God Our Saviour: 8

Doctrine of the Cross

Imputation

“…not of works…”

to impute the righteousness of God to the account of mankind

The righteousness that God requires; Would be God’s own righteousness imputed to us. Seven-hundred years before the birth of Christ, Imputation was revealed.

To impute means simply to put something to someone’s account.

I.“…their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD.” Isaiah 54:17

Isaiah 54:17 No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD.

II.Immutability: The O.T. to N.T.

2 Corinthians 5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
Romans 10:1–4 Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved. For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.

2)Micah 6:8 → fruit of God’s grace “Post” Imputation

Micah 6:8 He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?

III.O.T. Revelation of Imputation cf. Micah 6:7; 6:3–5 cf. Numbers 23:16–20 cf. Micah 6:8

Micah 6:7 Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, or with ten thousands of rivers of oil? shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?
Micah 6:3–5 O my people, what have I done unto thee? and wherein have I wearied thee? testify against me. For I brought thee up out of the land of Egypt, and redeemed thee out of the house of servants; and I sent before thee Moses, Aaron, and Miriam. O my people, remember now what Balak king of Moab consulted, and what Balaam the son of Beor answered him from Shittim unto Gilgal; that ye may know the righteousness of the LORD.
Numbers 23:16–20 And the LORD met Balaam, and put a word in his mouth, and said, Go again unto Balak, and say thus. And when he came to him, behold, he stood by his burnt offering, and the princes of Moab with him. And Balak said unto him, What hath the LORD spoken? And he took up his parable, and said, Rise up, Balak, and hear; hearken unto me, thou son of Zippor: God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good? Behold, I have received commandment to bless: and he hath blessed; and I cannot reverse it.
  • 1)The righteousness required for “Peace with God” is only God’s righteousness, apart from works.
  • 2)To Know and understand His righteousness, remember (v.5); the revealed righteousness of God imputed to sinners in order for them to be made saints.

IV.O.T. Proof of Imputed Righteousness — Numbers 23:21 cf. v.19–20

Numbers 23:21 He hath not beheld iniquity in Jacob, neither hath he seen perverseness in Israel: the LORD his God is with him, and the shout of a king is among them.
Numbers 23:19–20 God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good? Behold, I have received commandment to bless: and he hath blessed; and I cannot reverse it.

A.Understanding God’s righteousness: “hath not beheld iniquity in Jacob, neither hath he seen perverseness in Israel.”

  • i.Following forty years of wilderness wanderings
  • ii.Exodus generation mostly died off

B.Historical Imputation: Israel Nationally cf. 1 Corinthians 10:2 and Exodus 12:13

1 Corinthians 10:2 And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; And did all eat the same spiritual meat;
Exodus 12:13 And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt.
  • i.Blood Applied
  • ii.Type of Baptism Acknowledged
  • iii.Chastisement: Plagues & Serpents

C.God views his children from two Vantage Points — Numbers 23:19 cf. Titus 1:2; 1 Corinthians 15:45

  • a.Adamic (First Adam’s Fallen) nature: Chastening Included
  • b.DIVINE (last Adam’s Imputed) Nature: through the blood; delivered completely sinless and righteous
Numbers 23:19 God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?
Titus 1:2 In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;
1 Corinthians 15:45 And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit.

D.Their standing (1 Corinthians 10:4) is perfect, for it is based on Him (God) and His (God’s) righteousness

1 Corinthians 10:4 And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.

V.Imputed Righteousness cf. Zechariah 3 — Zechariah 3:1

Zechariah 3:1 And he shewed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, and Satan standing at his right hand to resist him.

A.Perfect, Sinless Advocate (1 John 2:1) cf. Zechariah 3:2–3; Psalm 32:2; Romans 4:6–8

1 John 2:1 My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:
Zechariah 3:2–3 And the LORD said unto Satan, The LORD rebuke thee, O Satan; even the LORD that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee: is not this a brand plucked out of the fire? Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and stood before the angel.
Psalm 32:2 Blessed is the man unto whom the LORD imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile.
Romans 4:6–8 Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works, Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.

