This is not the righteousness marked by self-effort and religious acts mentioned earlier, which God rejects. This mention of righteousness comes in the context of "resting from our works," therefore, this is likely a reference to God as He is known in Old Testament scripture: "The Lord our righteousness" (Jeremiah 23:6). As well, Malachi 4:2 is a reference to Jesus: "Unto you who fear my name shall the Sun of Righteousness arise with healing in His wings." May Christ, our righteousness, always go before us.