Imputed righteousness

Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works (Romans 4:6 KJV)

Glory & Grace Daily devotional for yesterday discussed the supernatural exchange that took place as Christ took our place as sinners. Let me briefly explain the beauties of this concept as revealed by the word “impute” in Romans 4:6 above.

The word “impute” above translates the Greek word “logizomai” which essentially means to credit something to someone’s account, that is, to attribute or reckon as an asset in someone’s account, especially financial. A good modern-day illustration will be an instant bank transfer of money to someone’s account. Once that money is transferred to you, it is yours. Yes, it was “credited” to you, but it is now in your account. You own it and have all the rights and privileges of having money in your account.

In Romans 4:6 above, Paul says the man unto whom God imputes righteousness without works is blessed! In our modern-day language, we are blessed or happy beyond measure if God transfers righteousness to our spiritual account without us working for it. The spiritual details of how God worked this out are not given to us, so not for us to figure out. The final result is that when a person accepts Jesus as their Lord and Savior, there is an imputation of righteousness. That person suddenly realizes, spiritually, his or her spiritual account is full of perfect righteousness that Christ has deposited! It is finished, and we are the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus! We did not work for it. We did not earn it. He imputed it to us!

MEDITATE

What is the Greek word translated “imputeth” in the verse above? What does it mean in the general sense? What does it mean in Romans 4:24 above?

APPLY THE WORD

Your consciousness of righteousness is critical for spiritual your spiritual stability. In fact, until you receive God’s righteousness as a gift, any attempt to live a practical righteous life will be an endless struggle. Receive His righteousness, and be thankful. Then live righteously to demonstrate that righteousness.