Topical Bible: Righteousness Imputed is a Free Gift

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Righteousness imputed as a free gift is a foundational doctrine in Christian theology, emphasizing 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.

Biblical Foundation

The doctrine of imputed righteousness is primarily derived from the writings of Paul, particularly in the book of 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 verse underscores the principle that righteousness is not earned by human effort but is granted through faith.

In Romans 3:22-24 , Paul further elaborates, "And this righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no distinction, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus." Here, the apostle highlights that righteousness is a gift of grace, accessible to all who believe, regardless of their background or past sins.

The Role of Faith

Faith is the means by which righteousness is imputed to the believer. In Romans 4:3 , Paul references the faith of Abraham, stating, "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness." This example from the Old Testament illustrates that righteousness has always been a matter of faith, not works.

Galatians 3:6-9 reinforces this idea, "So also, 'Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.' Understand, then, that those who have faith are children of Abraham. The Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, and foretold the gospel to Abraham: 'All nations will be blessed through you.' So those who have faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith."

Grace and the Gift of Righteousness

The concept of righteousness as a free gift is closely tied to the grace of God. Ephesians 2:8-9 declares, "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 passage emphasizes that salvation, and by extension righteousness, is a divine gift, not a human achievement.

Romans 5:17 further illustrates this point: "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!" Here, Paul contrasts the reign of death through Adam with the reign of life through Christ, highlighting the abundance of grace and the gift of righteousness available to believers.

Theological Implications

The imputation of righteousness has profound theological implications. It affirms the sufficiency of Christ's atoning work on the cross and the believer's complete dependence on God's grace for salvation. This doctrine assures believers of their standing before God, not based on their own merit, but on the righteousness of Christ credited to them.

Philippians 3:9 encapsulates this truth: "And 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." This verse highlights the believer's identity in Christ, clothed in His righteousness rather than their own.

Practical Application

Understanding righteousness as a free gift encourages humility and gratitude among believers. It fosters a reliance on God's grace and a commitment to live in accordance with the righteousness that has been imputed to them. This doctrine also serves as a foundation for Christian assurance, providing confidence in the believer's eternal security in Christ.

In summary, the imputation of righteousness as a free gift is a central tenet of Christian faith, emphasizing the grace of God and the role of faith in the believer's justification and salvation.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Romans 5:17
For if by one man's offense death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

"That the Righteousness of the Law Might be Fulfilled in Us,"
... Religion, then, must begin at this great and inestimable free gift of imputed
righteousness,"of accounting us what we are not in ourselves, because found so ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xv that the righteousness.htm

In the Work of the Redemption of Man, not Only the Mercy, but Also ...
... sins of all, the satisfaction of One is imputed to all ... and yet to have no share in
the righteousness of his ... not as the offence so also is the free gift; for the ...
/.../some letters of saint bernard abbot of clairvaux/chapter vi in the work.htm

Justification by an Imputed Righteousness;
... while those who seek justification as the free gift of God, influenced by gratitude
and love, are found walking in ... JUSTIFICATION BY AN IMPUTED RIGHTEOUSNESS. ...
/.../justification by an imputed righteousness.htm

The Lord Our Righteousness
... of works, lest any man should boast, that salvation is God's free gift, and that ...
that cannot be, if we are enemies to the doctrine of an imputed righteousness. ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/the lord our righteousness.htm

The Holy Spirit Convincing the World of Sin, Righteousness, and ...
... in the dear Lord Jesus, which, if once imputed to him ... Comforter is to convince of
sin, or righteousness, and of ... The free gift of God through him is eternal life ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/the holy spirit convincing the.htm

The Reign of Death, what it Is; the Figure of the Future Adam; How ...
... not set forth so that it might be imputed. ... Whereas the free gift delivers from many
offences to ... which receive abundance of grace and righteousness shall reign ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 46 the reign of death.htm

Praise for the Gift of Gifts
... The righteousness of Christ is imputed to him, and he is ... of Christ, and "be made
the righteousness of God ... work of his Holy Spirit, and must be his free gift. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 38 1892/praise for the gift of.htm

Justification by Faith --Illustrated by Abram's Righteousness
... to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon ... I do
not wish to enter into controversy as to imputed righteousness this morning ...
/.../justification by faithillustrated by abrams.htm

Its Instrument
... virtue or of performing a duty, but of receiving a free gift" (A. Booth ... Plymouth
Brethren, is, that the act of believing is imputed to us for righteousness. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the doctrine of justification/8 its instrument.htm

Its Nature
... by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon ... death; even so the obedience
or righteousness of Christ is, by God, transferred and imputed to the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the doctrine of justification/5 its nature.htm