Topical Bible: Righteousness: Saints: Have, Imputed

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Definition and Context

Righteousness, in the biblical sense, refers to the quality of being morally right or justifiable. It is a central theme in Christian theology, particularly concerning the relationship between God and humanity. For the saints, or believers, righteousness is not merely a personal attribute but is imputed to them through faith in Jesus Christ. This imputed righteousness is a foundational doctrine in Christian soteriology, emphasizing that believers are declared righteous before God not by their own works but through the righteousness of Christ credited to them.

Biblical Foundation

The concept of imputed righteousness is rooted in several key biblical passages. One of the most significant is found in the writings of the Apostle Paul, who articulates this doctrine with clarity. In Romans 4:5-6 , 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 the principle that righteousness is credited to believers through faith, not through their own efforts or adherence to the law. The example of Abraham, who "believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness" (Romans 4:3), serves as a prototype for all who would come to faith in Christ.

Theological Implications

The imputation of righteousness is a profound theological truth that underscores the grace of God in salvation. It affirms that human beings, tainted by sin, cannot achieve righteousness on their own. Instead, through the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, believers are clothed in His righteousness. This is further elucidated in 2 Corinthians 5:21 : "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 exchange—Christ taking on the sin of humanity and imparting His righteousness to believers—is central to the doctrine of justification. It assures believers of their standing before God, not based on their merit but on the finished work of Christ.

Practical Outworking

The imputed righteousness of the saints has practical implications for their daily lives. It calls them to live in a manner worthy of their calling, reflecting the righteousness they have received. While their righteous standing before God is secure, they are also called to pursue personal holiness and righteousness in their conduct. This is not to earn salvation but as a response to the grace they have received.

Philippians 3:9 captures this dual aspect of righteousness: "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." Believers are thus encouraged to live out their imputed righteousness through acts of love, justice, and mercy, demonstrating the transformative power of the gospel in their lives.

Conclusion

The imputation of righteousness to the saints is a testament to the grace and mercy of God, providing believers with a secure standing before Him. It is a gift received through faith in Jesus Christ, enabling them to live lives that reflect His righteousness and bring glory to God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Romans 4:11,22
And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed to them also:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Justification by an Imputed Righteousness;
... The righteousness of the second Adam, the Lord from heaven ... they were, in the esteem
of God's saints, in a ... before their conversion, nor could Saul have been much ...
/.../justification by an imputed righteousness.htm

The Righteousness of Christ, an Everlasting Righteousness
... Now the righteousness of Jesus Christ, may be called an everlasting righteousness,
because all the saints that have been saved, or that ever will be ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/the righteousness of christ an.htm

The Lord Our Righteousness
... blasphemous to join the intercession of saints with the ... as to his active and passive
obedience, is our righteousness? ... the denying this doctrine, and I have done ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/the lord our righteousness.htm

Christ, the Believer's Wisdom, Righteousness, Sanctification and ...
... to be changed from beasts into saints, and from a ... which is created after God, in
righteousness and true ... to rejoice in the Lord; indeed they have reason always ...
/.../christ the believers wisdom righteousness.htm

Jehovah Tsidkenu: the Lord Our Righteousness
... at the loom, an though the fabric and the stuff which have been worked up into the
fine linen, which is the righteousness of the saints, had been ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/jehovah tsidkenu the lord our.htm

Justification
... our faith, which has Christ and his righteousness for its ... much less through a desire
to "have dominion over ... an approved reputation in the church of the saints. ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 2/justification.htm

Another Mode of Justification
... Law, so everlasting life, together with righteousness, is offered ... that they will
be saved, and have a propitiated ... Paul, and saints like them cannot boast that ...
/.../melanchthon/the apology of the augsburg confession/part 9 another mode of.htm

The Lord Our Righteousness
... he was asked, "Unto which of the saints wilt thou ... the merits of Christ;" would we
have affirmed that ... But in what sense is this righteousness imputed to believers ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 20 the lord our.htm

Article iii: of Love and the Fulfilling of the Law.
... Therefore even the saints have guilt and sins. ... Likewise, the imputation of the
righteousness of the Gospel is from ... we were to think that, after we have come to ...
/.../melanchthon/the apology of the augsburg confession/part 6 article iii of.htm

Letter xiv. Dress.
... is undoubtedly in consequence of sin, that the elements have been turned ... linen, clean
and white; for the linen is the righteousness of the saints." "For in ...
/.../newcomb/a practical directory for young christian females/letter xiv dress.htm