The first Adam (a real person) who was living in the Garden of Eden, sinned by eating that fruit from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, and that act of disobedience (Eve was deceived regarding the fruit, but Adam wasn't) produced a grave, two-fold horrific effect not only on him, but on the rest of humanity that came after him.
"And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience.." Ephesians 2:1,2 nkjv
He made alive is italicized. God quicker, raised you from death. This greatest of His miracles (among all his miracles) was no less easy for Him than when He raised His Son physically from death. Talking about resurrection and elevating power within you. Yes, in Christ who lives within you now.
That's past tense (this type of death-walking) for all reborn believers (saved sinners), otherwise, these verse are referring to present tense. Yes, this talk by Paul is sadly present tense for you (unsaved sinners). You are 100% Dead spiritually with serious consequences ahead unless you RSVP on God's free (Gospel) invitation. Is there a Solution? Yes, knowing God on his terms through Jesus Christ. Eph 2 - theme God's work
- God's work for us - vv. 4-7,- God's work within us - vv. 8 and 9,- God's work through us - v. 10,- God's work among us - vv. 11-22.
Ephesians Chapters 1, 2, and 3 deal with SIN that has worked against us. It's killed. Yes, all sins stink to high heaven.
The first effect was: original sin and the second was imputed sin.
You've undoubtedly heard the theological concepts of both original sin and imputed sin highlighted before. Talkin' about that very negative, pervasive impact of Adam's disobedience to God in the Garden of Eden, the consequences here, and about God's kind overarching redemptive plan of through Jesus Christ His Sinless Son. He has a good plan for you--you know he does! So, let's break these ideas down a bit:
Original Sin (Inherited Sin)
- Definition: Original sin refers to the sinful nature passed down from Adam to all humanity. This inherent corruption affects our character, making us morally flawed and inclined to sin.
- Biblical Basis: Romans 5:12–14 explains how sin entered the world through Adam and spread to all because "all sinned." This is not about personal acts of sin but about the inherited nature of sin.
- Impact: It affects human nature and inclines us to rebel against God, making us "by nature deserving of wrath" (Ephesians 2:3).
Imputed Sin
- Definition: Imputed sin refers to the guilt of Adam's sin being credited to humanity. Legally, all are considered guilty because of Adam's representative role for humanity.
- Biblical Basis: Romans 5:18–19 highlights how Adam's trespass brought condemnation to all, just as Christ's obedience brings righteousness to believers.
- Impact: It affects our standing before God, leaving us guilty and condemned under divine judgment.
Twofold Penalty for Sin
- Spiritual Death: Separation from God in this life, which, if unaddressed, leads to eternal separation (the "second death" in Revelation 20:11–15).
- Physical Death (came too): As Romans 6:23 notes, "The wages of sin is death." Physical death is a universal consequence of humanity's fallen state.
• There is no one who is righteous, no not one.• No one understands.• No one seeks for God; all have turned aside.• No one does good, not even one.• There is no fear of God before their eyes.
The Only Redemptive Solution Is: Jesus Christ
- Imputed Righteousness: Just as Adam's sin was imputed to humanity, Christ's righteousness is imputed to believers. Through faith in Jesus, His obedience and sacrificial death are credited to our account, making us righteous before God (2 Corinthians 5:21).
- Victory Over Sin and Death: Romans 4:25 and 1 Corinthians 15:22 affirm that Jesus' resurrection secures justification and life for those in Him.
- Ongoing Sanctification: While believers are clothed in Christ's righteousness, they are not yet perfected. The Christian life involves growing in holiness, empowered by the Holy Spirit.
Contrast Between Adam and Christ
Paul often contrasts Adam's disobedience with Christ's obedience:
- The First Adam: Brought sin, death, and condemnation into this world.
- The Second Adam (Christ): Brought righteousness, life, and justification in for us.
This theological framework underscores both the seriousness of all sin and the profound grace of God through Jesus Christ for all humans. If you will, you can be forgiven even here and now, and then live free in a meaningful relationship with God.
This calls for honest repentance and simple faith in Christ and His finished work on the Cross. This calls for reflection on human fallenness here and gratitude for the redemptive work accomplished through Christ who was raised from the dead, offering hope and restoration to all who believe. Over 500 eyewitnesses saw him alive.
I'm talking about what God's priceless gospel is all about for you and me. First, humanity’s desperate need for free righteousness and God’s provision of that righteousness minus a price we each pay. It's through Jesus Christ, the second Adam. The concept of imputed righteousness is central to understanding the Christian doctrine of free salvation and justification. Look up the verses for a deeper dive. Yep, let's delve deeper into the word for clarity of meaning and the implications.
