Imputed Righteousness

Definition

Imputed righteousness is the theological concept that refers to the idea that the righteousness of Christ is credited to believers by faith, allowing them to be viewed as justified in the eyes of God. This concept is crucial in understanding how individuals can receive salvation, as it emphasizes that righteousness is not something earned by personal merit but rather given freely through faith in Jesus Christ's redemptive work. This principle has a significant impact on various atonement theories and the broader understanding of salvation within Christianity.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Imputed righteousness teaches that believers are not justified by their own works but through faith in Christ's righteousness alone.
2. This concept is rooted in biblical passages such as Romans 4:3, where Abraham's faith was credited to him as righteousness.
3. Imputed righteousness contrasts with infused righteousness, which suggests that God's grace transforms the believer's character over time.
4. Many Protestant denominations emphasize imputed righteousness as a core belief, especially within Reformed theology.
5. The idea has implications for how Christians understand their relationship with sin and assurance of salvation, reinforcing the belief that they are secure in their standing before God due to Christ's righteousness.

Review Questions

• How does imputed righteousness relate to the process of justification in Christian theology?
  • Imputed righteousness is directly linked to the concept of justification, which is the act of being declared righteous by God. When believers place their faith in Christ, His perfect righteousness is credited to them, enabling their justification despite their sinful nature. This means that through imputed righteousness, believers are seen as just and acceptable before God based solely on faith, rather than their own actions or merits.
• Discuss how imputed righteousness differs from infused righteousness and its implications for understanding salvation.
  • Imputed righteousness differs from infused righteousness in that it emphasizes that believers are declared righteous based on Christ’s righteousness being credited to them rather than being transformed into a state of righteousness over time. Infused righteousness suggests an ongoing process of becoming righteous through divine grace and personal effort. The implications for understanding salvation are significant; imputed righteousness offers assurance that salvation is secure solely through faith in Christ, freeing believers from relying on their performance.
• Evaluate the impact of imputed righteousness on contemporary Christian views about sin and assurance of salvation.
  • The impact of imputed righteousness on contemporary Christian views about sin and assurance of salvation is profound. It allows believers to approach their relationship with God with confidence, knowing that their standing is not based on their ability to be sinless but on Christ’s perfect obedience. This perspective encourages Christians to strive for holiness out of gratitude rather than fear of losing salvation, thereby transforming how they engage with both sin and their spiritual growth within the faith community.

Related terms

Justification:

The act of God declaring a sinner to be righteous on account of faith in Christ, which is central to understanding imputed righteousness.

Atonement:

The reconciliation between God and humanity, typically achieved through the sacrificial death of Jesus, which underlies the concept of imputed righteousness.

Faith: The trust and belief in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, which is essential for receiving imputed righteousness and justification.