How does the doctrine of imputation relate to salvation?

The doctrine of imputation is central to our understanding of salvation. Through imputation, the sin of believers is charged to Christ, and His perfect righteousness is credited to us. As stated in 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.' Thus, at the cross, Christ bore the weight of our sins, and in turn, we receive His righteousness. This exchange secures our standing before God, allowing us to be justified by faith alone, not by our works. This reflects the grace of God and ensures that our salvation is entirely dependent on Christ’s finished work.