Our Need for Imputed Righteousness
- God’s Standard: The standard of righteousness required by God is perfection (Matthew 5:48). This perfection is not only in outward actions but also in the thoughts, intentions, and desires of the heart, as demonstrated by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount.
- Human Inability: Sin has corrupted every part of our being (Romans 3:10-12). Our attempts at self-generated righteousness fall short, described as “filthy rags” in Isaiah 64:6.
- Condemnation by the Law: The Law, rather than saving us, exposes our inability to meet God’s standard. It convicts us of sin (Romans 3:20).
The Role of the Second Adam
- Christ as the Second Adam: While Adam’s disobedience brought condemnation and death to all, Christ’s obedience brings justification and life to those who believe (Romans 5:18-19). Jesus is the federal head of a new humanity, reversing the curse of sin through His perfect obedience and sacrificial death.
- Imputation of Sin and Righteousness:
- On the cross at Calvary, our sin was imputed (credited) to Christ, who bore its penalty in our place (2 Corinthians 5:21). It was a substitutionary death -- He died in my place, in your place.
- Through faith, Christ’s righteousness is imputed to us freely, so we are declared righteous before God (Romans 3:22-24). You don't ever need to pay for any indulgences.
The Nature of Imputed Righteousness
- Positional Righteousness: By imputation, we are declared righteous before God, not because of anything we have done, but because of Christ’s obedience and sacrifice. This is a legal standing before God.
- Illustration of the Wedding Garment: In Matthew 22:1-14, the wedding garment symbolizes the righteousness provided by God. Just as the guests could not enter the banquet in their own clothes, we cannot enter God’s presence clothed in our own works. The garment is a gracious provision, freely given and essential for participation in the celebration.
The Ongoing Work of Grace
- Sanctification: Imputed righteousness does not make us instantly sinless in practice but begins the process of sanctification, where we are transformed into the image of Christ (2 Corinthians 3:18). It assures us that, despite our imperfections, our standing before God is secure.
- Hope for Glory: Ultimately, imputed righteousness leads to glorification, where we will be made fully righteous in practice, free from sin forever (Romans 8:30).
The Gift of Faith
- Access to Righteousness: This righteousness is received by faith, not by works, so no one can boast (Ephesians 2:8-9). Faith is the means by which we accept the gift of Christ’s righteousness.
- Security in Christ: Once clothed in Christ’s righteousness, we are eternally secure. God no longer sees our sin but the perfect obedience of His Son (Colossians 3:3-4).
The Great And Glorious Exchange
This doctrine is often summarized as the great exchange:
- We give God the mess and all from our unrighteousness. Christ took on our sin and its penalty.
- We receive His gift of righteousness in place of our mess from that unrighteousness.
This exchange is the ultimate expression of God’s grace, love, and mercy. It allows sinners to be reconciled to a holy God, not by their merit but by the merit of Christ alone. Through the imputed righteousness of Jesus, we are invited into fellowship with God, both now and for eternity—a truth that fills the believer’s heart with gratitude and awe.
Imputed, imparted -- What's the Dif?
Many believers with imputed righteousness also believe in God's imparted righteousness saying these are fundamental in basic Christian theology. It's imperative that we all know we need to grow and become holy in our walk with Jesus. So understanding the distinction here helps clarify the believer's journey in salvation and sanctification. Both are free gifts of God’s grace to be recieved, but they operate in distinct and yet interconnected ways, reflecting the different aspects of the believer’s relationship with God.
Imputed Righteousness: That's Positional Righteousness
Imputed righteousness refers to the righteousness of Christ being credited to the believer’s account at the moment (they are born again, regenerated) of salvation. This is a legal declaration by God, where the sinner is justified and considered righteous because of Christ’s perfect obedience and sacrificial death. When God the Father looks upon you believer, He doesn't see your sin but Christ's righteousness. Will He see you sin in the future? Yes, but you can grow up by His grace.
Definition and Scriptural Basis:
- To impute means to credit or ascribe something to someone else. In salvation, our sin is imputed to Christ, and His righteousness is imputed to us. This “great exchange” is summarized in 2 Corinthians 5:21, where Paul writes, “He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”
- Romans 4:5-6 emphasizes that this righteousness is apart from works, showing it is entirely the work of God’s grace through faith.
Characteristics:
- Imputed righteousness is external and positional. It changes our standing before God but does not initially alter our nature.
