What does the Bible say about imputation?

Imputation is a crucial doctrine in the Christian faith, deriving its meaning from a legal and relational perspective as depicted in Scripture. It asserts that Christ, as our Surety, took upon Himself our sins and transgressions. In this glorious exchange, His righteousness is then imputed to us, satisfying the demands of the law. Passages such as 2 Corinthians 5:21 highlight this truth, stating, 'For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.' This profound truth emphasizes that our standing before God is solely based on Christ's completed work, not our own merit.

Moreover, the idea of imputation underscores the assurance we find in salvation through Christ. According to Romans 4:5, 'And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness.' This reinforces the concept that our justification before God is granted through faith, as we are clothed in the righteousness of Christ, which was imputed to us at the moment of belief. This doctrine not only gives us hope but also a profound understanding of our identity in Christ, as we are no longer condemned but are fully accepted in Him.