How Does the Non-Imputation of Sin Involve and Imply the Imputation of Righteousness
Romans 4:6-8
Even as David also describes the blessedness of the man, to whom God imputes righteousness without works,…


Because —

I. THERE IS NO VACUUM IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD. As Dean Alford says, "There is no negative state of innocence — none intermediate between acceptance for righteousness and rejection for sin."

II. THE NEGATIVE PROCESS OF REMISSION OF SIN AND THE POSITIVE PROCESS OF IMPUTATION OF RIGHTEOUSNESS ARE REALLY ONE, and only capable of being separated in thought. To say that the bucket has been let down into the well when not dry is the same as to say that the bucket is full of water.

III. BOTH OF THESE PROCESSES PRESUPPOSE EACH OTHER, like the rising of one scale presupposes the falling of the other, and vice versa. Righteousness could not be imputed unless sin be forgiven; while sin could only be forgiven in view of the righteousness provided and imputed.

(C. Neil, M. A.)



Parallel Verses
KJV: Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works,

WEB: Even as David also pronounces blessing on the man to whom God counts righteousness apart from works,




Forgiveness of Sin
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