Topical Bible: Righteousness: Blessedness of Having Imputed, Without Works

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Righteousness, in the biblical context, refers to the state of being morally right or justifiable before God. It is a central theme in Christian theology, particularly in the doctrine of justification by faith. The concept of imputed righteousness, where righteousness is credited to the believer by faith apart from works, is a profound aspect of this doctrine.

Imputed Righteousness in Scripture

The Apostle Paul, in his epistle to the Romans, articulates the principle of imputed righteousness. 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 underscores the idea that righteousness is not earned through human effort but is a gift from God, credited to those who have faith in Him.

The Example of Abraham

Abraham is often cited as the quintessential example of imputed righteousness. Romans 4:3 declares, "For what does the Scripture say? 'Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.'" Abraham's faith, rather than his works, was the basis for his righteousness. This sets a precedent for all believers, illustrating that faith is the key to being deemed righteous before God.

The Role of Faith

Faith is the conduit through which righteousness is imputed. Ephesians 2:8-9 affirms, "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." This passage highlights that salvation and righteousness are gifts from God, received through faith, not as a result of human deeds.

The Blessedness of Imputed Righteousness

The blessedness of having righteousness imputed without works is a theme celebrated in the Psalms. Psalm 32:1-2 proclaims, "Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord does not count against him, and in whose spirit there is no deceit." This blessedness is the joy and peace that come from knowing one's sins are forgiven and that one stands justified before God.

The Assurance of Salvation

Imputed righteousness provides believers with assurance of their salvation. Romans 8:1 assures, "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." This assurance is rooted in the understanding that righteousness is not contingent upon human merit but is a secure standing granted by God through faith in Jesus Christ.

The Transformative Power of Imputed Righteousness

While righteousness is imputed apart from works, it inevitably leads to a transformed life. James 2:17 reminds us, "So too, faith by itself, if it does not result in action, is dead." Genuine faith, which receives imputed righteousness, naturally produces good works as evidence of a changed heart and life.

In summary, the blessedness of having righteousness imputed without works is a cornerstone of Christian faith, emphasizing the grace of God and the centrality of faith in the believer's relationship with Him. This doctrine assures believers of their standing before God and inspires a life of gratitude and obedience.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Romans 4:6
Even as David also describes the blessedness of the man, to whom God imputes righteousness without works,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Righteousness of Works Improperly Inferred from Rewards.
... Having done this act of obedience, he receives the ... works which we enjoy in eternal
blessedness are compared ... Being thus excluded from the righteousness of the ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 18 the righteousness of.htm

Justification by an Imputed Righteousness;
... dead, in newness of life, and having my mind ... as David also describeth the blessedness
of the man to whom God imputeth righteousness without works' (Romans 4 ...
/.../justification by an imputed righteousness.htm

Its Basis
... we read, "David also describeth the blessedness of the ... ourselves, and therefore must
mean the righteousness of Christ ... law-place and stead, and having all their ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the doctrine of justification/4 its basis.htm

Its Meaning
... deserved punishment; and as having that righteousness ... David also describeth the
blessedness of the ... unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works": so that ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the doctrine of justification/2 its meaning.htm

Justification.
... in him, or regards them as having perfectly obeyed ... as David describeth the blessedness
of the ... to whom God imputeth righteousness without works, saying, Blessed ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture xxxvi justification.htm

His Gospel
... that, one way of salvation having failed. ... for example, described "the blessedness
of the man unto whom God imputed righteousness without works." Still more ...
//christianbookshelf.org/stalker/the life of st paul/chapter iv his gospel.htm

Of Justification by Faith. Both the Name and the Reality Defined.
... those whom God embraces are made righteous, is by having their pollutions ... 4:6;
Ps.32:1, 2). There he undoubtedly uses blessedness for righteousness; and as ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 11 of justification by.htm

The Promises of the Law and the Gospel Reconciled.
... Are they desirous of having a viper's birth ... and highest, but the only blessedness,
unless you ... the study of righteousness than fulfill righteousness itself, any ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 17 the promises of.htm

So Likewise Ye, when Ye Shall have done all those Things
... of Christ as Mediator, or of faith having access to ... Rom.4, 6: David also describeth
the blessedness of the ... that he is blessed to whom righteousness is imputed ...
/.../melanchthon/the apology of the augsburg confession/part 10 so likewise ye.htm

Justification by Faith --Illustrated by Abram's Righteousness
... us written in the sacred word as having been spoken ... he was led away from
self-righteousness and the ... blessing of justification he argues the blessedness of ...
/.../justification by faithillustrated by abrams.htm