Thy Righteousness
Todd Nibert

Psalm 71:16

In Psalm 71:16 David said, "I will make mention of Thy righteousness, even Thine only."

Why did David make an issue of speaking only of God's righteousness? Is he saying the obedience and righteous acts of a believer are of little or of no importance? Is he saying there is no such thing as good works in a believer? No, he is not saying that. All true believers do have good works and righteous acts.

David meant first of all that the imputed righteousness of Christ was the only grounds of a sinner's acceptance before God. Moreover, David also meant that the good works and righteous acts of the believer do not stem from a self-righteousness, but the impartation of God's righteousness.

But I believe what David meant more than anything else was ..... When I examine my acts of righteousness .....I cannot see the difference between my good works and my evil works. My righteousness’s are as filthy rags, and the only hope I have is the righteousness of Christ. This is the only righteousness I feel safe mentioning to God, and this is the only righteousness I feel safe mentioning to men. "I have made mention of Thy righteousness, even Thine only.