1.Helplessness of the “Truster” of God’s Righteousness cf. Zechariah 3:4; Isaiah 61:10; Zechariah 3:5; Ephesians 1:13, 2:8–9

Zechariah 3:4 And he answered and spake unto those that stood before him, saying, Take away the filthy garments from him. And unto him he said, Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with change of raiment.
Isaiah 61:10 I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.
Ephesians 1:13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
Ephesians 2:8–9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.

2.God removes (Imputeth not) iniquity in order to impute / replace with his righteousness cf. Zechariah 3:5; Ephesians 2:8–9

Zechariah 3:5 And I said, Let them set a fair mitre upon his head. So they set a fair mitre upon his head, and clothed him with garments. And the angel of the LORD stood by.
Ephesians 2:8–9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.

B.Post Imputation: We are led into special blessings from God — As His Workmanship cf. John 16:13; Zechariah 3:6–7; Ephesians 2:10; Revelation 1:5 (cf. Acts 20:28); Revelation 7:14; “Occupy Till I Come” Luke 19:13

John 16:13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.
Zechariah 3:6–7 And the angel of the LORD protested unto Joshua, saying, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; If thou wilt walk in my ways, and if thou wilt keep my charge, then thou shalt also judge my house, and shalt also keep my courts, and I will give thee places to walk among these that stand by.
Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
Revelation 1:5 And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,
Acts 20:28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.
Revelation 7:14 And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
Luke 19:13 And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come.

C.O.T. Imputed Righteousness (in fallen creation) cf. Jeremiah 51:5

Jeremiah 51:5 For Israel hath not been forsaken, nor Judah of his God, of the LORD of hosts; though their land was filled with sin against the Holy One of Israel.

1.God will discipline His children (Hebrews 12) cf. v.4–11 fruit yielding cf. 2 Corinthians 7:1 cf. v.6–11, 15–16

Numbers 23:19 God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?
Hebrews 12:4–11 Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin. And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness. Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.
2 Corinthians 7:1 cf. v.6–11, 15–16 Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. Nevertheless God, that comforteth those that are cast down, comforted us by the coming of Titus; And not by his coming only, but by the consolation wherewith he was comforted in you, when he told us your earnest desire, your mourning, your fervent mind toward me; so that I rejoiced the more. For though I made you sorry with a letter, I do not repent, though I did repent: for I perceive that the same epistle hath made you sorry, though it were but for a season. Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing. For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death. For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter. And his inward affection is more abundant toward you, whilst he remembereth the obedience of you all, how with fear and trembling ye received him. I rejoice therefore that I have confidence in you in all things.

2.Chastening: Self-Righteousness (Job 31:2, 4) — “I;” “Me;” “Mine;” and “My” (83× in 40 verses) cf. Job 1:8

Job 31:2, 4 For what portion of God is there from above? and what inheritance of the Almighty from on high? … Doth not he see my ways, and count all my steps?
Job 1:8 And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil?

3.Redundancy Matrix: grasping the difference between our Standing and our State

D.Imputation is contingent on the veracity of God and on His Faithfulness to the promises He has made. cf. 1 John 3:2, 4:17, 5:10 & 2 Corinthians 5:17

1 John 3:2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
1 John 4:17 Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.
1 John 5:10 He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son.
2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

1.Contrast our present State with our eternal Standing cf. Philippians 2:19–20; Romans 6:4b

Philippians 2:19–20 But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state. For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state. For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ’s.
Romans 6:4b Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

2.“…peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By Whom…” we Stand in grace cf. Romans 5:2 cf. Hebrews 4:16 — Chapter 4: Bold Faithful Rest

