Topical Encyclopedia
Righteousness imputed refers to the theological concept where the righteousness of Christ is credited to believers, allowing them to be seen as righteous before God. This doctrine is central to the understanding of salvation and justification in Christian theology, particularly within Protestant traditions. The imputation of righteousness is not based on the believer's own works or merits but is a gift of grace through faith in Jesus Christ.
Biblical FoundationThe 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 that righteousness is credited to believers through faith, not through their own efforts.
Similarly,
2 Corinthians 5:21 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 in His righteousness.
Saints and the Glory of Imputed RighteousnessFor the saints, the imputation of righteousness is a source of profound glory and assurance. It signifies their acceptance before God and their status as His children. This righteousness is not merely a legal declaration but transforms the believer's identity and standing before God.
In
Philippians 3:9 , Paul expresses his desire to "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." This verse reflects the glory that saints find in possessing a righteousness that is not their own but is granted through faith in Christ.
The Transformative Power of Imputed RighteousnessThe imputed righteousness of Christ empowers believers to live lives that reflect their new identity. While their righteous standing before God is secure, this imputed righteousness also motivates them to pursue holiness and godliness. In
Ephesians 4:24 , Paul exhorts believers to "put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness."
The Assurance and Hope of Imputed RighteousnessThe doctrine of imputed righteousness provides believers with assurance of their salvation and hope for eternal life.
Romans 8:1 declares, "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." This assurance stems from the fact that believers are covered by the righteousness of Christ, ensuring their acceptance before God.
Furthermore, the hope of future glory is tied to this imputed righteousness. In
Romans 8:30 , Paul writes, "And those He predestined, He also called; those He called, He also justified; those He justified, He also glorified." The imputation of righteousness is part of the believer's journey toward ultimate glorification with Christ.
ConclusionThe imputation of righteousness is a cornerstone of the Christian faith, providing believers with a secure standing before God and a source of glory and hope. Through faith in Christ, saints are credited with His righteousness, transforming their identity and empowering them to live in a manner worthy of their calling.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Isaiah 45:24,25Surely, shall one say, in the LORD have I righteousness and strength: even to him shall men come; and all that are incensed against him shall be ashamed.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
Justification by an Imputed Righteousness;
... while carrying misery into the hearts and families of God's saints. ... in this treatise,
have ever produced glory to God ... JUSTIFICATION BY AN IMPUTED RIGHTEOUSNESS. ...
/.../justification by an imputed righteousness.htm
The Lord Our Righteousness
... I have somewhat whereof I may glory in myself ... if we deny the doctrine of an imputed
righteousness, whatever we ... you that you must intercede with saints, for them ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/the lord our righteousness.htm
Christ, the Believer's Wisdom, Righteousness, Sanctification and ...
... Who of God is made unto us righteousness', does not ... his perseverance in that obedience
is to be imputed to them ... for the body; the bodies of the saints in this ...
/.../christ the believers wisdom righteousness.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
Jehovah Tsidkenu: the Lord Our Righteousness
... which is the righteousness of the saints, had been ... Glory unto thee, O Jesus, glory
unto thee! ... a comfort in the faith of Christ's imputed righteousness which no ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/jehovah tsidkenu the lord our.htm
The Lord Our Righteousness
... asked, "Unto which of the saints wilt thou ... done and suffered, for pardon, grace,
and glory. ... the expression in question, " imputed righteousness; and often ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 20 the lord our.htm
The Righteousness of Christ, an Everlasting Righteousness
... called an everlasting righteousness, because all the saints that have ... the pulpit;
I now offer this righteousness, this free, this imputed, this everlasting ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/the righteousness of christ an.htm
Justification by Faith --Illustrated by Abram's Righteousness
... to enter into controversy as to imputed righteousness this morning ... why he was led
away from self-righteousness and the ... All the saints must smart before they sing ...
/.../justification by faithillustrated by abrams.htm
Sweet Comfort for Feeble Saints
... hard for your daily bread; do it to his glory. ... no other garments, save Jesus' doings,
and his imputed righteousness. ... less than the least of all saints," can be ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/sweet comfort for feeble saints.htm
On the Justification of Man Before God
... assert, that the works of the Saints cannot stand ... an accommodated sense be denominated
"imputed," as either being that which is righteousness in God's ...
/.../the works of james arminius vol 1/disputation 19 on the justification.htm
Resources
What does it mean that “righteousness and peace kiss each other” in Psalm 85:10? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is righteousness? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the breastplate of righteousness (Ephesians 6:14)? | GotQuestions.orgRighteousness: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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