"IMPUTATION"

DEFINITION #2: ROMANS 3:22

IMPUTATION: God's righteousness credited to one's account.

The word "Imputation" (or "Impute") is not used in Romans 3:22. It is actually used in Romans chapter four, but the word "UPON" in Romans 3:22 conveys the same thought (See Romans 4:3). The word "Impute" is an accounting term which means "to credit to one's account." For instance, suppose my bank account is short the necessary funds required for paying my debts. A person who loves me--and has the money--can deposit the amount necessary into my bank account which will keep me out of jail.

THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD IS UNTO ALL AND UPON ALL THEM THAT BELIEVE.

Since man "COMES SHORT" and cannot make himself righteous, righteousness will have to be given to him from God, otherwise there is no hope for man. This is exactly what Romans 5:17 says:

RIGHTEOUSNESS IS A GIFT FROM GOD

This God-given righteousness is available to man "BY THE FAITH OF JESUS CHRIST" according to Romans 3:22. That is to say, the righteousness of God is available to man because of the faithfulness of Jesus Christ. God is not giving out His righteousness as a reward to us because of our faithful service to Him. God is giving out His righteousness as a gift to us because of Christ's faithful service to Him. Jesus Christ always did the will of His Father, even when it came time to give up His life and die on the cross for our sins.

The following verses confirm that it's Christ's faithfulness and not ours that counts with God when the subject is our salvation:

• Ephesians 3:12 - Teaches that our access to God is by Christ's Faithfulness.
• Philippians 3:9 - Says it is not my righteousness, but through Christ's righteousness and my faith in Him, that saves me.

Coming back to Romans 3:22, there are two important phrases to take note of:

1. "UNTO ALL" - This speaks of an Unlimited provision!

   God's righteousness is available to everyone. This is great news and again the following verses will confirm this wonderful news:

   I Timothy 2:4 -

   "GOD OUR SAVIOUR WHO WILL HAVE ALL MEN TO BE SAVED, AND TO COME UNTO THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE TRUTH."

   I Timothy 4:10 -

   "...BECAUSE WE TRUST IN THE LIVING GOD, WHO IS THE SAVIOUR OF ALL MEN, SPECIALLY OF THOSE THAT BELIEVE."

   I Timothy 1:15 -

   "...CHRIST CAME TO SAVE SINNERS..."

   Compare this with Romans 3:23 which says,

   "...ALL HAVE SINNED..."

   NOTE: The provision of the cross was not always declared "UNTO ALL." In times past, it was limited to Israel (Isaiah 53:4-8; Matthew 26:28). However, Romans 3:21 begins with "BUT NOW," indicating a change and that the provision is now available to ALL.

   The other important phrase in Romans 3:22 is this:

2. "UPON ALL THEM THAT BELIEVE" - This speaks of a Limited Application!

   While God's righteousness is available to everyone, it is imputed only to those who believe. God in his great wisdom has chosen to credit His righteousness only to the account of those who choose to trust in Him.

   Romans 1:16 -

   "...THE GOSPEL OF THE CHRIST...IS THE POWER OF GOD UNTO SALVATION TO EVERYONE THAT BELIEVETH..."

   Romans 4:3 -

   "...ABRAHAM BELIEVED GOD, AND IT WAS COUNTED UNTO HIM FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS."

   Romans 4:23, 24 -

   "NOW IT WAS NOT WRITTEN FOR HIS SAKE ALONE, THAT IT WAS IMPUTED TO HIM; BUT FOR US ALSO, TO WHOM IT SHALL BE IMPUTED, IF WE BELIEVE ON HIM THAT RAISED UP JESUS OUR LORD FROM THE DEAD."

   I Corinthians 1:21 -

   "...IT PLEASED GOD TO SAVE THEM THAT BELIEVE."

To illustrate what we have learned so far, let's say a certain man became extremely ill of a disease. He became so ill that he lost his job and with it his health insurance. Afterwards he discovers there is an operation that can cure him and without it he will die. However, having lost his job and insurance, he cannot afford the operation. Then one day he reads in the newspaper about a very rich person who advertises that he will deposit into anyone's bank account the amount of all medical expenses for anyone who is in such a predicament. If this man will believe what he has read and receives this offer, he will live. But if he pays no attention to this provision and has the attitude that he will take care of himself, in his helplessness he will die.

PRACTICAL POINT:

The illustration may be fictitious but the truth of Scripture is not. The Lord Jesus Christ was faithful. He lived without ever sinning. He died for our sins. The provision has been made for everyone, but His righteousness is given only to those who believe, and thereby receive it.

Since Jesus Christ paid for all sins, and since it is His righteousness that God sees applied to my account the moment I believe in Christ, then I am secure because His righteousness will never fail although there will be times mine will.

Does imputed righteousness mean God makes me righteous?