JUSTIFICATION #3 The imputation of righteousness

"Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: by whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God." (Romans 5:1-2) It is not enough to be free from guilt; one must also partake of the righteousness of God. This occurs in justification. Those that are freed from sin receive the very righteousness of God. That is the reason for forgiveness! Righteousness, therefore, is not an achievement of men, but a blessing from God. This righteousness is from God, and is revealed in the Gospel (Rom 1:17), and is clearly called "the righteousness of God." It is not a developed righteousness, but an imputed one; reckoned to our account by the grace of God and through our faith (Eph 2:8). The imputation of righteousness is a legal matter, but not merely a legal matter. It is effectual, making us "partakers of the divine nature". Our character is transformed when this occurs, and we are "renewed in knowledge after the image of Him" that created us (Col 3:10). This imputation takes place in the Person of Christ. One of His identities is "the Lord our righteousness" (Jer 23:6; 33:16). The Spirit reveals that God, after placing us in Christ, made Him our righteousness. "But of Him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption" (1 Cor 1:30). How marvelous the truth, and how little is heard of it in these days of shallow theology! God has placed us in Christ! Hallelujah! Then, He made Christ to be "wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption" to us. That is to say, in Jesus, we obtain the "mind of Christ." The "spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him" is thus made available to us (Eph 1:17). He also becomes our "righteousness," so that possessing Him, we receive the unreserved approval of the Almighty. Jesus is also made "sanctification" to us, giving us divine utility. Not only can God use those in His Son, He is disposed to do so. Our Savior is also "made redemption" to us, removing any and all indebtedness for iniquity. Thus, we become "righteous" in Christ Jesus--all because of what God has done through Christ! Here is a marvelous truth: the Holy Spirit is active in our justification. "And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God" (1 Cor 6:11). He beings us into the reality of the blessing, impressing upon our hearts the truth of the Gospel. Under His tutelage, we are persuaded of the effectiveness of Christ's substitutionary death, victorious resurrection, and faithful intercession. Let no one doubt that such marvelous righteous is "imputed" or "credited" to the believer. This is declared with unmistakable emphasis and power in Scripture. Righteousness was "imputed" to Abraham, and to "all them that believe" (Rom 4:11,23-24). Blessed, indeed, is the person "unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works" (Rom 4:6-8). To such an individual "the Lord will not impute sin" (Rom 4:8). I realize this is exceedingly difficult for some to receive, but it is still true. To the insightful, it is obvious that we need a righteousness like this! A righteousness that is "apart from the Law" (Rom 3:21). Because God has spoken so clearly on this matter, God's people must refuse to give ear to anyone that contradicts what He has said. Justification results in the individual being made "righteous" -- righteous before God. Be sure that God will call no one righteous that is not really righteous! His "great salvation" has provided a way for Him to make men righteous without comprising His own integrity, or denying any aspect of His glorious Person.

-- TOMORROW: JUSTIFICATION BEFORE ACCEPTANCE --