Topical Bible: Righteousness Imputed: The Righteousness of Faith

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Topical Encyclopedia

Righteousness imputed, particularly the righteousness of faith, is a foundational doctrine in Christian theology, emphasizing the belief that righteousness is credited to believers not by their own works but through faith in Jesus Christ. This concept is deeply rooted in the teachings of the Apostle Paul and is central to the understanding of salvation and justification in the New Testament.

Biblical Foundation

The doctrine of imputed righteousness is primarily derived from the writings of Paul, especially in his epistles to the Romans and the Galatians. 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 references Genesis 15:6, highlighting that Abraham's faith, not his works, was the basis for his righteousness before God.

Further, in Romans 3:21-22 , Paul explains, "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." This passage underscores the belief that righteousness is a divine gift, accessible through faith in Christ, rather than adherence to the Law.

Theological Implications

The imputation of righteousness through faith is a key element of the doctrine of justification. Justification is the act of God declaring a sinner to be righteous on the basis of faith in Jesus Christ. This is not a result of human merit or effort but is entirely a work of God's grace. 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 emphasizes the sufficiency of Christ's atoning sacrifice. In 2 Corinthians 5:21 , 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 exchange—Christ taking on the sin of humanity and believers receiving His righteousness—is central to the understanding of imputed righteousness.

Historical Context

The concept of righteousness imputed through faith was a pivotal issue during the Protestant Reformation. Reformers like Martin Luther and John Calvin emphasized justification by faith alone (sola fide) as a return to the biblical teachings of Paul, contrasting with the prevailing views of the Roman Catholic Church at the time, which included works as a component of justification.

Practical Application

For believers, the imputation of righteousness through faith provides assurance of salvation and a foundation for a life of gratitude and obedience. It shifts the focus from human efforts to the finished work of Christ, encouraging a reliance on God's grace. This understanding fosters a relationship with God based on trust and faith, rather than fear and legalism.

In summary, the righteousness of faith is a profound biblical truth that underscores the grace of God in salvation, affirming that believers are justified and made righteous through faith in Jesus Christ, apart from works. This doctrine continues to be a cornerstone of Christian faith and practice, offering hope and assurance to all who believe.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Romans 4:13
For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Romans 9:30
What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, which followed not after righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Romans 10:6
But the righteousness which is of faith speaks on this wise, Say not in your heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above:)
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Righteousness of Faith
... alone, that it," ie, faith, "was imputed to him; but for us also, to whom it shall
be imputed," to whom faith shall be imputed for righteousness, shall stand ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 6 the righteousness of.htm

The Righteousness of Christ is not Imputed to us for Righteousness ...
... declared that I believe both these expressions to be true, "the righteousness of
Christ is imputed to us," and "faith is imputed for righteousness." When they ...
/.../the works of james arminius vol 1/article xxiv iv the righteousness.htm

Righteousness.
... a righteous act: they will not be forgotten to him, neither will they be imputed
to him as righteousness. Abraham's action of obedient faith was righteousness ...
//christianbookshelf.org/macdonald/unspoken sermons/righteousness.htm

Justification by an Imputed Righteousness;
... not really and personally faith, yet faith is imputed to men; nay, they are not
really and personally sin, nor really and personally righteousness, yet these ...
/.../justification by an imputed righteousness.htm

Faith is not the Instrument of Justification.
... which is so often used by the Apostle in Romans 6, be seriously considered, "Faith
is imputed for righteousness." Is this faith as an instrument, or as an act? ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/article xxvi vi faith is.htm

On the Justification of Man as a Sinner, but yet a Believer ...
... Or, Does not faith apprehend Christ offered for righteousness, before faith
is imputed for righteousness? 16. In this enunciation ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 2/on the justification of man.htm

Justification
... his blood. I affirm, therefore, that faith is imputed to us for righteousness,
on account of Christ and his righteousness. In this ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 2/justification.htm

The Lord Our Righteousness
... Faith is imputed for righteousness to every believer; namely, faith in the
righteousness of Christ; but this is exactly the same thing which has been said ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 20 the lord our.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

The Lord Our Righteousness
... And perhaps the unchristian walk of some, who have talked of Christ's imputed
righteousness, justification by faith, and the like, and yet never felt it ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/the lord our righteousness.htm