Topical Bible: Righteousness Imputed: Abraham

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Introduction

The concept of righteousness imputed is a foundational doctrine in Christian theology, particularly in the context of the life of Abraham. This doctrine refers to the belief that God credits righteousness to individuals not based on their works but through faith. Abraham, the patriarch of Israel, is a central figure in understanding this theological principle, as his life and faith are frequently cited in both the Old and New Testaments as the archetype of imputed righteousness.

Biblical Account

The narrative of Abraham's imputed righteousness begins in Genesis. In Genesis 15:6 , it is written, "Abram believed the LORD, and it was credited to him as righteousness." This verse is pivotal, as it marks the moment when Abraham's faith in God's promises was recognized as righteousness. The context of this declaration is God's covenant with Abraham, where God promises him numerous descendants and a land for his offspring.

Theological Significance

The imputation of righteousness to Abraham is not based on his adherence to the law or his moral perfection but solely on his faith. This principle is further expounded in the New Testament, particularly in the writings of the Apostle Paul. In Romans 4:3 , Paul reiterates, "For what does the Scripture say? 'Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.'" Paul uses Abraham's example to illustrate that righteousness comes through faith, not works, making Abraham the father of all who believe, both Jew and Gentile.

Pauline Interpretation

In Romans 4, Paul elaborates on the nature of Abraham's faith and its implications for believers. He argues that if Abraham was justified by works, he would have something to boast about, but not before God (Romans 4:2). Instead, it is through faith that Abraham is justified, setting a precedent for the doctrine of justification by faith alone. Paul emphasizes that this righteousness was credited to Abraham before the law was given and before he was circumcised, underscoring that it is faith, not law or ritual, that justifies.

James' Perspective

The Epistle of James also references Abraham's faith, providing a complementary perspective. In James 2:21-23 , it states, "Was not our father Abraham justified by what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? You see that his faith was working with his actions, and his faith was perfected by what he did. And the Scripture was fulfilled that says, 'Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,' and he was called a friend of God." James highlights that genuine faith is evidenced by actions, suggesting that while righteousness is imputed through faith, true faith is never without works.

Legacy and Application

Abraham's imputed righteousness serves as a model for believers, illustrating that faith is the means by which one is made right with God. This doctrine assures Christians that their standing before God is not dependent on their own righteousness but on the righteousness of Christ, which is credited to them through faith. Abraham's example encourages believers to trust in God's promises and to live out their faith through obedience and action, reflecting the transformative power of imputed righteousness in their lives.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Romans 4:9,22
Comes this blessedness then on the circumcision only, or on the uncircumcision also? for we say that faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Galatians 3:6
Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Righteousness.
... The apostle says that a certain thing was imputed to Abraham for righteousness;
or, as the revised version has it, 'reckoned unto him:' what was it that was ...
//christianbookshelf.org/macdonald/unspoken sermons/righteousness.htm

The Righteousness of Christ is not Imputed to us for Righteousness ...
... of believing, is imputed for righteousness." Thus it is said in the third verse,
"Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness; that is ...
/.../the works of james arminius vol 1/article xxiv iv the righteousness.htm

Justification
... without us; not any righteousness inherent, but imputed. ... the earth as for justification
in our own righteousness. ... Abraham was a regenerate man; but Abraham was ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/3 justification.htm

Perfect Righteousness was Conferred Neither by Circumcision nor by ...
... shows," that Abraham himself, without circumcision and without observance of Sabbaths,
"believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness; and he ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xvi perfect righteousness was conferred.htm

Justification by an Imputed Righteousness;
... in the works of Christ, and that is imputed both by ... Where, now, is room for man's
righteousness, either in the ... 'What shall we then say that Abraham, our father ...
/.../justification by an imputed righteousness.htm

The Lord Our Righteousness
... righteousness imputed to her) The Lord our righteousness." A passage, I think, worthy
of the profoundest meditation of all the sons and daughters of Abraham. ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/the lord our righteousness.htm

Salvation
... not that the Lord's righteousness was imputed to these ... My righteousness shall sustain
me, and keep me up to ... we may call ourselves children of Abraham, of the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/the good news of god/sermon xxi salvation.htm

Abraham's Offering up his Son Isaac
... This righteousness must be imputed, or counted over to us ... enabled to lay hold on
Christ's righteousness by faith ... Thus is was that Abraham was justified before he ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/abrahams offering up his son.htm

Faith is not the Instrument of Justification.
... resolves the question, by a quotation from the book of Genesis, when he says, "Abraham
believed God, and it was imputed to him for righteousness." The thing ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/article xxvi vi faith is.htm

The Righteousness of Faith
... Even so Abraham "believed in the Lord, and he counted it to him ... be the father of
all them that believe, " that righteousness might be imputed unto them ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 6 the righteousness of.htm