justice are the foundation of God's throne (ASV). God's throne is based upon His righteousness. Without righteousness, even God's throne would have no footing. Therefore, righteousness is crucial.
The entire universe rests upon God's right eousness. If suddenly there were no righteous ness, the universe would collapse. Furthermore, the Bible reveals that God's kingdom is built upon righteousness (Heb. 1:8). Human government is also based on at least some measure of righteous ness. For example, if there were no righteousness