Lord’s Library editors created this resource offering an imputed righteousness definition in the Bible with key Scriptures.
Imputed righteousness is a foundational doctrine in Christianity that emphasizes salvation by grace through faith. It refers to the righteousness of Jesus Christ being credited, or “imputed,” to believers, making them acceptable to God. This concept stands at the heart of the Gospel, highlighting that righteousness is not something human beings can achieve on their own but is a gift from God given through faith in Christ. Imputed righteousness illustrates God’s grace in salvation and is essential to understanding how believers are justified and reconciled to God.
In Romans 4:3, the Apostle Paul introduces the principle of imputed righteousness by referring to Abraham: “For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.” This “counting” or “crediting” of righteousness is central to the doctrine of imputation. Abraham’s faith in God’s promise was credited to him as righteousness, not because of his works but because of his trust in God. Paul explains further in Romans 4:5, saying, “But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.” Righteousness, therefore, is not achieved by human effort but is granted by God through faith.
Imputed Righteousness Definition in the Bible
This imputation of righteousness is possible only through Jesus Christ. In 2 Corinthians 5:21, Paul writes, “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” On the cross, Jesus bore the penalty for human sin, taking it upon Himself, though He was without sin. In exchange, believers receive His perfect righteousness. This exchange—the taking on of our sin by Christ and the crediting of His righteousness to us—is the essence of imputed righteousness. It demonstrates that God’s standard of holiness can only be met through Jesus, who fulfilled the law perfectly.
Romans 3:21-22 emphasizes that this righteousness comes “without the law” and is accessed by faith: “But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe.” The righteousness of God is not attained by observing the law, for no one can fulfill it perfectly. Instead, it is a gift given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. This shows that salvation is entirely by grace, for human works are incapable of achieving righteousness.
The concept of imputed righteousness directly opposes self-righteousness or works-based righteousness. Philippians 3:9 captures Paul’s personal rejection of his own works-based righteousness and his reliance on faith: “And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith.” Paul, once zealous for the law, recognized that his own efforts were insufficient and that true righteousness could only come from God through faith in Christ. This shift from relying on self to relying on Christ’s righteousness reflects the transformative nature of faith.
Romans 5:18-19 provides further insight into how Christ’s obedience is credited to believers: “Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.” Through Adam’s disobedience, sin entered the world, affecting all of humanity. Yet through Christ’s obedience and sacrifice, righteousness is made available to all who believe. This free gift of righteousness, given by grace, restores what was lost through sin.
The imputation of righteousness fulfills the prophetic promises of the Old Testament. Isaiah 61:10 foreshadows this righteousness, saying, “I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness.” This imagery of being “clothed” in righteousness demonstrates that God covers believers with His own righteousness, making them acceptable in His sight. It is not a righteousness earned by the believer but one given by God.
Finally, imputed righteousness assures believers of their standing before God. Romans 8:1 confirms this assurance: “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” Since believers are clothed in Christ’s righteousness, they are free from condemnation. This assurance is not based on personal merit or obedience but solely on the righteousness of Christ that has been credited to them.
In conclusion, imputed righteousness underscores the grace of God in salvation, as it highlights that righteousness is given, not earned. Human efforts, no matter how sincere, fall short of God’s perfect standard. It is only through faith in Jesus Christ that believers receive His righteousness, thereby being justified before God. As Ephesians 2:8-9 states, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” Imputed righteousness teaches us that salvation is indeed by grace through faith, showing that God’s justice and love meet in the cross of Christ, where believers are declared righteous by faith alone.
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