Topical Bible: Righteousness Imputed: Exhortation to Seek Righteousness

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Definition and Theological Context

Righteousness imputed refers to the Christian doctrine that the righteousness of Jesus Christ is credited to believers by faith, allowing them to be justified before God. This concept is central to the understanding of salvation in Christian theology, emphasizing that human beings cannot achieve righteousness through their own efforts but are made righteous through faith in Christ. The Apostle Paul articulates this doctrine in his epistles, particularly in Romans and Galatians.

Biblical Foundation

The foundation of imputed righteousness is found in several key passages of Scripture. In Romans 4:5-6 , 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." This passage highlights the principle that righteousness is a gift from God, not a result of human effort.

Similarly, in 2 Corinthians 5:21 , Paul states, "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 believers are clothed in His righteousness.

Exhortation to Seek Righteousness

While righteousness is imputed to believers through faith, Scripture also exhorts Christians to actively seek righteousness in their daily lives. This pursuit is not to earn salvation but to live in a manner worthy of the calling they have received. In Matthew 6:33 , Jesus instructs, "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you." This command emphasizes the priority of seeking God's righteousness above all earthly concerns.

The Apostle Paul further encourages believers in Philippians 3:9-10 , expressing 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." Paul’s personal testimony serves as an exhortation for believers to rely on Christ's righteousness while striving to know Him more deeply.

Practical Implications

The exhortation to seek righteousness involves both a positional and practical aspect. Positionally, believers are declared righteous through faith in Christ. Practically, they are called to live out this righteousness through obedience and holiness. In Ephesians 4:24 , Paul urges believers to "put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness." This involves a transformation of character and conduct, aligning one's life with the standards of God's kingdom.

The pursuit of righteousness also includes a commitment to justice and mercy, reflecting God's character in the world. Micah 6:8 encapsulates this call: "He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?"

Conclusion

The doctrine of imputed righteousness assures believers of their standing before God through faith in Christ, while the exhortation to seek righteousness calls them to live out this reality in their daily lives. This dual emphasis on faith and practice is integral to the Christian life, encouraging believers to reflect the righteousness of Christ in all they do.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 6:33
But seek you first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Lord Our Righteousness
... V. Shall conclude with an exhortation to all to come to Christ by ... God's justice must
be satisfied; and, unless Christ's righteousness is imputed and applied ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/the lord our righteousness.htm

Justification by an Imputed Righteousness;
... that it is us that suffered, for the exhortation is to ... really and personally sin,
nor really and personally righteousness, yet these are imputed to men ...
/.../justification by an imputed righteousness.htm

An Exhortation to the People Respecting Fortitude and Patience...
... An exhortation to the people respecting fortitude and ... greatest praise; and the crimes
imputed, their encomium ... members into instruments of righteousness and not ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily iv an exhortation to.htm

On Regeneration
... then conclude with a word or two of exhortation. ... those, who have neither Christ's
righteousness imputed to them ... Do we, not lazily seek, but laboriously strive ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/on regeneration.htm

The Epistle to the Philippians
... Paul substitutes an infused for an imputed righteousness in this ... to speak of the
subjective righteousness of life ... to us with the grand exhortation, enforced by ...
/.../drummond/introduction to the new testament/the epistle to the philippians.htm

Introduction
... to the Ephesians: not until 4:1 is the first exhortation given. ... It is called "man's
righteousness" (Job 33:26) because it was paid for him and imputed to him ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the doctrine of justification/1 introduction.htm

One Thing is Needful;
... BEING A SHORT EXHORTATION TO SINNERS, BY THE MERCY ... And shall be theirs that truly
seek his face ... Then righteousness imputed thou must have, Thee from that guilt ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/one thing is needful.htm

The Spiced Wine of My Pomegranate;
... thyself as clothed in the imputed righteousness of Jesus ... Himself, with His own spotless
righteousness and character ... remains but one great exhortation, which must ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/till he come/the spiced wine of my.htm

The Folly and Danger of Being not Righteous Enough
... Thirdly, Conclude with an exhortation to all of you, high ... Seek the things of God
first; look well to ... The imputed righteousness of Jesus Christ is a comfortable ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/the folly and danger of.htm

Paul's Departure and Crown;
... faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the ... they
depend upon the words going before, being a vehement exhortation to Timothy ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/pauls departure and crown.htm