Topical Bible: Righteousness Imputed: Saints: Clothed With the Robe of Righteousness

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Definition and Theological Context:

Righteousness imputed refers to the theological concept where the righteousness of Jesus Christ is credited to believers, making them justified before God. This doctrine is central to the understanding of salvation in Christian theology, emphasizing that human beings cannot achieve righteousness through their own efforts but are made righteous through faith in Christ. The imputation of righteousness is a key element of the doctrine of justification by faith, which asserts that believers are declared righteous by God solely on the basis of their faith in Jesus Christ.

Biblical Foundation:

The concept of imputed righteousness is rooted in several key biblical passages. In Romans 4:5-6 , the Apostle Paul writes, "However, to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited as righteousness. And David speaks likewise of the blessedness of the man to whom God credits righteousness apart from works." This passage highlights the principle that righteousness is credited to believers not because of their works, but because of their faith in God.

Another significant passage is 2 Corinthians 5:21 , which states, "God made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God." This verse underscores the exchange that takes place through Christ's atoning sacrifice, where believers are clothed with His righteousness.

Clothed With the Robe of Righteousness:

The imagery of being clothed with righteousness is a powerful metaphor found in Scripture. Isaiah 61:10 declares, "I will rejoice greatly in the LORD; my soul will exult in my God. For He has clothed me with garments of salvation and wrapped me in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom wears a priestly headdress, as a bride adorns herself with her jewels." This verse portrays the transformation and honor bestowed upon the saints, as they are adorned with the righteousness of God, symbolizing purity, acceptance, and divine favor.

In the New Testament, the concept is further illustrated in Revelation 19:8 , where it is said of the bride of Christ, "She was given clothing of fine linen, bright and pure. For the fine linen she wears is the righteous acts of the saints." Here, the fine linen represents the righteous deeds that flow from a life transformed by the imputed righteousness of Christ.

The Role of Faith:

Faith is the means by which believers receive the imputed righteousness of Christ. Romans 3:22 affirms, "And this righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe." Faith is not merely intellectual assent but involves trust and reliance on the finished work of Christ. It is through faith that believers are united with Christ and receive His righteousness as their own.

Implications for the Saints:

The imputation of righteousness has profound implications for the lives of the saints. It assures them of their standing before God, not based on their own merit, but on the perfect righteousness of Christ. This assurance provides a foundation for a life of holiness and obedience, as believers are called to live out the righteousness they have received. Ephesians 4:24 exhorts believers to "put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness."

The doctrine of imputed righteousness also fosters humility and gratitude, as believers recognize that their salvation is entirely a work of God's grace. It encourages a life of worship and service, as the saints respond to the immeasurable gift of being clothed in the righteousness of Christ.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 61:10
I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation, he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Jehovah Tsidkenu: the Lord Our Righteousness
... which is the righteousness of the saints, had been ... that swine do eat, am nevertheless
clothed in the ... in the faith of Christ's imputed righteousness which no ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/jehovah tsidkenu the lord our.htm

Justification by an Imputed Righteousness;
... while carrying misery into the hearts and families of God's saints. ... good things and
bad may sometimes be imputed to men ... If true, then he had not righteousness. ...
/.../justification by an imputed righteousness.htm

The Lord Our Righteousness
... to join the intercession of saints with the ... and, unless Christ's righteousness is
imputed and applied ... free and sovereign grace) the Lord is my righteousness. ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/the lord our righteousness.htm

Letter xiv. Dress.
... when the righteousness of Christ is spoken of, as imputed to Christians ... linen, clean
and white; for the linen is the righteousness of the saints." "For in ...
/.../newcomb/a practical directory for young christian females/letter xiv dress.htm

A Blow at Self-Righteousness
... and that this fuss about a new birth, imputed righteousness, and being ... robed in Christ's
fine linen, which is the righteousness of the saints, are caught up ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/a blow at self-righteousness.htm

Its Results
... in my God; for He hath clothed me with ... thepresent and immutable standing of His saints
in all ... preaching of justification by the imputed righteousness of Christ ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the doctrine of justification/10 its results.htm

The Righteousness of Christ, an Everlasting Righteousness
... righteousness, because all the saints that have ... righteousness, this free, this imputed,
this everlasting ... hast brought an everlasting righteousness into the ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/the righteousness of christ an.htm

The Treasure of Grace
... And yet it is not one but many saints, and many ... The righteousness of Christ is wrapped
about him, and he stands ... for the sinner, but he has no sin imputed to him ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 6 1860/the treasure of grace.htm

Christ --Perfect through Sufferings
... We know that the saints, without our saying it ... Heaven were clothed in sackcloth if
such a discovery ... After sin is washed away, and righteousness imputed, we yet ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 8 1863/christperfect through sufferings.htm

Of Justification by Faith. Both the Name and the Reality Defined.
... Augustine says: "The righteousness of the saints in this ... because the obedience of
Christ is imputed to us ... out of himself, is devoid of righteousness in himself ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 11 of justification by.htm