A Catechism for Girls and Boys

In a revised edition of this catechism, there is a different answer given to this question. I’ve given that one in the first comment on this post and I hope you’ll tell me which answer you think is better.

Part III: Questions about Salvation

93. Q. What is righteousness?
       A. It is God’s goodness as revealed in his law, and as honored in Christ’s perfect obedience to that law. 

 (Click through to read scriptural proof.)

• Exodus 33:19

  And he said, “I will make all my goodness pass before you and will proclaim before you my name ‘The LORD.’ And I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy.

• Exodus 34:6

  The LORD passed before him and proclaimed, “The LORD, the LORD, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness…

• Psalm 33:5

  He loves righteousness and justice;

  the earth is full of the steadfast love of the LORD.

• Hosea 3:5

  Afterward the children of Israel shall return and seek the LORD their God, and David their king, and they shall come in fear to the LORD and to his goodness in the latter days.

• Romans 11:22

  Note then the kindness and the severity of God: severity toward those who have fallen, but God’s kindness to you, provided you continue in his kindness. Otherwise you too will be cut off.

Scripture quoted from the English Standard Version.

Taken from A Catechism for Girls and Boys found here.

Previously posted questions and answers.

Comments

[rebecca]

The revised catechism answer this question like this: It is God’s goodness.

The bits about the law are left off. The scriptural proofs are exactly the same.

Which do you think is better and why?

What do you think of the scriptural proofs? I'll admit I found them a little odd, but I'm not sure I could do better.

[Luma]

If these were the only two I could choose from I would choose: "It is God's goodness." I like this answer because it has a fullness to it. We don't need to articulate (I don't think anyway) what that goodness is in relation to. God's goodness is profound in all of its manifestations.

Regarding the gospel:

Romans 1:17 (regarding the gospel)
"For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, 'The righteous shall live by faith.'" (ESV)

or

"For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: 'The righteous will live by faith.'" (NIV)

[rebecca]

If these were the only two I could choose from I would choose: "It is God's goodness."

Me too. On first glance, it seems like less of an answer, but it actually says more.