Before we jump into this riveting article on imputed righteousness, I wanted to highlight another in-depth article related to salvation that we highly recommend reading. This biblical recommended article examines the foundational aspects of salvation, providing treasured insights that can help deepen your understanding by enriching your perspective on the topic. Before we get to it, be sure to check it out – How To Be Saved According To Jesus

Exploring The Concept Of Imputed Righteousness

In the realm of theology, the concepts of ‘faith alone’ and ‘imputed righteousness’ often go hand in hand, intricately connected in their significance and interpretation. For more information about “faith alone” – jump to: Did Paul Teach Faith Alone?

Today’s study focuses on the doctrine of imputed righteousness which teaches that believers receive Christ’s righteousness solely through faith. This idea is a fundamental principle within Protestant theology, especially throughout Calvinist beliefs. Imputed righteousness stands as an indispensable doctrine for salvation and functions as a fundamental principle of grace.

The teaching requires further analysis and deserves critical examination especially when evaluating its foundation in scripture. Does the Bible actually contain evidence for the imputed righteousness of Christ, or is it possible that the Bible actually focuses on achieving righteousness through faith, and continuing to follow a living faith that generates works and compliance with God’s commands?

Let’s examine the scriptural evidence typically used to support imputed righteousness, offer counter-interpretations, and explore alternative perspectives emphasizing actions, obedience, and observing commandments. The aim is to foster a deeper understanding and encourage readers from all faiths, including Judaism and Islam, to study scripture critically.

The Phrase “Imputed Righteousness” Is Not Found in the Bible

The phrase “imputed righteousness” does not explicitly appear in the scriptures. Some interpret certain verses to support this doctrine, but a careful reading reveals a repeated biblical emphasis on practicing righteousness. Scripture consistently challenges the idea that righteousness can be passively received without action. Instead, the Bible connects faith that ultimately produces righteousness to obedience, works, and keeping God’s commandments.

Biblical Evidence for Righteousness By Faith Unto Obedience

Genesis 6:9 “Noah was a righteous man, blameless in his generation. Noah walked with God.”

• Noah’s righteousness is described as a result of his actions and relationship with God. By walking with God and being blameless, Noah demonstrates obedience and faithfulness to God’s commands during a time of widespread corruption.

Psalm 15:1-2 Lord, who may dwell in Your sacred tent? Who may live on Your holy mountain? The one whose walk is blameless, who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from their heart.”

• This passage highlights the traits of those who can dwell with God, centering righteousness on actions such as being blameless, doing righteous deeds, and speaking truthfully.

Psalm 119:1-3 “Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the Lord! Blessed are those who keep His testimonies, who seek Him with their whole heart, who also do no wrong, but walk in His ways.”

• This psalm reinforces the idea that walking in God’s law and keeping His testimonies leads to righteousness. It portrays obedience as an intentional and wholehearted pursuit of God’s will.

1 John 3:7 states, “Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray. The one who does what is right is righteous, just as he is righteous.”

• This verse underscores action; righteousness is demonstrated by practicing, not exclusively by faith or attribution.

Deuteronomy 6:25 declares, “Then it will be righteousness for us, if we are careful to observe all these commandments before the Lord our God, as He has commanded us.”

• Here, righteousness is achieved through observing God’s commandments, showcasing the necessity of obedience.

Ezekiel 18:9 specifies, “He has walked in My statutes and kept My judgments faithfully—he is just; he shall surely live!”

• The focus is on living a faithful, righteous life through obedience to God Almighty’s commands.

Matthew 5:20 emphasizes the need for extraordinary righteousness by stating, “For I say to you, unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.”

• This verse directly calls believers to active pursuit of righteousness, not merely reliance on any form of imputation.

Matthew 7:21 “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.”

• Jesus makes it clear that mere verbal acknowledgment or belief is insufficient for entry into the kingdom of heaven. Instead, doing the will of God, which aligns with obeying His commandments, is essential for righteousness.

Romans 2:13 “For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the law who will be justified.”

• Paul emphasizes that hearing the law is not enough to achieve righteousness. Only those who actively follow and do what the law requires are justified. This refutes the notion that righteousness is imputed without action.

