Which description best reflects the concept of the righteousness of God in Romans?

• A. Righteousness is earned by works.
• B. Righteousness is achieved by ritual acts.
• C. Righteousness is a natural trait every person has.
• D. Righteousness is a gift from God received by faith in Jesus Christ.

Answer: (D)

Righteousness of God in Romans is about God’s holy standard and the way He justifies sinners. It is not earned by works or by ritual acts, nor is it a natural trait anyone possesses. Instead, God offers righteousness as a gift that believers receive by faith in Jesus Christ. Romans shows that all humanity fall short of God’s standard, and the only path to being declared righteous is through faith in Christ—His atoning work credited to the believer, not earned by personal effort. That’s why describing righteousness as a gift from God received by faith in Jesus Christ best captures the teaching.