What is imputed and imparted righteousness?

Author: BibleAsk Team


Imputed and Imparted Righteousness

Imputed righteousness is the righteousness of Christ credited to the believers — that is, they get treated as if it were theirs through faith. It is on the foundation of this “alien” (from the outside) righteousness that God accepts humans. This doctrine is synonymous with justification by faith.

Imparted righteousness is the gracious gift of God given at the justification which enables the believer to strive for holiness and victory over sin through his continual growth in the Christian experience. This doctrine is synonymous with sanctification.  Let’s elaborate on the doctrines of  justification, sanctification and glorification.

Justification

It is when a person -has been saved- from all past sins when he asks for God’s forgiveness and accepts it by faith. This is an instant experience. “Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law” (Romans 3:28). Faith in Christ means a person is grateful for what He did for sinners. It implies having a trust in Him without reservation, so much so that he is willing to take Him at His word and follow Him.

Sanctification

It is when a person is -being saved- from the power of sin as he surrenders daily to God and walks in obedience to His word. This is a life time process. “But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth” (2 Thessalonians 2:13).

Sanctification takes place when a person holds to Christ daily by study of the Word and prayer. He cooperates with God’s power. “For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer” (1 Timothy 4:5). The Christian will allow the Lord to do His will in his life. The only way, he stops this process is to cut himself off deliberately and disconnect himself from the Lord.

Glorification

It is when a person -shall be saved- from the presence of sin when Christ comes again. “When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day” (2 Thessalonians 1:10).

Conclusion

The Christian can properly speak of salvation in three tenses – past, present, and future. He can say, “I have been saved” when he God’s gift of free salvation by faith (Justification), “I am being saved” as he is walking daily with the Lord (Sanctification); and “I shall be saved” when he will finally reach the eternal promised land (Glorification).

In His service,
BibleAsk Team

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