Topical Bible: Righteousness Imputed: Paul

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Topical Encyclopedia

The concept of imputed righteousness is a central theme in the theology of the Apostle Paul, particularly in his epistles to the Romans and the Galatians. This doctrine is foundational to understanding Paul's teachings on justification by faith and the believer's relationship with God.

Definition and Context

Imputed righteousness refers to the righteousness of Christ being credited to the believer's account through faith. This is distinct from inherent righteousness, which would be righteousness that a person possesses in themselves. Instead, imputed righteousness is an external righteousness that is accounted to the believer by God.

Biblical Foundation

Paul's exposition of imputed righteousness is most clearly articulated in the Book of Romans. In Romans 4:3-5 , Paul writes, "For what does the Scripture say? 'Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.' Now to the one who works, his wages are not credited as a gift, but as an obligation. However, to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited as righteousness." Here, Paul uses the example of Abraham to illustrate that righteousness is credited to individuals not based on their works but through faith.

In Romans 5:17-19 , Paul further explains, "For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive an abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ! Consequently, just as one trespass resulted in condemnation for all men, so also one act of righteousness resulted in justification and life for all men. For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous." This passage highlights the contrast between Adam's disobedience and Christ's obedience, underscoring that it is through Christ's righteousness that believers are justified.

Theological Implications

Paul's teaching on imputed righteousness underscores the grace of God in salvation. It emphasizes that human efforts and works are insufficient for achieving righteousness before God. Instead, it is through faith in Jesus Christ that believers are justified and declared righteous. This doctrine assures believers of their standing before God, not based on their merit but on the perfect righteousness of Christ.

Relation to the Law

In Galatians 2:16 , Paul states, "know that a man is not justified by works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have believed in Christ Jesus, that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified." Here, Paul contrasts the works of the law with faith in Christ, reinforcing that the law cannot justify; only faith in Christ can.

Practical Application

The doctrine of imputed righteousness has profound implications for the believer's life. It provides assurance of salvation, as the believer's righteousness is not dependent on personal performance but on Christ's finished work. It also fosters humility, as believers recognize that their righteous standing is a gift from God, not a result of their own efforts. Furthermore, it encourages a life of gratitude and obedience, motivated by the grace received through Christ.

In summary, Paul's teaching on imputed righteousness is a cornerstone of Christian doctrine, emphasizing that righteousness before God is a gift received through faith in Jesus Christ, apart from works of the law. This teaching provides the foundation for understanding justification and the believer's secure position in Christ.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Philippians 3:7-9
But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Righteousness.
... will they be imputed to him as righteousness. Abraham's action of obedient faith
was righteousness none the less that his righteousness was far behind Paul's. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/macdonald/unspoken sermons/righteousness.htm

The Justification of Man Before God
... A question has been raised from these words of the Apostle Paul: "Faith is imputed
for righteousness." (Rom.4) The inquiry was, (1.) Whether those expressions ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/ix the justification of man.htm

Justification by an Imputed Righteousness;
... As Paul also saith in another place, The law is not of ... really and personally sin,
nor really and personally righteousness, yet these are imputed to men ...
/.../justification by an imputed righteousness.htm

The Lord Our Righteousness
... But perhaps some will object, "Nay, but you affirm that faith is imputed to us for
righteousness. St. Paul affirms this over and over; therefore I affirm it too ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 20 the lord our.htm

The Lord Our Righteousness
... And both these jointly make up that complete righteousness, which is to be imputed
to us ... are we to understand that parallel which the apostle Paul draws, in ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/the lord our righteousness.htm

Our Unrighteousness.
... Paul says, "Yet not I, but Christ who liveth in me, who loved me ... added to his nature,
but inherent in his nature; not another's righteousness imputed to him ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xv our unrighteousness.htm

Paul's Sermon Before Felix
... Stop, Felix; let Paul speak to thee a minute longer. ... no hope in heaven, no blood
of Christ, no pardon of sin, no sanctifying Spirit, no imputed righteousness? ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/pauls sermon before felix.htm

Justification
... itself, is imputed for righteousness, and that in a proper sense, and not by a metonymy.
I acknowledge this charge, as I have the apostle St. Paul, in Romans 4 ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 2/justification.htm

The Righteousness of Christ, an Everlasting Righteousness
... to put him upon seeking help in the Lord Jesus, Paul preached not only ... divines, that
have clear heads and clean hearts, call an imputed righteousness, or the ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/the righteousness of christ an.htm

The Likeness of God
... Justice. You must understand"as any good scholar or divine would assure you"that
St. Paul is not speaking here of the imputed righteousness of Christ. ...
/.../kingsley/discipline and other sermons/sermon xxiv the likeness of god.htm