Topical Bible: Righteousness Imputed: Blessedness of Those Who Have

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Topical Encyclopedia

Righteousness imputed refers to the theological concept where the righteousness of Christ is credited to believers, allowing them to be justified before God. This doctrine is central to the Christian understanding of salvation, emphasizing that it is not through human effort or merit that one is made righteous, but through faith in Jesus Christ.

Biblical Foundation

The concept of imputed righteousness is rooted in several key biblical passages. In Romans 4:5-8 , 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: 'Blessed are they whose lawless acts are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord will never count against him.'"

This passage highlights the blessedness of those who receive righteousness apart from works, underscoring the grace and mercy of God in the process of justification. The reference to King David's words in Psalm 32 further illustrates the joy and relief experienced by those who are forgiven and counted as righteous.

The Role of Faith

Faith is the means by which righteousness is imputed to the believer. Romans 3:22 states, "And this righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe." This verse emphasizes that faith is the channel through which the righteousness of Christ is applied to the believer, making them acceptable before God.

The Apostle Paul further elaborates on this in Philippians 3:9 , where he 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." Here, Paul contrasts self-derived righteousness with that which is received through faith, highlighting the insufficiency of human efforts and the sufficiency of Christ's righteousness.

Blessedness of Imputed Righteousness

The blessedness of those who have righteousness imputed to them is multifaceted. Firstly, it brings peace with God. Romans 5:1 declares, "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." This peace is a profound aspect of the believer's relationship with God, signifying reconciliation and the removal of enmity.

Secondly, imputed righteousness assures believers of their eternal security. In Romans 8:1 , Paul assures, "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." This assurance of no condemnation is a source of immense comfort and joy, as it guarantees the believer's standing before God.

Lastly, the imputation of righteousness results in a transformed life. While righteousness is imputed and not earned, it inevitably leads to sanctification and a life that reflects the character of Christ. In Ephesians 2:10 , Paul writes, "For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance as our way of life." The imputed righteousness of Christ empowers believers to live out their faith through good works, not as a means of earning salvation, but as a response to the grace they have received.

Conclusion

The doctrine of imputed righteousness is a cornerstone of Christian theology, offering believers the assurance of their standing before God and the blessedness of a life transformed by grace. Through faith in Jesus Christ, believers are credited with His righteousness, resulting in peace, security, and a life that glorifies God.

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

Its Results
... The righteousness of the law is fulfilled only in those ... obedience of His Son should
be imputed to those ... glory of God and the everlasting blessedness of those ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the doctrine of justification/10 its results.htm

Its Objects
... the sacred penman informs us that all his blessedness arises from an imputed
righteousness" (A. Booth ... only pronounce just, and treat as such, those who are ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the doctrine of justification/7 its objects.htm

So Likewise Ye, when Ye Shall have done all those Things
... And Paul says, Rom.4, 6: David also describeth the blessedness of the man ... Paul, then,
says that he is blessed to whom righteousness is imputed through faith ...
/.../melanchthon/the apology of the augsburg confession/part 10 so likewise ye.htm

Justification by an Imputed Righteousness;
... as David also describeth the blessedness of the man to whom God imputeth righteousness
without works ... do, that the words, 'impute, imputed, imputeth, imputing ...
/.../justification by an imputed righteousness.htm

The Righteousness of Works Improperly Inferred from Rewards.
... works which we enjoy in eternal blessedness are compared to ... is in respect of its
merit imputed to us ... passing by Christ, the sum of righteousness, maintain that ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 18 the righteousness of.htm

His Gospel
... life of joy, peace and hope which those lead who ... David, for example, described "the
blessedness of the man unto whom God imputed righteousness without works ...
//christianbookshelf.org/stalker/the life of st paul/chapter iv his gospel.htm

Its Meaning
... Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man ... the claims of mercy,
justification those of justice. ... 2:Sam.12:13), but righteousness imputed is called ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the doctrine of justification/2 its meaning.htm

Justification.
... to the credit of elect sinners, and imputed to them ... Even also as David describeth
the blessedness of the man to whom God imputeth righteousness without works ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture xxxvi justification.htm

The Seventh vision "In Heaven"
... is their own, [395] inherent, not imputed." The Scripture ... that it is their own inherent
righteousness in men ... array of the Bride, but the blessedness of those ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the seventh vision in heaven.htm

Rom. Iv. 23
... for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we ... subject of faith, he had set it before
righteousness which is ... is able to set before one the blessedness of this ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily ix rom iv 23.htm