James 2:24 “You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone.”

• This verse directly supports the connection between faith and works, affirming that righteousness is demonstrated through actions, not faith in isolation. James argues that obedience and works are inseparable from genuine faith.

These verses share a profound commonality that righteousness is connected to deeds, not something that can simply be credited or transferred.

Common Arguments Supporting Imputed Righteousness

Advocates of imputed righteousness often invoke verses like Romans 4:3, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,”.

Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar? James 2:21 – Abraham’s faith was perfected by his works.

2 Corinthians 5:21, “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” The interpretation hinges on the belief that faith alone, apart from works, makes believers righteous in the sight of God.

The argument follows that Christ’s righteousness has figuratively “covered” over believers, regardless of their actions, declaring them justified by faith. This forms a core tenet of some theological systems, such as Reformed theology.

Counter-Arguments and Alternative Scriptural Interpretations

While the above verses are critical to the doctrine of imputed righteousness, a deeper context often shifts their meaning significantly.

• Romans 4:3 (Abraham’s Faith and Righteousness)

Abraham did what God commanded him to do. Abraham’s faith made him righteous, and you could see that faith in how he faithfully obeyed God’s will. He left his home when God asked, and he was ready to offer his son Isaac as a sacrifice because he trusted God. Being righteous isn’t just about believing; it’s about doing the will of God the Father.

• 2 Corinthians 5:21 (Becoming the Righteousness of God)

This verse is sometimes interpreted as Christ’s righteousness being transferred to believers, yet it does not explicitly state this. An alternative understanding supports that believers become righteous by embodying God’s will, living according to His commandments, and putting into practice the teachings of Christ, which is faith in Jesus and obedience to God’s commands, as Jesus stated.

Historical Context of Imputed Righteousness

Interestingly, the doctrine of imputed righteousness emerged much later in church history. Early Christian writings and traditions do not emphasize this concept. For example, the Apostolic Fathers (like Clement of Rome or Polycarp) focus extensively on moral behavior, works, and keeping the commandments, consistently emphasizing that living in accordance with God’s will is essential for salvation.

The imputed righteousness doctrine gained significant prominence during the Protestant Reformation, particularly through the teachings of Martin Luther and John Calvin. This doctrine emphasized that righteousness is credited to believers by faith alone, rather than earned through good works or adherence to religious rituals. Luther and Calvin championed this idea as a response to the prevailing practices of the Catholic Church at the time, such as the sale of indulgences, which they viewed as corrupt and spiritually misguided.

Their focus on “faith alone” (sola fide) sought to redirect believers’ reliance away from institutional Catholic mediation and toward a personal relationship with God. However, this interpretation of righteousness represented a shift from earlier theological views, which understood righteousness as a combination of faith and obedience, working together to express genuine belief and biblical living according to God’s commands. This divergence marked a turning point in Christian thought, shaping the foundation of Protestant theology and its enduring impact on Christian practice.

4 Differing Views on Righteousness

Christianity differs from other Abrahamic faiths like Judaism and Islam, to where righteousness is intrinsically linked to actions, obedience, and fulfilling God’s commands.

Righteousness in Catholicism

In Catholicism, righteousness isn’t just a label or a status granted through faith alone — it’s a profound transformation of the soul through God’s grace. While Protestantism highlights righteousness as a legal declaration where Christ’s perfection is credited to believers, Catholic teaching takes it a step further. Here, righteousness is seen as a journey, a virtue actively infused by grace, reshaping and elevating the soul over time.

This involves an ongoing partnership between God’s grace and mankind’s cooperation through faith, good works, and adherence to the sacraments. Catholics believe that through baptism, grace is imparted to individuals, allowing them to partake in Christ’s righteousness actively. This grace is maintained and increased through participation in the sacramental life of the Church, especially the Eucharist and confession, leading to a transformative journey toward holiness and ultimate salvation.

Righteousness in Christianity

In Christianity, righteousness is believed to be achieved through “faith alone,” a concept often referred to as sola fide. This means that salvation and a right standing with God are seen as gifts of grace, received through faith in Jesus Christ, rather than through any efforts or strict obedience to God’s commandments. This principle is a cornerstone of many Protestant denominations and emphasizes trust in God’s mercy over reliance on personal deeds.

