------------------------------------------------------- # Imputed Righteousness **Cross Reference**: #theology, #righteousness, #justification, #soteriology --- ## Introduction to Imputed Righteousness The doctrine of imputed righteousness is foundational to Protestant theology and is intricately tied to the concepts of [[Justification]] and [[Salvation]]. It asserts that through faith in Jesus Christ, believers are declared righteous based on the righteousness of Christ, which is credited or “imputed” to them. This doctrine highlights the grace of God and the sufficiency of Christ’s atonement for salvation. --- ## The Concept of Imputation in Scripture ### Old Testament Foundations Imputation, or the crediting of one’s account, is not a New Testament invention. Its roots can be traced to the Old Testament, where God’s dealings with humanity foreshadow the concept. 1. **Abraham’s Faith and Righteousness**: In ([Genesis 15:6](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+15.6&version=AMP)), “Abram believed the Lord, and He credited it to him as righteousness.” This passage establishes a precedent for righteousness being accounted by faith, not by works. 2. **Sacrificial System**: The Old Testament sacrificial system points to the imputation of guilt and righteousness. The laying of hands on the sacrificial animal ([Leviticus 16:21](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Leviticus+16.21&version=AMP)) symbolized the transfer of sin, anticipating the ultimate sacrifice of Christ. ### New Testament Fulfillment The New Testament expands on the concept of imputation, particularly through the writings of Paul. 1. **Adam and Christ**: In ([Romans 5:12–19](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+5.12-19&version=AMP)), Paul contrasts the imputation of Adam’s sin with the imputation of Christ’s righteousness. Just as Adam’s disobedience brought condemnation, Christ’s obedience brings justification. 2. **Faith and Righteousness**: Paul reiterates the principle of faith as the means of righteousness in ([Romans 4:3–5](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+4.3-5&version=AMP)), citing Abraham as the model of imputed righteousness. --- ## Theological Foundations of Imputed Righteousness ### The Righteousness of Christ Imputed righteousness depends entirely on the perfect righteousness of Christ. This righteousness is twofold: 1. **Active Obedience**: Christ’s life of perfect obedience to the law fulfills its demands on behalf of sinners ([Matthew 5:17](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5.17&version=AMP)). 2. **Passive Obedience**: His atoning death satisfies the penalty for sin ([Isaiah 53:5](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+53.5&version=AMP)). Both aspects are credited to believers through faith. ### Union with Christ The doctrine of [[Union with Christ]] is integral to imputed righteousness. In ([2 Corinthians 5:21](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Corinthians+5.21&version=AMP)), Paul writes, “God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.” This union ensures that Christ’s merits are applied to believers. ### Justification by Faith Alone Imputed righteousness is the basis for [[Justification]], the judicial act by which God declares sinners righteous. As articulated in ([Romans 3:21–26](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+3.21-26&version=AMP)), justification is apart from the law and is received by faith. --- ## Distinctions in Imputation ### Imputed vs. Infused Righteousness 1. **Imputed Righteousness**: This Protestant doctrine teaches that righteousness is credited to the believer’s account, not inherent within them. 2. **Infused Righteousness**: In contrast, Roman Catholic theology emphasizes righteousness as infused into the believer, enabling them to cooperate with grace. This distinction was a key point of contention during the Reformation. ### Imputation in Adam and Christ The doctrine of imputation operates on the federal headship principle: 1. **Adam as Head**: Humanity’s guilt stems from Adam’s disobedience, as explained in ([Romans 5:18](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+5.18&version=AMP)). 2. **Christ as Head**: Christ’s righteousness is imputed to believers, reversing the effects of Adam’s sin. This “great exchange” is central to the gospel message. --- ## Practical Implications of Imputed Righteousness ### Assurance of Salvation Imputed righteousness provides believers with confidence in their standing before God. As Paul writes in ([Philippians 3:9](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians+3.9&version=AMP)), “...not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ.” ### Freedom from Works-Based Righteousness The doctrine liberates believers from the burden of earning their salvation. [Ephesians 2:8](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+2.8&version={{AMP}}) declares that salvation is by grace through faith, not by works. --- ## Objections and Responses ### Antinomianism Critics argue that imputed righteousness may lead to antinomianism, the rejection of moral law. However, Scripture emphasizes that justification by faith produces sanctification ([James 2:18](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James+2.18&version=AMP)). ### Misunderstanding of Grace Some view imputed righteousness as unjust, failing to account for divine grace. Paul addresses this in ([Romans 9:14–16](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+9.14-16&version=AMP)), asserting that God’s mercy is neither arbitrary nor unjust. --- ## Eschatological Dimensions Imputed righteousness ensures believers’ participation in the final resurrection and eternal life. As Paul declares in ([Romans 8:30](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+8.30&version=AMP)), those whom God justifies, He also glorifies. --- ## Related Concepts - [[Romans 3.21-22 Justification by faith]] - [[Federal Headship]] - [[Union with Christ]] - [[Bible Study/Topics/Sanctification/Sanctification]]