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"Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven."

Text: Romans 4:7

THE CONCEPT OF IMPUTED RIGHTEOUSNESS

Twice now, Paul made reference to imputed righteousness. Let us ponder the two statements he made.

“Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him
for righteousness.”
Romans 4:3

“Just as David also describes the blessedness of the man
to whom God imputes righteousness apart from works.”
Romans 4:6

The following observations may be made concerning this vital doctrine.

1. The means of obtaining this “righteousness” is through faith.

2. Two phrases convey this doctrinal idea:-

a) “Accounted to him for righteousness”.

b) “God imputes righteousness”.

3. In simple terms:-

a) The person whom God imputes righteousness is essentially a sinner in his being.

b) Imputed righteousness is a legal status in the spiritual realm.

c) God declares the individual as one who has obtained righteousness… despite his sinfulness.

d) Whose righteousness then is imputed to the individual?

i) It is the righteous that Jesus possessed.

ii) This righteousness is imputed to the sinner.

iii) The sinner stands before God with the cloak of righteousness given to him.

4. What about his sins?

Paul cited David’s words for his answer. All sins have been totally forgiven!

“Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven,
And whose sins are covered; Blessed is the man to whom
the Lord shall not impute sin.”
Romans 4:7-8