  • a.Rest — 9×
  • b.Hebrews 4:9 — RestG4521 = Sabbath Spiritual (Standing) and Positionally / Permanently Imputed cf. (proof text) Matthew 12:8; Mark 3:4–5; Luke 6:8–9
  • c.Mixed with Faith — v.2, 6–7, 12–15
Romans 5:2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
Hebrews 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
Hebrews 4:1, 3–5, 8, 10–11 — Rest 9× 1Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it. 3For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world. 4For he spake in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise, And God did rest the seventh day from all his works. 5And in this place again, If they shall enter into my rest. 8For if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day. 10For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. 11Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.
Hebrews 4:9 — RestG4520 / G4521 = Sabbath Spiritual (Standing) 9There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.
Matthew 12:8 For the Son of man is Lord even of the sabbath dayG4521.
Mark 3:4–5 4And he saith unto them, Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath daysG4521, or to do evil? to save life, or to kill? But they held their peace. 5And when he had looked round about on them with anger, being grieved for the hardness of their hearts, he saith unto the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it out: and his hand was restored whole as the other.
Luke 6:8–9 8But he knew their thoughts, and said to the man which had the withered hand, Rise up, and stand forth in the midst. And he arose and stood forth. 9Then said Jesus unto them, I will ask you one thing; Is it lawful on the sabbath daysG4521 to do good, or to do evil? to save life, or to destroy it?
Hebrews 4:2, 6–7, 12–15 — Mixed with Faith 2For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it. 6Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief: 7Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts. 12For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. 13Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do. 14Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. 15For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

VI.Illustration of Imputed Righteousness — Philemon v.17–18; Romans 3:9; Galatians 3:22

Philemon 17–18 17If thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself. 18If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee ought, put that on mine account;
Romans 3:9 What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin;
Galatians 3:22 But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.

A.The letter to Philemon asked this runaway debtor / bondman (one with tremendous debt owed) to personally deliver it to his debtee; requiring considerable surrender / courage cf. v.11 <—> v.19

Philemon 11 Which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me:
Philemon 19 I Paul have written it with mine own hand, I will repay it: albeit I do not say to thee how thou owest unto me even thine own self besides.

B.Grateful exhortation to receive and remember (v.4–10) Onesimus as though he were receiving Paul himself (v.19a) — Interpolated Substitutionary Imputation (v.19b)

Philemon 4–10 4I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers, 5Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints; 6That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus. 7For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother. 8Wherefore, though I might be much bold in Christ to enjoin thee that which is convenient, 9Yet for love’s sake I rather beseech thee, being such an one as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ. 10I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds:
Philemon 19a I Paul have written it with mine own hand, I will repay it:
Philemon 19b albeit I do not say to thee how thou owest unto me even thine own self besides.

C.Paul being a typology of the Lord Jesus. Christ takes the repentant sinner who trusts Him as Saviour and presents him before the Godhead and says, “we will receive this one exactly as we received me.”

  • i.“If thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself.”
  • ii.“If he owes you anything at all, I’ll pay it. If he hath wronged thee ought, put that on mine account.”

D.Perfect Picture of Imputation without works cf. Psalm 103:1–4, 107:2; Romans 4:5–6

Psalm 103:1–4 1(A Psalm of David.) Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. 2Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: 3Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; 4Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;
Psalm 107:2 2Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy;
Romans 4:5–6 5But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. 6Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works,
  • i.Before Law: v.5 referring to Abraham
  • ii.During and Under Law: v.6 referring to David
  • iii.Church Age — Dispensation of the Grace of God: v.7–8, 22–25; Ephesians 3:21; 2 Corinthians 3:9 “Exceed in Glory”
Romans 4:7–8 7Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. 8Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.
Romans 4:22–25 22And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness. 23Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him; 24But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; 25Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.
Ephesians 3:21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end.
2 Corinthians 3:9 For if the ministration of condemnation be glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory.

Sin Imputed from Adam to Man

Sin Imputed from Man to Christ

Righteousness Imputed from Godhead to Man:

Spirit and Soul and Body

God’s Judicial Machinery Trichotomy of Man The Word of God (printable)