The Doctrine of Righteous Imputation

INTRODUCTION

The law cannot save us, but in Romans 3:21-22, God reveals a righteousness that will save us, without the law. This is the nature of God’s plan of salvation in Jesus. God’s salvation is offered without the law, without our own earning or deserving, without our own merit.

Under the Gospel, righteousness comes by faith in Jesus Christ.

In Romans 4, the Greek word for “reckon” is used 11 times. It’s translated “impute,” “reckon,” or “count.” This is an accounting term illustrating that sin has been transferred from our account, and Jesus has put righteousness to our account.

I-WE ARE NOT ACCEPTED BECAUSE OF OUR WORKS

Romans 4:1-8.

David and Abraham were outstanding men in Hebrew history, but they were sinners, having no righteousness of their own.

A. We cannot boast ourselves. (Romans 4:2)

If we were saved by our own works, then God would not get the glory. (Ephesians 2:8-9)

The main purpose of the Gospel is to bring glory to God (Ephesians 3:20-21).

B. The difference between wages and gift. (Romans 4:4-5)

Salvation is credited according to faith, not works. The working man is credited based on the fact that the employer owes him a debt, but if the man doesn’t work, then the credit is based on grace alone.

C. David and Abraham. (Romans 4:6-8)

David did not possess works of righteousness, he was a sinner who was immoral and hypocritical.

Neither David or Abraham had any righteousness of their own, but by faith, righteousness was reckoned to them.

II-WE ARE NOT ACCEPTED BECAUSE OF OUR RELIGION

Romans 4:9-12.

Baptism, Communion, or any other religious ritual will not save you. If righteousness is to be reckoned to a sinner, it must be done God’s way.

A. By Faith - Simply.

Circumcision didn’t save Abraham for he was saved before he was circumcised.

b. Salvation is by faith, not a religious ritual.

B. By Faith - Saving.

Abraham found favor with God by faith alone.

b. God promised Abraham blessings because he believed God and obeyed God.

III-WE ARE NOT ACCEPTED BECAUSE OF THE LAW

Romans 4:13-25.

Abraham was reckoned 400 years before the law was ever given.

A. The Plan of God (4:16)

All God’s blessings come by grace, through faith - not by the law (Hebrews 11:6)

B. The Promises of God

They are unmerited (4:14-16)

b. They are unlimited (4:16-25)

C. The Pardon of God

Christ’s death and resurrection brings us pardon (4:25)

Only through Christ, we are saved (Romans 10:9-10)

CONCLUSION

The understanding of the doctrine of imputation is necessary for believers to comprehend God’s simple plan of salvation. If we do not understand imputation, then it’s possible that the believer would never know the depths of their own depravity, but also not know the depths of Christ’s magnificent love. Believers need to praise God for imputation; without it, we would be destined for hell instead of a home in heaven for eternity. Without the imputed righteousness of Christ, no man or woman can ever stand righteous before the Holy, perfect God of the universe. Only Christ can do that work.