Topical Bible: Righteousness Imputed: Revealed in the Gospel

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Definition and Concept

Righteousness imputed refers to the theological concept wherein the righteousness of Jesus Christ is credited to believers by faith, rather than through their own works or merits. This doctrine is central to the Gospel message and is foundational to the understanding of salvation in Christian theology. It underscores the belief that humans, inherently sinful and unable to achieve righteousness on their own, are justified before God through faith in Jesus Christ.

Biblical Foundation

The concept of imputed righteousness is primarily drawn from the writings of the Apostle Paul, particularly in the Epistle to the Romans. Romans 4:5 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 faith, rather than works, is the means by which righteousness is accounted to the believer.

In Romans 3:21-22 , Paul further elaborates, "But now, apart from the law, the righteousness of God has been revealed, as attested by the Law and the Prophets. And this righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe." Here, Paul emphasizes that the righteousness of God is revealed in the Gospel and is accessible to all through faith in Christ.

The Role of Faith

Faith is the key mechanism by which righteousness is imputed to the believer. It is not merely intellectual assent but a trust and reliance on the finished work of Christ. In Galatians 2:16 , Paul asserts, "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."

Old Testament Precedent

The concept of imputed righteousness is not solely a New Testament revelation but is rooted in the Old Testament. Abraham is often cited as the exemplar of this principle. Genesis 15:6 states, "Abram believed the LORD, and it was credited to him as righteousness." Paul references this in Romans 4:3 to illustrate that righteousness by faith predates the Mosaic Law and is consistent with God's redemptive plan throughout history.

Christ's Righteousness

Central to the doctrine of imputed righteousness is the belief that it is Christ's own righteousness that is credited to believers. 2 Corinthians 5:21 declares, "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 exchange—Christ taking on the sin of humanity and imparting His righteousness to believers—is the heart of the Gospel message.

Implications for Believers

The imputation of righteousness has profound implications for the believer's relationship with God. It assures believers of their justified status before God, not based on their own merit but on the merit 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 calls believers to live in a manner worthy of their calling, not as a means to earn salvation, but as a response to the grace they have received. Ephesians 2:8-10 encapsulates this dynamic: "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. For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance as our way of life."

Conclusion

The doctrine of righteousness imputed, as revealed in the Gospel, is a cornerstone of Christian faith, emphasizing salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. It affirms the believer's justified status before God and calls for a life of gratitude and obedience in response to the divine gift of righteousness.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Romans 1:17
For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Righteousness of Christ is not Imputed to us for Righteousness ...
... of the righteousness which is revealed in the Gospel, whether the obedience of Christ
be said to be imputed to us, and to be our righteousness before God, or ...
/.../the works of james arminius vol 1/article xxiv iv the righteousness.htm

"That the Righteousness of the Law Might be Fulfilled in Us,"
... We have the righteousness of Christ imputed to us, that ... to save you, he hath fulfilled
all righteousness for you ... that the grace of Jesus Christ, revealed in the ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xv that the righteousness.htm

His Gospel
... love of God revealed in the gospel which inspired ... prophets had not known had been
revealed to him. ... of the man unto whom God imputed righteousness without works ...
//christianbookshelf.org/stalker/the life of st paul/chapter iv his gospel.htm

The Righteousness of Christ, an Everlasting Righteousness
... that his obedience or disobedience be imputed to you ... saved, are all saved by the
righteousness of Christ. ... Jews and Gentiles, who have the gospel revealed to them ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/the righteousness of christ an.htm

Justification by an Imputed Righteousness;
... specious and most dangerous devices of Satan, unscriptural, and contrary to the
simplicity and design of the gospel. ... JUSTIFICATION BY AN IMPUTED RIGHTEOUSNESS. ...
/.../justification by an imputed righteousness.htm

Thoughts Upon the Appearance of Christ the Sun of Righteousness ...
... Sun of Righteousness shinning in his Gospel, made so ... the wondrous things that are
revealed in the ... as righteous before God, by his Righteousness imputed to them ...
/.../private thoughts upon a christian life/thoughts upon the appearance of.htm

The Righteousness of Faith
... Gen.3:15.) It was a little more clearly revealed to Abraham, by ... be the father of
all them that believe, " that righteousness might be imputed unto them ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 6 the righteousness of.htm

The Essential Elements of Christian Experience.
... and examined before, there lay a class of passages which revealed the real ... By
righteousness here, we are not to understand something imputed, but something ...
/.../finney/sermons on gospel themes/xxiv the essential elements of.htm

Its Meaning
... for, and its value was attributed or imputed to him ... If therefore, we reject the
imputation of righteousness, we reject sacrifice as revealed in Scripture ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the doctrine of justification/2 its meaning.htm

The Auburn Declaration. AD 1837.
... for wise and benevolent reasons which he has not revealed. ... Nor is the righteousness
of Christ imputed to his ... And while that righteousness does not become theirs ...
/.../the auburn declaration a d 1837.htm