IMPUTED RIGHTEOUSNESS Meaning and
Definition
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Imputed righteousness is a theological concept that refers to the act of God attributing or assigning righteousness to an individual, based not on their own merit or actions, but on the merit and righteousness of another. In Christian theology, imputed righteousness is closely associated with the doctrine of justification, which teaches that a person is declared righteous or justified by God through faith in Jesus Christ.
The idea of imputed righteousness is rooted in the belief that human beings are inherently sinful and incapable of achieving righteousness on their own. Instead, it is through the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus Christ that a person can be deemed righteous in the sight of God. Through faith in Christ, believers are seen as having Christ's righteousness imputed to them, covering their sins and making them acceptable to God.
Imputed righteousness is often contrasted with imparted righteousness. While imputed righteousness refers to the legal declaration of righteousness, imparted righteousness refers to the process of the Holy Spirit transforming a believer's character to be more like Christ. Both concepts are seen as essential in Christian soteriology, emphasizing the need for both a positional righteousness before God and the ongoing sanctification of the believer.
In summary, imputed righteousness is the act of God ascribing or crediting righteousness to a person through faith in Jesus Christ, despite their own inherent sinfulness. It is a foundational aspect of Christian doctrine, highlighting the importance of Christ's sacrifice and the believer's reliance upon it for their salvation and right standing before God.
Etymology of IMPUTED RIGHTEOUSNESS
The term "imputed righteousness" is primarily used in theological discourse, particularly within the context of Christian theology. Its etymology can be traced to the combination of two words: "imputed" and "righteousness".
1. Imputed: The word "imputed" is derived from the Latin word "imputare", which means "to reckon", "to attribute", or "to assign". In theological discussions, the concept of "imputation" refers to the act of attributing or ascribing something to someone. In the case of "imputed righteousness", it involves the idea of righteousness being credited or reckoned to someone.
2. Righteousness: The term "righteousness" has its roots in the Old English word "rihtwīsnes", which means "righteousness" or "justice".
