In the story of Abraham interceding for Sodom, we can see that God values the righteous. Genesis 18: 32 Finally, Abraham said, “Lord, please don’t be angry with me if I speak one more time. Suppose only ten are found there?” And the Lord replied, “Then I will not destroy it for the sake of the ten (righteous).” [1]
But what does it mean to be righteous? “Righteousness is the fulfillment of the expectations in a relationship with God. It stems from a covenantal relationship.”[2] Genesis 15: 6 And Abram believed the Lord, and the Lord counted him as righteous because of his faith. [3] God had given Abraham promises in the covenant, and Abraham willingly believed them and acted accordingly.
Righteousness in the Old Testament
Righteousness is not merely about external compliance with the law but involves a transformation of the heart. God knows the motivation for our actions. 1 Samuel 16: 7b The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart. [4]
The Old Testament points to Jesus, who was God’s answer to the problem of sin. The story of Abraham is just the beginning of the revealing of this plan. The sacrificial system of the Old Testament was only a temporary measure until Jesus came.
Paul Explains Righteousness
Romans 3: 21 But now God has shown us a way to be made right with him without keeping the requirements of the law, as was promised in the writings of Moses and the prophets long ago. 22 We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are.
23 For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. 24 Yet God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins. 25 For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood. This sacrifice shows that God was being fair when he held back and did not punish those who sinned in times past, 26 for he was looking ahead and including them in what he would do in this present time. God did this to demonstrate his righteousness, for he himself is fair and just, and he makes sinners right in his sight when they believe in Jesus.[5]
Righteousness for Us
The entire conversation between Abraham and God in Genesis 18:20-32 highlights that even a small number of righteous individuals can have a significant impact and potentially avert judgment. While Sodom ultimately lacked even ten righteous people, the principle remains that the presence of God’s faithful people is a restraining influence against evil and a source of potential blessing for a community. This encourages us to live as salt and light in the world, knowing our lives matter to God.
To learn more about how God values the Righteous, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/interceding-like-abraham
[1,3-5] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.
[2] Elwell, W. A., & Beitzel, B. J. (1988). Righteousness. In Baker encyclopedia of the Bible (Vol. 2, p. 1860). Baker Book House.