- It is described as being “clothed” in righteousness (Isaiah 61:10), symbolizing that our righteousness is not inherent but granted to us through Christ.
Significance:
- Imputed righteousness is foundational. Without it, we would remain under God’s judgment, as we are incapable of meeting His perfect standard on our own (Romans 3:23, Isaiah 64:6).
Imparted Righteousness: That's Practical Righteousness
Are you a baby Chrsitian living on the milk of the word? Good, continue on with Jesus and you'll be ready for the meat of the word.
Imparted righteousness, in contrast to imputed, refers largely to the actual transformation that's ongoing. It occurs within a believer as they grow-up in holiness and obey Christ as Lord. Yes, as they live out their faith through the power of the Holy Spirit. This corresponds to the process of sanctification, which follows justification.
Need A Definition And Scriptural Basis:
- To impart means to give or bestow. Imparted righteousness is God’s work within the believer, enabling them to live a life of obedience and righteousness.
- Scriptures like Rom. 6:19 and Phil. 2:12–13 emphasize the believer’s active participation in yielding to God’s work in their lives.
Characteristics:
- Imparted righteousness is internal and progressive. It changes our character and conduct as we are conformed to the image of Christ.
- It is evidenced by the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23) and the believer’s growing ability to resist sin and pursue holiness.
Significance:
- Imparted righteousness is the practical outworking of the believer’s faith. It serves as evidence of the imputed righteousness received at salvation (James 2:17).
- It reflects the believer’s cooperation with the Holy Spirit, as God’s transformative work brings about spiritual maturity and growth.
The Connection Between Imputed and Imparted Righteousness
While distinct, imputed and imparted righteousness are inseparably connected:
Justification and Sanctification:
- Imputed righteousness (justification) is the foundation for imparted righteousness (sanctification). Without the legal standing of being declared righteous, the transformative work of sanctification would have no basis.
- Romans 8:30 demonstrates this connection, showing that those justified by God are also glorified, implying the ongoing process of sanctification.
Evidence of Faith:
- True faith that receives imputed righteousness results in a life marked by imparted righteousness. As James states, faith without works is dead (Jam. 2:17), affirming that sanctification flows naturally from justification.
Grace from Start to Finish:
- Both imputed and imparted righteousness are gifts of God’s grace, received through faith (Eph. 2:8–9). Imputed righteousness secures our position before God, while imparted righteousness enables us to grow in practical holiness.
!
So What Kurt?
Well, the distinction (yet still connectedness) between imputed and imparted righteousness reflects the full scope of God’s free redemptive work in the believer’s life. God giving His imputed righteousness justifies and declares us legally righteous before God (we're in right standing with Him and now need to walk right with him.. more and more as the days go by). So.. now walk and grow in Christ. Obey Him and win others to Him.
While the grace of imparted righteousness is very much involved in the sanctification process and makes us progressively righteous in our daily practice. Together, these doctrines highlight the richness of God’s generous grace and the believer’s ongoing transformation of holiness in Christ. Understanding these truths deepens our appreciation of salvation and strongly encourages us to live moment by moment in the fullness of God’s grace allowing Jesus to be Lord of all, going for holiness while resting in Christ’s finished work.
Pray for the Lost and the Saved. Go win others to Jesus!
Want To Know How to Pray for Other Christians?
1. Be thankful for their faith and changed lives (1:3).
2. Ask God to help them know his will (1:9).
3. Ask God to give them spiritual wisdom and understanding (1:9).
4. Ask God to help them live to honor and please him (1:10).
5. Ask God to give them more knowledge of himself (1:10).
6. Ask God to give them strength for endurance and patience (1:11).
7. Ask God to fill them with joy and thankfulness (1:11, 12).
How many people in your life could be touched if you prayed in this way? kurtwVs.blogspot.com
I like this word "quickened" in the KJV.
PSALM 71:20
Thou, which hast shewed me great and sore troubles, shalt quicken me again, and shalt bring me up again from the depths of the earth.
PSALM 80:18
So will not we go back from thee: quicken us, and we will call upon thy name.
ROMANS 4:17
(As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were.
ROMANS 8:11
But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.
EPHESIANS 2:1
1 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;
1 TIMOTHY 6:13
I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession;
• Quickened By the Son
JOHN 5:21
For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom he will.
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.
• Quickened By the Holy Spirit
JOHN 6:63
t is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.
ROMANS 8:11
But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.
2 CORINTHIANS 3:6
6 Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.
1 PETER 3:18
For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:
