Practical Righteousness

If we look at Rom. 3, we find the righteousness of God is the constant theme, but if we look at chapter 6, although we find righteousness continually spoken of, it is never the righteousness of God. The reason for the difference is that there are two righteousnesses perfectly distinct: one is God's; the other is the believer's. While in chapter 3 the former is the theme, connected with our standing, in chapter 6 it is the latter, connected with our state. For an instance of these two, let us look for a moment at the first person who is clearly said to have both. We are repeatedly told that Noah was a just and righteous man, and also that he was a preacher of righteousness. We know that he was not a preacher of what we call "the gospel." but that his preaching and practice were characterized by righteousness of walk and way, This is analogous to the righteousness of Rom. 6.