RIGHTEOUSNESS AND JUSTICE
When we look at the definitions of the Hebrew and Greek words translated into English as injustice, iniquity and unrighteousness, we see that they have common meanings. Injustice can also be translated as iniquity, and unrighteousness can be translated as injustice and iniquity. We conclude from this observation that these words all mean the same thing: They represent the polar opposite of justice.

When we look at the meaning of justice, we find that it sets the standard for what is right. This explains why God so often combines justice and righteousness in one thought. Taking the analysis one step further, we can say that justice and righteousness are the standards (i.e. marks) by which God judges sin. They are also the standards by which people should judge sin.

God’s standard of righteousness can be found only in New Covenant disciples who know how to listen to God’s spoken voice. Old/First Covenant religionists do not meet this standard because they listen to false prophets. God calls this sin.

New Covenant disciples practice justice and righteousness because they have corrected (i.e. done, administered) the wrong relationship that exists between themselves and God. They are justified when they return to listening to God’s spoken voice.

But they do not relax because they are personally justified in their relationship with God. They also think of themselves as warriors in God’s army that intercedes between people who are still religious and engage in spiritual warfare by speaking with God’s voice to reconcile those religious people to a proper, right relationship to God.

In other words, after they practice justice and righteousness in themselves, they do it for others. By helping others escape from religion, and learn how to hear God’s spoken voice, they show that they remember that they were once slaves to it and have compassion on people who are still enslaved to it. When they do this, they do justice.