Topical Encyclopedia In the Christian theological framework, the concept of sin not being counted against righteous individuals is deeply rooted in the doctrines of grace, justification, and imputed righteousness. This principle is primarily derived from the teachings of the Apostle Paul and is foundational to understanding the transformative power of faith in Jesus Christ.Biblical Foundation The Apostle Paul, in his epistle to the Romans, articulates the idea that righteousness is credited to those who have faith, apart from works. Romans 4:7-8 states, "Blessed are those whose lawless acts are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord will never count against him." This passage underscores the blessedness of individuals whose sins are forgiven and not counted against them due to their faith in God. Imputed Righteousness Central to this doctrine is the concept of imputed righteousness, where the righteousness of Christ is attributed to believers. This is not based on their own merit but on their faith in Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:21 explains, "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 exchange of sin for righteousness is highlighted, emphasizing that believers are seen as righteous before God because of Christ's sacrificial atonement. Justification by Faith The doctrine of justification by faith is pivotal in understanding why sin is not counted against the righteous. Romans 5:1 declares, "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." Justification is a legal declaration by God, where He pardons sinners and accepts them as righteous, solely based on their faith in Jesus Christ. This justification ensures that their sins are not held against them. Old Testament Foreshadowing The Old Testament also foreshadows this New Testament revelation. In Genesis 15:6 , it is written, "Abram believed the LORD, and it was credited to him as righteousness." Abraham's faith was counted as righteousness, serving as a precursor to the New Testament teaching that righteousness is credited to those who believe. The Role of Grace Grace plays a crucial role in the non-imputation of sin. Ephesians 2:8-9 states, "For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast." Salvation and the non-imputation of sin are acts of divine grace, underscoring that human effort or works cannot achieve righteousness. Practical Implications For believers, the assurance that their sins are not counted against them provides profound peace and freedom. It encourages a life of gratitude, obedience, and holiness, not as a means to earn righteousness, but as a response to the grace received. This assurance also fosters a deeper relationship with God, knowing that their standing before Him is secure through faith in Christ. Conclusion The doctrine that sin is not counted against righteous people is a cornerstone of Christian faith, emphasizing the transformative power of grace and faith. It assures believers of their righteous standing before God, not based on their own deeds, but on the finished work of Jesus Christ. Nave's Topical Index Psalm 32:2Blessed is the man to whom the LORD imputes not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile. Nave's Topical Index Library Forgiven and Unforgiving A Preservative against Unsettled Notions, and Want of Principles ... The Golden Calf And Pilate Said unto the Chief Priests and the Multitude... St. Ambrose Writes in Praise of Gentleness, Pointing Out How ... Trials of the Christian Methodist Articles of Religion. AD 1784. Thanksgiving to God for the Pardon Granted to the Offenders ... Methodists, or the Methodist Episcopal Church. Our Status. Resources What does it mean to be a slave to sin? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the sin nature? | GotQuestions.org What is the worst sin? | GotQuestions.org Sin: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Sin in Believers is a Reproach to the Lord Sin is the Transgression of the Law Sin Money: General Scriptures Concerning Sin: Aggravated by Neglecting Advantages Sin: All Men are Conceived and Born In Sin: All the Imaginations of the Unrenewed Heart Are Sin: Blessings Withheld on Account of Sin: Christ Was Manifested to Take Away Sin: Christ's Blood Cleanses From Sin: Christ's Blood Redeems From Sin: Confusion of Face Belongs to Those Guilty of Sin: Consequences of, Entailed Upon Children Sin: Desert of, a Wilderness Between Elim and Sinai: Counted In Sin: Desert of, a Wilderness Between Elim and Sinai: Manna and Quail Given In Sin: Desert of, a Wilderness Between Elim and Sinai: The Complaint for Bread In Sin: Desert of, a Wilderness Between Elim and Sinai: The People of Israel Journey Through Sin: Entered Into the World by Adam Sin: God Has Opened a Fountain For Sin: God is Provoked to Anger By Sin: God is Provoked to Jealousy By Sin: If we Say That we Have No, we Make God a Liar Sin: Ministers should Warn the Wicked to Forsake Sin: No Escape from the Consequences of Sin: No Man Can Cleanse Himself From Sin: Not Counted Against Righteous People Sin: Omission of What we Know to be Good Is Sin: Paul's Discussion of the Responsibility For Sin: Repugnant to Righteous People Sin: Saints: Abhor Themselves on Account of Sin: Saints: Ashamed of Having Committed Sin: Saints: Have Yet the Remains of, in Them Sin: Saints: Profess to Have Ceased From Sin: Scripture Concludes all Under Sin: Shall Find out the Wicked Sin: should be Avoided Even in Appearance Sin: should be Guarded Against Sin: should be Striven Against Sin: should be Wholly Destroyed Sin: Sometimes Open and Manifest Sin: Specially Strive Against Besetting Sin: The Abominable Thing That God Hates Sin: The Fear of God Restrains Sin: The Ground Was Cursed on Account of Sin: The Holy Spirit Convinces of Sin: The Law by Its Strictness Stirs Up Sin: The Law is the Strength of Sin: The Law is Transgressed by Every Sin: The Law: Curses Those Guilty of Sin: The Law: Gives Knowledge of Sin: The Law: Made to Restrain Sin: The Law: Shows Exceeding Sinfulness of Sin: The Thought of Foolishness Is Sin: The Wicked: Cannot Cease From Sin: The Wicked: Defy God in Committing Sin: The Wicked: Delight in Those Who Commit Sin: The Wicked: Encourage Themselves In Sin: The Wicked: Encouraged In, by Prosperity Sin: The Wicked: Expect Impunity In Sin: The Wicked: Guilty of, in Everything They Do Sin: The Wicked: Led by Despair to Continue In Sin: The Wicked: Make a Mock At Sin: The Wicked: Plead Necessity For Sin: The Wicked: Shall Bear the Shame of Sin: The Wicked: Tempt Others To Sin: The Wicked: Throw the Blame of, on God Sin: The Wicked: Throw the Blame of, on Others Sin: The Wicked: Try to Conceal, from God Sin: The Word of God Keeps From Sin: Toil and Sorrow Originated In Sin: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To, Defining and Illustrating Sin: we should Pray to God: To Cleanse Us From Sin: we should Pray to God: To Deliver Us From Sin: we should Pray to God: To Forgive Our Sin: we should Pray to God: To Keep Us From Sin: we should Pray to God: To Make Us Know Our Sin: we should Pray to God: To Search For, in Our Hearts Sin: Whatever is not of Faith Is Sin: when Finished Brings Forth Death Related Terms Sin-offering (115 Occurrences) |
    |