Luke 1:75 – “In holiness and righteousness before him all our days.”
Extended Explanation
This verse is part of Zechariah’s song of praise, known as the Benedictus, where he describes the result of God’s salvation: a life lived in holiness and righteousness. After being rescued by God (as mentioned in the previous verse), the natural response is to live a life that reflects God’s character. Holiness refers to being set apart for God, living a life that is pure and dedicated to Him. Righteousness involves right living—acting in a way that is morally upright and in alignment with God’s standards.
The phrase “before him” highlights that this isn’t just outward behavior. Holiness and righteousness are meant to be lived in God’s presence, with a heart that seeks to honor Him. Zechariah adds “all our days” to show that this isn’t temporary—it’s a lifelong response to the grace of God. When God rescues His people, He transforms their lives so that they can live in obedience and faithfulness for the rest of their lives.
Historical Context
The concepts of holiness and righteousness were deeply rooted in Jewish life and worship. In the Old Testament, God called Israel to be a holy nation (Exodus 19:6), set apart from the surrounding nations through obedience to His laws and covenant. Holiness was emphasized through rituals, sacrifices, and moral commands. Righteousness, on the other hand, was about living rightly with God and others, as reflected in the teachings of the law and the prophets.
However, throughout their history, Israel struggled to maintain this standard. They often fell into sin and idolatry, leading to periods of judgment and exile. By the time of Zechariah’s prophecy, many Jews longed for a time when they could fully live out their calling as God’s holy and righteous people. Zechariah’s song points to the coming of the Messiah as the key to making this possible. Through the salvation that the Messiah would bring, God’s people would finally be able to live holy and righteous lives, not through their own strength, but through God’s grace and the power of the Holy Spirit.
Theological Implications
This verse highlights the transforming power of God’s salvation. When God saves His people, He doesn’t just rescue them from their enemies—He changes their hearts and lives. Salvation is about more than being forgiven of sin; it’s about being set apart for a new life that reflects God’s holiness and righteousness.
Holiness and righteousness are not things we achieve on our own. They are the result of God’s work in us. Through salvation, God enables us to live in a way that pleases Him. This verse points to the idea that salvation involves both justification (being made right with God) and sanctification (the process of growing in holiness and righteousness).
Additionally, the phrase “before him” reminds us that our lives are lived in God’s presence. Holiness and righteousness aren’t just about following rules—they’re about having a relationship with God and living in a way that honors Him. This verse challenges us to see our entire lives as an act of worship, where everything we do is done in God’s presence and for His glory.
Literary Analysis
Zechariah’s song is carefully structured to connect God’s past faithfulness to His future promises. The mention of holiness and righteousness follows the theme of God’s covenant, showing that the salvation God provides leads to a transformed life. The use of “before him” emphasizes intimacy and relationship, suggesting that holiness and righteousness are not burdensome obligations but the natural result of being in God’s presence.
The phrase “all our days” reflects the idea of ongoing, lifelong devotion. This isn’t a temporary change or a one-time act—it’s a continuous journey of living for God. The structure of this verse, within the larger context of the Benedictus, shows that holiness and righteousness are both the result of God’s work and the calling of His people.
Biblical Cross-References
- Leviticus 20:26 – “You are to be holy to me because I, the Lord, am holy, and I have set you apart from the nations to be my own.”
- Micah 6:8 – “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
- Psalm 24:3-4 – “Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place? The one who has clean hands and a pure heart.”
- Ephesians 4:24 – “Put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.”
- 1 Peter 1:15-16 – “But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.’”
- Romans 6:22 – “But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life.”
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse is a reminder that salvation isn’t just about what we are saved from—it’s also about what we are saved for. God rescues us from sin so that we can live holy and righteous lives. This doesn’t mean we’re perfect, but it does mean that our lives should be marked by growth in holiness as we seek to reflect God’s character.
Living “in holiness and righteousness before him” means that every aspect of our lives—our actions, words, thoughts, and decisions—should be shaped by our relationship with God. It’s not about legalism or trying to earn God’s approval; it’s about responding to His grace by living in a way that honors Him.
This verse also challenges us to see our lives as a continual act of worship. Serving God “all our days” means that our faith isn’t limited to Sundays or certain religious activities. Every day is an opportunity to live for God and demonstrate His holiness and righteousness to the world.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is the foundation of our holiness and righteousness. He doesn’t demand that we clean ourselves up before coming to Him. Instead, He saves us by His grace and then transforms us through His Spirit. His love is shown in the way He patiently works in our lives, helping us grow in holiness and righteousness over time.
God’s love is also seen in His desire for a relationship with us. The phrase “before him” indicates intimacy—God doesn’t just want outward obedience; He wants our hearts. His love motivates us to live holy and righteous lives, not out of fear, but out of gratitude and love for Him.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus is the key to living in holiness and righteousness. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus provides the way for us to be made right with God (justification) and to be transformed into His image (sanctification). We can’t achieve holiness and righteousness on our own, but through faith in Jesus, we are given His righteousness and empowered by the Holy Spirit to live holy lives.
Jesus’ life is the perfect example of holiness and righteousness. He lived in perfect obedience to the Father and showed us what it means to live a life fully devoted to God. As His followers, we are called to follow His example and rely on His Spirit to help us grow in holiness.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- What does living “in holiness and righteousness before him” look like in your daily life?
- How does understanding that holiness is a result of God’s grace (not your effort) change the way you approach your relationship with Him?
- Are there any areas of your life where you need to grow in holiness or righteousness? How can you invite God to help you in those areas?
- How does knowing that you are living “before him” affect the way you make decisions and interact with others?
- How can you encourage others to live lives of holiness and righteousness without falling into legalism?
Luke 1:75 reminds us that God’s salvation leads to a transformed life. Through His grace, we are called to live in holiness and righteousness before Him, not out of fear or obligation, but out of love and gratitude. As we grow in our relationship with Jesus, we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to reflect God’s character and live lives that bring Him glory—all our days.