Which biblical verses highlight the relationship between righteousness and access to God?

The relationship between righteousness and access to God is powerfully showcased in the biblical context of Romans 5:18. This verse discusses the significance of righteousness and its implications for humanity, particularly emphasizing how Christ's act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all people. In the broader theological framework, righteousness allows believers to stand before God without condemnation and assures them of their right relationship with Him. This establishes a direct link between being justified—made righteous through faith in Christ—and having access to God.

The other verses offer valuable insights but do not focus specifically on the direct connection between righteousness and access to God in the same way. Philippians 2:10-11 speaks about the exaltation of Christ and every knee bowing, which addresses authority but not righteousness directly. 2 Corinthians 5:21 discusses being made righteous in Christ, yet does not explicitly mention the access aspect as prominently as Romans 5:18. Hebrews 4:16 encourages believers to approach the throne of grace boldly, emphasizing confidence in God's presence rather than detailing the righteousness that allows for that access. Roman 5:18 is thus pivotal in illustrating how righteousness granted through Christ leads to renewed relationship and direct access to God for believers.