Topical Encyclopedia
Righteousness imputed refers to the theological concept where the righteousness of Christ is credited to believers, making them justified before God. This doctrine is central to the understanding of salvation in Christian theology, particularly within Protestant traditions. It emphasizes that righteousness is not earned by human effort but is a gift from God, received through faith in Jesus Christ.
Biblical FoundationThe concept of imputed righteousness is rooted in several key biblical passages. One of the most significant is found in the writings of the Apostle Paul. In
Romans 4:5-6 , Paul states, "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 that righteousness is credited to those who believe, not based on their works but on their faith in God who justifies the ungodly. The example of Abraham is often cited, as Paul explains in
Romans 4:3 , "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness." This demonstrates that from the Old Testament to the New Testament, faith has been the means by which righteousness is imputed to believers.
The Role of FaithFaith is the key element in the imputation of righteousness. It is through faith that believers are united with Christ and receive His righteousness. In
Galatians 3:6-7 , Paul reiterates, "So also, 'Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.' Understand, then, that those who have faith are sons of Abraham." This passage underscores that faith is the defining characteristic of those who are considered righteous before God.
The Work of ChristThe imputation of righteousness is made possible through the work of Jesus Christ. His life, death, and resurrection are the foundation upon which believers are justified. In
2 Corinthians 5:21 , Paul writes, "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 exchange—Christ taking on the sin of humanity and imparting His righteousness to believers—is central to the doctrine of imputed righteousness.
The Experience of the SaintsFor the saints, the imputation of righteousness is a transformative experience. Upon believing, they are declared righteous before God, not based on their own merit but on the righteousness of Christ. This assurance of righteousness brings peace and confidence in their relationship with God.
Romans 5:1 affirms, "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ."
Practical ImplicationsThe imputation of righteousness has profound implications for the life of a believer. It assures them of their standing before God and motivates them to live a life that reflects the righteousness they have received. While their own works do not earn righteousness, the imputed righteousness of Christ inspires a life of gratitude and obedience. As Paul exhorts in
Ephesians 4:24 , "And to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness."
In summary, the doctrine of righteousness imputed is a cornerstone of Christian faith, emphasizing that through belief in Christ, saints are credited with His righteousness, ensuring their justification and eternal relationship with God.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Romans 4:5,11,24But to him that works not, but believes on him that justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
Justification by an Imputed Righteousness;
... carrying misery into the hearts and families of God's saints. ... and personally sin,
nor really and personally righteousness, yet these are imputed to men ...
/.../justification by an imputed righteousness.htm
Christ, the Believer's Wisdom, Righteousness, Sanctification and ...
... perseverance in that obedience is to be imputed to them ... It is true, all saints will
not have the ... made to you of God, wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and ...
/.../christ the believers wisdom righteousness.htm
The Lord Our Righteousness
... he was asked, "Unto which of the saints wilt thou ... in our own righteousness, or we
cannot have a true ... of it; not in the place of imputed righteousness, but as ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 20 the lord our.htm
The Righteousness of Christ, an Everlasting Righteousness
... Then speak a word to saints and sinners. ... It is what all reformed divines, that have
clear heads and ... you ask me, what I mean by an imputed righteousness, not to ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/the righteousness of christ an.htm
Jehovah Tsidkenu: the Lord Our Righteousness
... takes away our sin, so the merit of his obedience is imputed to us ... been worked up
into the fine linen, which is the righteousness of the saints, had been ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/jehovah tsidkenu the lord our.htm
Justification
... without us; not any righteousness inherent, but imputed. ... which justifies them is
a perfect righteousness. ... but God having publicly justified his saints, he will ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/3 justification.htm
The Lord Our Righteousness
... blasphemous to join the intercession of saints with the ... As I have often told you,
so I tell ... text, not only implies Christ's personal righteousness imputed to us ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/the lord our righteousness.htm
Justification
... deny that the obedience of Christ is imputed to us ... our faith, which has Christ and
his righteousness for its ... an approved reputation in the church of the saints. ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 2/justification.htm
Its Results
... may now say "in the LORD have I righteousness ... and immutable standing of His saints
in all ... the preaching of justification by the imputed righteousness of Christ ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the doctrine of justification/10 its results.htm
Knowing that a Man is not Justified by the Work of the Law, but by ...
... It is said that Abraham believed God, and it was imputed to him for righteousness. ...
It is said that in the 11th of Hebrews, the saints are not all spoken of ...
/.../finney/lectures to professing christians/knowing that a man is.htm
Resources
What is the fruit of righteousness in Philippians 1:11? | GotQuestions.orgWhy does Christ's righteousness need to be imputed to us? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the sun of righteousness (Malachi 4:2)? | GotQuestions.orgRighteousness: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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