Topical Bible: Righteousness Imputed: Christ Called the Lord of Our Righteousness

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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 righteousness of Christ being credited to believers, allowing them to stand justified before God. This doctrine is deeply rooted in Scripture and is central to understanding the role of Jesus Christ as the mediator between God and humanity.

Biblical Foundation

The term "imputed righteousness" is derived from the Greek word "logizomai," which means to reckon or credit. This concept is vividly illustrated in the writings of the Apostle Paul, particularly in Romans 4:5-6 : "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."

The Old Testament also foreshadows this doctrine, particularly in the prophetic writings. Jeremiah 23:6 declares, "In His days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell securely. And this is His name by which He will be called: The LORD Our Righteousness." This prophecy points to the coming Messiah, who would embody and impart righteousness to His people.

Christ as the Lord of Our Righteousness

Jesus Christ is identified as "The LORD Our Righteousness," a title that underscores His divine nature and His role in the salvation of humanity. This title signifies that Christ Himself is the source and substance of the righteousness that believers receive. Through His sinless life, sacrificial death, and victorious resurrection, Jesus fulfilled the righteous requirements of the law on behalf of humanity.

2 Corinthians 5:21 encapsulates this truth: "God made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God." Here, the great exchange is described—Christ takes on the sin of humanity, and in return, His righteousness is imputed to those who believe.

Theological Implications

The imputation of Christ's righteousness is a cornerstone of justification by faith. It affirms that salvation is not based on human merit or works but solely on the grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ. Ephesians 2:8-9 states, "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 doctrine also provides assurance to believers, as their standing before God is not dependent on their own righteousness, which is flawed and insufficient, but on the perfect righteousness of Christ. Romans 8:1 offers comfort: "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus."

Practical Application

Understanding Christ as the Lord of Our Righteousness encourages believers to live in gratitude and obedience, not as a means to earn salvation, but as a response to the grace they have received. It calls Christians to a life of holiness, reflecting the righteousness of Christ in their conduct and character.

Moreover, this doctrine fosters humility, as it reminds believers that their righteous standing before God is entirely a gift, not a result of personal achievement. It also inspires a deep sense of unity among believers, as all are equally dependent on the righteousness of Christ for their salvation.

In summary, the imputed righteousness of Christ is a profound and transformative truth that lies at the heart of the Christian faith, affirming Jesus as the Lord of Our Righteousness and the sole basis for our justification before God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Jeremiah 23:6
In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Lord Our Righteousness
... the imputation of the righteousness of Christ, as zealously ... the matter, and know
nothing about imputed righteousness, or deny ... the last I am not called to pass ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 20 the lord our.htm

The Lord Our Righteousness
... Christ not only died, but lived, not only suffered, but obeyed ... 16, "She (ie the church
itself) shall be called, (having this righteousness imputed to her ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/the lord our righteousness.htm

Jehovah Tsidkenu: the Lord Our Righteousness
... Having introduced the doctrine of imputed righteousness, I proofed to map out ... say
of the text"it is so"Christ is the Lord or righteousness; secondly, I ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/jehovah tsidkenu the lord our.htm

Christ, the Believer's Wisdom, Righteousness, Sanctification and ...
... By having Christ's righteousness imputed to them, they are dead to ... Christ is mad
to you, of God, righteousness, what ... You are made the righteousness of God in ...
/.../christ the believers wisdom righteousness.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

Thoughts Upon the Appearance of Christ the Sun of Righteousness ...
... of as righteous before God, by his Righteousness imputed to them ... So that all
Righteousness, both as it is performed by ... of by God, comes only from Jesus Christ. ...
/.../private thoughts upon a christian life/thoughts upon the appearance of.htm

Justification by an Imputed Righteousness;
... an evidence of being members of Christ's mystical body ... The righteousness of the second
Adam, the Lord from ... as the disobedience of the first Adam, imputed to all ...
/.../justification by an imputed righteousness.htm

Justification
... sight, only for the righteousness of Christ, imputed to us ... In the imputation of Christ's
righteousness to us. ... name whereby he shall be called,' Jehovah Tzidkennu ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/3 justification.htm

The Righteousness of Faith
... but for us also, to whom it shall be imputed," to whom faith shall be imputed for
righteousness, shall stand in ... "Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 6 the righteousness of.htm

Its Basis
... of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ" (2 Peter ... the Roman epistle refers not to the
essential righteousness of the ... for that cannot possibly be imputed or legally ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the doctrine of justification/4 its basis.htm