"In speaking of the angels he says, "He makes his angels winds, his servants flames of fire." But about the Son he says, "Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever, and righteousness will be the scepter of your kingdom” (Hebrews 1:7-8)

I grew up watching old movies. My parents had a love for the classics from the forties and fifties, and on weekends, they would occasionally rent a VCR and bring home a few films. I remember the way kings were always portrayed. You could never miss them. They were adorned with a crown, a robe, a signet ring, and, of course, a scepter. These objects weren't just for show; they spoke of the king's position, his authority, and his very identity.

This is the kind of royal picture the writer of Hebrews paints for us of Jesus. Looking at this passage, you cannot miss the kinghood of Christ. The writer draws a stark contrast to show Jesus’s clear superiority over the angels, who are described as mere servants in His kingdom. On one hand, you have angels who minister and serve. On the other, you have the Lord Jesus, seated on a throne at the right hand of God, taking His rightful place of glory and honor. Just like in those old movies, there is no mistaking the King.

The Scepter of His Kingdom

The passage tells us two profound things about Jesus’s rule. First, His throne is eternal—it will last forever and ever. But it’s the second detail that gives us a deep insight into His character: "a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom." In ancient times, a scepter was a symbolic staff held by a monarch, often topped with an ornament that signified the nature of their rule. It was a visual representation of their kingship and what their kingdom was all about.

How wonderful is it to know that the very symbol of Jesus’s kingship is righteousness? To fully appreciate this, we need to understand what the Bible means by "righteousness." The Greek word, dikaiosune, describes the character or quality of being right or just. It points to something that is consistent with God's own perfect nature and His promises. It is the quality of holiness in Him that is faithful, true, and unwavering. In essence, Jesus’s entire rule and reign are characterized by what is perfectly right and holy. He values truth and faithfulness above all else, and these attributes form the very foundation of His eternal kingdom.

A Righteousness We Receive

Since Christ's kingdom is built on righteousness, it makes sense that its subjects must also hold to this standard. This is where we often encounter a problem. Jesus once told a crowd, "unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 5:20). This must have been a shocking statement. The Pharisees were the most devoutly religious people of their day, meticulously following every rule.

The prophet Isaiah offers a similar perspective, stating that "all our righteous acts are like filthy rags" (Isaiah 64:6). Both Jesus and Isaiah were pointing to the issue of self-righteousness—the things we do in our own strength to try and be right with God. The truth is, our best efforts will never measure up. God's standard of righteousness is perfect, and it is far superior to anything we are capable of achieving on our own.

This is where the good news of the gospel shines so brightly. Jesus offers His own perfect righteousness to us as a free gift. The Apostle Paul explains it this way: "But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known... This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus" (Romans 3:21-24).

By believing in Jesus, we are brought into a right relationship with God. This is not a righteousness we can earn through obedience or personal merit. Instead, when we place our trust in Christ, we are given His perfect record. As 2 Corinthians 5:21 says, "God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." Through faith in Jesus, we become everything God requires us to be but could never become on our own. What an amazing exchange!

Righteousness is the scepter of Jesus's kingdom, and we are invited to become citizens through faith. One day, when we join the great celebration in heaven at the wedding supper of the Lamb, this reality will be on full display. John describes it in Revelation: "Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear. (Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of God’s holy people)" (Revelation 19:8). How wonderful to know that we have been included in Christ's everlasting kingdom, all through faith, and that we can look forward to the day when we will see Him face to face, reigning in perfect righteousness forever.

Personal Reflection Questions

1. How does receiving Jesus’s righteousness affect how you view your efforts and relationship with God?

2. What does belonging to a kingdom defined by righteousness mean for your sense of peace or confidence?

3. How does knowing God sees you through Jesus’s perfection shape your self-image?