Lord’s Library editors created this resource, offering an imputation meaning in the Bible with key Scriptures.
Imputed righteousness is a foundational doctrine in Christianity that highlights salvation by grace through faith. It refers to the righteousness of Jesus Christ being credited, or “imputed,” to believers, making them acceptable to God. Michael Pearl of The Door on YouTube calls the word “imputed” one of the most important words in the Bible.
This concept stands at the heart of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, highlighting that righteousness is not something man 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 by a Holy 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” 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: “But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.”
Therefore, one can see how righteousness is not achieved by man’s deed but is granted by God through faith.
Imputation Meaning in the Bible
Imputation of righteousness is possible only through Jesus Christ. See 2 Corinthians 5:21: “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 man’s sin, taking it upon Himself, though He was without sin. In exchange, believers receive His perfect righteousness. This exchange—the taking on of one’s 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 shows how 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: for there is no difference:”
The righteousness of God is not attained by observing the law, for no one can fulfill it perfectly. This shows that salvation is entirely by grace, for man is incapable of saving himself.
The concept of imputed righteousness directly opposes self-righteousness. Philippians 3:9 captures Paul’s personal rejection of his own deeds: “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 truly transformative nature of faith.
Romans 5:18-19 provides further insight into how Christ’s obedience is credited unto 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 Blood Atonement, righteousness is made available to all who believe. This free gift of salvation, given by grace, restores what was lost through sin.
The imputation of righteousness fulfills the prophetic promises of the Old Testament. See Isaiah 61:10. which foreshadows it: “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, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.”
This imagery of being “clothed” in righteousness demonstrates that God covers believers with His own righteousness through Christ Jesus, making them acceptable in His sight.
Romans 8:1 once more confirms the salvation assurance: “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.”
We leave you with an infamous Scripture to define imputed righteousness in the Bible once more. See Ephesians 2:8-9: “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.”
Lord's Library is a Christian resource hub. Our editors use a variety of internet research methods like search engines, audio and video, AI, consultations with ministry leaders in the field, and more. Lord's Library should never be a substitute for reading your Bible daily as the Scriptures are to be our final authority on all matters. Lord's Library participates in affiliate programs. We may make a small commission from products purchased through this resource.
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