Righteousness in Judaism

In Judaism, righteousness is deeply rooted in following God’s laws and commandments outlined in the Torah, which serves as the central guide for moral and spiritual behavior. These commandments, known as mitzvot, cover all aspects of life, from ethical interactions with others to rituals that strengthen one’s connection to God. By adhering to the Torah (instructions), individuals live a life of holiness and contribute to the betterment of the world around them.

Righteousness in Islam

In Islam, righteousness is rooted in submitting to Allah’s will and following His guidance. This includes adhering to the teachings found in the Quran and Hadith, as well as the writings attributed to Jesus and the teachings of the 12 apostles.

In both Judaism and Islam, righteousness is more than a personal virtue; it embodies one’s relationship with God and a deep commitment to leading a moral, upright life in accordance with God’s commands. In Christianity, particularly in the writings of Paul, righteousness is attained through faith in Jesus Christ, independently of adhering to God’s commandments.

Imputed Righteousness According To Christianity

Imputed righteousness in Christianity is like a divine credit transfer — you don’t earn it yourself, but through faith in Jesus, God deposits righteousness into your account. This doctrine is primarily associated with Protestant Reformation teachings, especially by Martin Luther and John Calvin. It drives home the belief that Jesus’ righteousness is “imputed” or assigned to believers, allowing them to be seen as righteous in the eyes of God.

This concept is crucial in distinguishing between salvation by faith alone versus salvation by a combination of faith and good works. Imputed righteousness reassures believers that their salvation is a gift from God, not something they can earn through their deeds, highlighting the grace and mercy of God in the process of justification.

Alternative Christian Imputed Righteousness

Even within Christianity, alternative perspectives exist that stress the synergy between faith and works. For example, the Epistle of James famously states, “Faith without works is dead” (James 2:26). This suggests that faith must be lived out through actions, aligning with the scriptural focus on practicing righteousness.

Judaism’s View On Imputed Righteousness

Judaism gives a hard “nope” to the idea of imputed righteousness—the notion that someone else’s righteousness can be handed over like a spare coat. In Jewish thought, righteousness is seen as a personal responsibility, achieved through one’s own actions, choices, and adherence to the commandments, rather than being granted through the merits of another.

Judaism teaches that righteousness (tzedakah) is achieved through acts of obedience, charity, and justice. The Torah emphasizes the importance of keeping the mitzvot (commandments), with passages like Deuteronomy 6:25 reflecting this perspective.

Islam’s View On Imputed Righteousness

Islam isn’t a fan of the idea of imputed righteousness—why borrow someone else’s righteousness when you can earn your own? Instead, Islam emphasizes individual accountability, teaching that each person is responsible for their own actions and that forgiveness and righteousness are granted directly by Allah based on sincere repentance and good deeds.

Similarly, in Islam, righteousness involves submission to Allah’s will (Islam itself means submission). Believers are called to fulfill the Five Pillars of Islam, adhere to halal practices, and follow the teachings of the Quran and Hadith to live righteous lives.

Study the Scriptures and Seek the Truth

Ultimately, the Bible provides a wealth of evidence that righteousness is not merely imputed but practiced. Whether rooted in Judaism, Christianity, or Islam, the pathways to righteousness universally emphasize faith, obedience to God’s commands, good works, and aligning one’s life with the will of God Almighty.

For those exploring the doctrine of imputed righteousness, it is essential to approach the scriptures with a clear, willing to learn, unbiased mindset. This means setting aside preconceived notions and allowing the Bible to speak for itself, revealing truth through careful and prayerful study. It is crucial to read passages in their full context, considering the expanded narrative and themes of scripture, rather than isolating individual verses. Additionally, this approach involves resisting the temptation to filter scripture through historical and theological perspectives shaped by mankind’s interpretation, ensuring that our understanding is rooted in the Word of God itself rather than man-made traditions or doctrines of men.

“Little children, let no one deceive you. He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous” (1 John 3:7).

Take this as a call to action, not merely to believe, but to live righteously. Study, reflect, and obey, for true righteousness is found in action.

