Topical Bible: Righteousness Imputed: Saints: Exalted in Righteousness

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Definition and Theological Context:
Righteousness imputed refers to the Christian doctrine that the righteousness of Jesus Christ is credited to believers, allowing them to be justified before God. This concept is central to the doctrine of justification by faith, where believers are declared righteous not by their own works but through faith in Christ. This imputed righteousness is a gift from God, received through faith, and is foundational to the believer's standing before God.

Biblical Foundation:
The doctrine of imputed righteousness is rooted in several key biblical passages. Romans 4:5-6 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 the principle that righteousness is credited to the believer through faith, not by works.

2 Corinthians 5:21 further elucidates this concept: "God made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God." Here, the apostle Paul explains the great exchange where Christ takes on the sin of humanity, and in return, believers receive His righteousness.

Saints Exalted in Righteousness:
The saints, or believers, are exalted in righteousness through this imputation. This exaltation is not a result of their own merit but is entirely due to the righteousness of Christ being accounted to them. Philippians 3:9 captures this truth: "And be found in Him, not having my own righteousness from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness from God on the basis of faith."

The exaltation of the saints in righteousness is both a present reality and a future hope. In the present, believers are seen as righteous before God, enabling them to live in a manner that reflects their new identity in Christ. This is evident in Ephesians 4:24 , which exhorts believers to "put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness."

In the eschatological sense, the exaltation of the saints will be fully realized in the life to come. Revelation 19:8 describes the saints in their glorified state: "She was given clothing of fine linen, bright and pure. For the fine linen she wears is the righteous acts of the saints." This imagery signifies the ultimate exaltation and vindication of the saints, clothed in the righteousness of Christ.

Practical Implications:
The imputation of righteousness has profound implications for the life of the believer. It assures them of their standing before God, providing a foundation for peace and confidence in their relationship with Him. Romans 5:1 affirms, "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ."

Moreover, this imputed righteousness motivates believers to pursue holiness and live out their faith in practical ways. As recipients of Christ's righteousness, they are called to reflect His character in their daily lives, striving to live in a manner worthy of their calling (Ephesians 4:1).

In summary, the doctrine of righteousness imputed is a cornerstone of Christian theology, emphasizing the grace of God in justifying sinners through faith in Christ. The saints, exalted in this righteousness, are called to live out their identity in Christ, both now and in the hope of future glory.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 89:16
In your name shall they rejoice all the day: and in your righteousness shall they be exalted.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Thoughts Upon the Appearance of Christ the Sun of Righteousness ...
... Saviour in the World, he is exalted far above ... nature with that which the glorified
Saints in Heaven ... righteous before God, by his Righteousness imputed to them. ...
/.../private thoughts upon a christian life/thoughts upon the appearance of.htm

The Wedding Garment
... name, person, and work of his exalted Son. ... the figure is sometimes applied to saints
in reference ... the idea that they possess imputed righteousness, while they ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/the wedding garment.htm

Christ Exalted
... and the guilt of all his elect was imputed to him. ... The sons of righteousness that
have turned many to God ... he has eminent glories, in which the saints must not ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/christ exalted.htm

The Fourfold Treasure
... Not only is Christ's righteousness imputed to me, but ... Righteousness and sanctification
must always go together, and ... then the bodies of his saints, which have ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/the fourfold treasure.htm

Introduction
... First the saints are reminded of the exceeding riches of God's ... It is called "man's
righteousness" (Job 33:26) because it was paid for him and imputed to him ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the doctrine of justification/1 introduction.htm

Christ's Priestly Office
... hand in the service of the state, and so obtained his pardon: thus, when Satan accuses
the saints, or when ... Guilt is remitted and righteousness is imputed. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/4 christs priestly office.htm

Twenty Third Sunday after Trinity Enemies of the Cross of Christ ...
... of all the Jews and pious saints who are ... any merit on our part, righteousness is
imputed to us ... Yet the apostle terms human righteousness "filth," and says it ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/twenty third sunday after trinity.htm

So Likewise Ye, when Ye Shall have done all those Things
... life; for God defers most rewards until He glorifies saints after this ... Paul, then,
says that he is blessed to whom righteousness is imputed through faith in ...
/.../melanchthon/the apology of the augsburg confession/part 10 so likewise ye.htm

Christ --Perfect through Sufferings
... We know that the saints, without our saying it ... After sin is washed away, and
righteousness imputed, we yet want ... blood, in the glory of his righteousness, in the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 8 1863/christperfect through sufferings.htm

A Persuasive to Steadfastness
... thus saved from sin, and righteousness is imputed to us ... shall be a door-mat for the
saints to wipe ... them: not hungering and thirsting after righteousness as of ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 18 1872/a persuasive to steadfastness.htm