Topical Bible: Righteousness Imputed: Christ is the End of the Law For

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Definition and Context

Righteousness imputed refers to the theological concept where the righteousness of Jesus Christ is credited to believers, allowing them to be justified before God. This doctrine is central to the Christian understanding of salvation, emphasizing that human beings cannot achieve righteousness through their own efforts but are made righteous through faith in Christ. The phrase "Christ is the end of the law" is derived from Romans 10:4, which states, "Christ is the end of the law, to bring righteousness to everyone who believes" . This indicates that Christ fulfills the requirements of the Law, and through Him, believers receive righteousness.

Biblical Foundation

The concept of imputed righteousness is rooted in several key biblical passages. Romans 4:5-6 explains, "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 that righteousness is a gift from God, credited to those who have faith in Jesus Christ, rather than something earned through adherence to the Law.

In 2 Corinthians 5:21, the Apostle Paul writes, "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 substitutionary atonement of Christ, where He takes on the sin of humanity, and in exchange, believers receive His righteousness.

Christ as the Fulfillment of the Law

The statement that "Christ is the end of the law" signifies that Jesus is the culmination and fulfillment of the Law's purpose. The Law, given through Moses, was intended to guide the Israelites and reveal the holiness of God, but it also exposed human sinfulness and the inability to achieve righteousness through human effort alone. In Matthew 5:17, Jesus declares, "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them, but to fulfill them" . Christ fulfills the Law by perfectly obeying it and by being the ultimate sacrifice for sin, thus satisfying its demands.

The Role of Faith

Faith is the means by which believers receive the imputed righteousness of Christ. Romans 3:22 states, "And this righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe" . This faith is not merely intellectual assent but a trust and reliance on the finished work of Christ on the cross. Through faith, believers are united with Christ, and His righteousness is counted as theirs.

Implications for Believers

The imputation of Christ's righteousness has profound implications for believers. It assures them of their standing before God, not based on their own merit but on the perfect righteousness of Christ. This assurance is a source of peace and confidence, as expressed in Romans 5:1, "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ" .

Furthermore, the imputed righteousness of Christ motivates believers to live in a manner worthy of their calling. While the Law is no longer a means of achieving righteousness, it remains a guide for holy living. Believers, empowered by the Holy Spirit, seek to reflect the character of Christ in their lives, not to earn salvation, but as a response to the grace they have received.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Romans 10:4
For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believes.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Christ, the Believer's Wisdom, Righteousness, Sanctification and ...
... righteousness of God in Christ Jesus, who is the end of the ... Does the law condemn ... By
having Christ's righteousness imputed to them, they are dead to the law, as ...
/.../christ the believers wisdom righteousness.htm

"That the Righteousness of the Law Might be Fulfilled in Us,"
... entry to the second; therefore, if Christ had not ... and inestimable free gift of imputed
righteousness,"of accounting ... This hath a further end, and truly it is ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xv that the righteousness.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

In the Work of the Redemption of Man, not Only the Mercy, but Also ...
... that, as One bore the sins of all, the satisfaction of One is imputed to all. ... I mean
that I am righteous, but it is in His righteousness, for Christ is the ...
/.../some letters of saint bernard abbot of clairvaux/chapter vi in the work.htm

Justification by an Imputed Righteousness;
... JUSTIFICATION BY AN IMPUTED RIGHTEOUSNESS. ... Therefore justifying righteousness is
the doing and suffering of Christ ... the law for that very thing"'Christ is the ...
/.../justification by an imputed 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

"Now the End of the Commandment is Charity Out of a Pure Heart ...
... Romans 7:10-13.) therefore Jesus Christ came in ... The law should never have gotten
its end, no man ... Imputed righteousness comes in as a covering over the man's ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xi now the end.htm

The Law.
... Son of Mary without you to be imputed to you ... do not say that the Spirit of Christ
gives the ... that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bunyan/the riches of bunyan/v the law.htm

The Righteousness of Christ, an Everlasting Righteousness
... Now, since it is brought into the world by Christ, so in ... it now to the pulpit; I
now offer this righteousness, this free, this imputed, this everlasting ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/the righteousness of christ an.htm

The Holy Spirit Convincing the World of Sin, Righteousness, and ...
... argue against an imputed righteousness; yet whoever know themselves and God, must
acknowledge, that "Jesus Christ is the end of the law for righteousness, (and ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/the holy spirit convincing the.htm