What does it mean that Christ's righteousness is imputed to us?

The imputation of Christ's righteousness is a key aspect of justification in Reformed theology. According to 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.' This means that at the moment of faith, the perfect obedience of Christ is credited to the believer's account, allowing them to stand before God as fully righteous. This is a legal declaration rather than an intrinsic change in character, emphasizing that our acceptance before God is not based on any of our merits but solely on the merits of Jesus Christ. This doctrine elevates the glory of God in salvation, as it is His work alone that reconciles sinners to Himself.