The concept of imputed righteousness is a foundational doctrine in Christian theology, particularly within the framework of soteriology, the study of salvation. It refers to the belief that the righteousness of Jesus Christ is credited to believers, allowing them to be justified before God. This doctrine is deeply rooted in the teachings of the New Testament and is central to the understanding of salvation by grace through faith.

Biblical Foundation

The Apostle Paul is the primary biblical author who expounds on the doctrine of imputed righteousness. In his epistle to the Romans, Paul writes, "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus" (Romans 3:23-24). Here, Paul establishes the universal need for righteousness due to humanity's inherent sinfulness and the provision of righteousness through Christ.

Further, in Romans 4:5, Paul states, "However, to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited as righteousness." This passage highlights the principle that righteousness is not earned by works but is credited to those who have faith in Christ. The term "credited" (Greek: logizomai) is an accounting term, indicating that righteousness is reckoned or accounted to the believer's account.

In 2 Corinthians 5:21, Paul succinctly encapsulates the doctrine: "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 verse underscores the great exchange that occurs through Christ's atoning work—He takes on the sin of humanity, and in return, His righteousness is imputed to believers.

Theological Implications

The imputation of Christ's righteousness is integral to the doctrine of justification. Justification is a legal declaration by God, where He pronounces sinners to be righteous on the basis of Christ's righteousness. This is not a transformation of the believer's nature but a change in their standing before God. As Paul writes in Philippians 3:9, believers are found "not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith."

This imputed righteousness is distinct from infused righteousness, a concept found in other theological traditions, where righteousness is seen as being imparted or infused into the believer, leading to an intrinsic change. In contrast, imputed righteousness is external and forensic, emphasizing the believer's position in Christ rather than their personal moral state.

Christ as Our Righteousness

The Old Testament foreshadows the imputation of righteousness through the sacrificial system and the prophetic writings. Isaiah 53:11 speaks of the Suffering Servant, "By His knowledge My righteous Servant will justify many, and He will bear their iniquities." This prophecy points to the Messiah's role in bearing sin and providing righteousness.

In the New Testament, Christ is explicitly identified as the source of righteousness for believers. In 1 Corinthians 1:30, Paul declares, "It is because of Him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God: our righteousness, holiness, and redemption." Here, Christ is presented as the embodiment of all that is necessary for salvation, including righteousness.

Practical Outworking

The imputation of Christ's righteousness has profound implications for the believer's life. It assures them of their standing before God, providing peace and security in their relationship with Him. This assurance is not based on personal merit but on the finished work of Christ. As a result, believers are called to live out this righteousness in their daily lives, not as a means of earning God's favor, but as a response to the grace they have received.

The doctrine of imputed righteousness also fosters humility, as it reminds believers that their right standing before God is entirely due to His grace and not their own efforts. This humility should lead to a life of gratitude and service, reflecting the character of Christ, who is their righteousness.1 Corinthians 1:30
But of him are you in Christ Jesus, who of God is made to us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Righteousness of Christ is not Imputed to us for Righteousness ...
... By this very thing I declare, that I do not disapprove of that phrase. "The
righteousness of Christ is imputed to us, because it is made ours by the ...
/.../the works of james arminius vol 1/article xxiv iv the righteousness.htm

Christ Our Sanctification.
... also here a continued action of being made free from ... confess that the holy works
which Christ has done ... we stand right before God by an imputed righteousness. ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/vi christ our sanctification.htm

The Righteousness of Christ, an Everlasting Righteousness
... and, if you ask me, what I mean by an imputed righteousness, not to ... put those two
together, and they make up the righteousness of the Lord Jesus Christ. ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/the righteousness of christ an.htm

Christ, the Believer's Wisdom, Righteousness, Sanctification and ...
... Therefore, the apostle, after he says, 'Who of God is made unto us righteousness',
does not say, perhaps ... As the obedience of Christ is imputed to believers ...
/.../christ the believers wisdom righteousness.htm

"That the Righteousness of the Law Might be Fulfilled in Us. "
... world, and not imputing their sins, because he hath imputed them already ... knew no
sin," &c, and he is in Christ, imputing his righteousness to sinners. ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xiv that the righteousness.htm

The Lord Our Righteousness
... Christ not only died, but lived, not only suffered, but obeyed for ... And both these
jointly make up that complete righteousness, which is to be imputed to us ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/the lord our righteousness.htm

Its Basis
... As the Surety of His people, Christ was "made ... and stead, and having all their sins
imputed to Him ... was justification by faith through the righteousness of Christ ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the doctrine of justification/4 its basis.htm

Sirs, what must I do to be Saved? and they Said, Believe on the ...
... You are aware there is a view of this subject, which is maintained by some, different
from this; that the righteousness of Christ is so imputed to us ...
/.../finney/lectures to professing christians/sirs what must i do.htm

Righteousness.
... as if we were righteous, his righteousness being imputed to us ... refers to the doctrine
of imputed righteousness as the ... exists in the body of Christ, every honest ...
//christianbookshelf.org/macdonald/unspoken sermons/righteousness.htm

The Power of Christ's Resurrection
... Without this, Christ would have died in vain ... us no service to have had his outward
righteousness imputed to us ... we had an inward inherent righteousness wrought in ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/the power of christs resurrection.htm

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