The Two Kinds of Righteousness

Martin Luther, in 1519, taught that Scripture reveals two kinds of righteousness: the first is “alien” righteousness, which comes solely through faith in Christ and is received entirely as a gift from God, not earned by our own efforts. This imputed righteousness justifies us before God, covering our sins because of Christ’s sacrificial death and resurrection (Romans 3:21-24; 2 Corinthians 5:21). In this sense, believers are made right with God and have the assurance of salvation, not by works but solely by grace.​

The second kind, “proper” righteousness, is our lived response to God’s grace, expressed through love for our neighbor, obedience, and good works (Galatians 5:22-23; Titus 2:12). This righteousness is the natural fruit of our justification—it flows from the relationship established by faith and the indwelling Holy Spirit. Luther emphasized the right relationship: alien righteousness alone reconciles us to God, while proper righteousness is our lived calling in the world, fulfilling God’s design for our lives according to His commands