Justification and Imputation: Some Questions
Topic: Exegetical
Due to various discussions with friends, a series of questions developed regarding justification and its implications for the imputation of Christ's righteousness. Many theologians have talked about the double imputation (or crediting, reckoning) typically seen in the Scriptures.
The first occurs when human sin is imputed or credited to Christ on the cross when He bears our sin as the perfect Substitute, the Lamb of God. The second (more controversial) imputation is seen when Christ credits or reckons His righteousness on the believer's behalf.
What follows is several questions regarding exactly how this occurs, as well as some objections some have brought to the issue. Questions such as the nature between justification and forgiveness, the role of justification and good works, and other thorny queries are dealt with below. Hopefully, the following is illuminating, biblically faithful, and helpful.
Objection #1
Is justification synonymous with the forgiveness of sin in Scripture? "If according to the Apostle those propositions be equivalent, 'Blessed is the man whose iniquities are forgiven', and 'Blessed is the man to whom the God justifies', then according to the Apostle, justification and forgiveness of sins are all one."
Continue Reading...