Did Paul Teach The Imputed Righteousness of Christ?

The concept of imputed righteousness, which staes that the righteousness of Christ is credited to believers, is often debated among theologians. Some argue that Apostle Paul did not explicitly teach this doctrine. While Paul’s writings, especially in the letters to the Romans and Galatians, focus heavily on justification by faith, they do not necessarily imply that righteousness is imputed in the legalistic sense.

Instead, Paul’s emphasis is on the transformative power of grace through faith, where believers are made righteous by participating in Christ’s life, death, and resurrection. This perspective suggests a more relational and participatory approach to righteousness rather than a direct legal imputation. Nonetheless, interpretations vary, and the concept remains a significant topic of theological discussion.

Did Paul Teach Faith Alone?

It is evident that Paul taught that the “works of the law” cannot save or justify anyone, only our faith can save us. However, it is through being “doers of the law”— by obeying God’s commands, that we continue to be sanctified, aligning with the teachings of James.

Some of Paul’s writings mentioned in the New Testament have been lost over time. References are made in Colossians 4:16; 1 Corinthians 5:9; 2 Corinthians 2:4 and 2:9, 2 Corinthians 7:8-9 and 7:12; Ephesians 3:3-4 to prior correspondences or additional letters, such as the one to the Laodiceans, that we simply no longer have copies. As it was common practice to circulate letters such as these between multiple congregations, we may never know this side of heaven just how many communications went out to the various early church body.

Many people misinterpret Paul’s teachings, assuming he advocated for “faith alone” for salvation, justification, and sanctification. However, Paul never used the phrase – “‘faith alone” in any of his writings. Paul’s usage of “works of the law” is different than obedience to the law or obey God’s commands. Paul taught that obedience is what leads to righteousness in Romans 6:16.

Our salvation begins with faith in the Lord Jesus Christ — this is the foundation, the starting line of the race, as Paul might describe it. However, it is through obedience to God’s commandments that we are sanctified, remaining righteous and aligned with the will of the Father. In 1 Corinthians 7:19, Paul emphasizes the importance of sanctification and makes it clear what truly counts: “Keeping God’s commandments is what counts”. For more information regarding Paul’s teaching about the law, please check out Did Paul Teach You Do Not Have to Obey God’s Commandments?, and Paul’s Teaching On The Law – An Introduction

Sanctification By Faith Unto Commanded Obedience

The concept of commanded obedience for sanctification underscores the necessity of following God’s commandments as part of the salvation journey. This view posits that while faith initiates the salvation process, ongoing obedience is essential for sanctification, reflecting a transformative, enduring relationship with God. This perspective is supported by passages in the New Testament, such as James 2:17, which states that “faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead,” clarifying the idea that true faith manifests in actions and commanded obedience.

The tension between these doctrines lies in the delicate balance between faith and works, a topic that has been debated among theologians for centuries. Many argue that while faith is the root of salvation, it cannot stand alone without evidence of transformation. Obedience and good works are seen as the natural fruits that flow from a genuine and living faith.

This perspective harmonizes Paul’s emphasis on faith as the cornerstone of salvation with the expanded biblical narrative, which consistently encourages believers to live out their faith, or work out their faith through tangible actions and obedience to God’s commands. The idea is that true faith is never static — it is dynamic, resulting in a life marked by love for God, love for your neighbor, and a commitment to follow God’s will. This interplay between faith and works affirms the view that salvation is both a gift and a calling to actively reflect the transformation it brings.

Thank you for taking the time to read this article. I hope it has enriched your understanding and guided you toward discovering the truth. While you’re here, I encourage you to explore another insightful piece on salvation: Understanding Biblical Salvation and Perfection

Helpful Thoughts

In the theological dome, the debate between justified “by faith” as found in Paul’s writings and the instruction of commanded obedience for sanctification and salvation is a complex one. Paul’s message in the New Testament, especially in letters like Romans and Galatians, emphasizes justification by faith. Paul argues that people are justified by faith apart from works of the Law (Romans 3:28), highlighting that grace through faith is the cornerstone of salvation, not the adherence to the law.

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Let us close in prayer:

After this manner therefore pray ye:

Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. (Matthew 6:9-13)