I’ve been thinking lately about the practical implications of the doctrine of the imputation of the righteousness of Christ to the believer. I may even write something about it—a list, perhaps.
I know a few people who are indifferent to the doctrine. They think it might be true, but they don’t know what difference it makes, really. Their sins are forgiven and that’s enough for them.
My standard reponse has been that when it comes time for them to die, it might matter to them. I know it mattered to my husband and I know it mattered to J. Gresham Machen. The closer we get to death, the clearer we see own lives and ugly niggling doubt can seep in. There is great comfort in the airtight double wrap of Christ’s death and his righteousness both counted as our own—his death bearing the penalty our sins deserved and his righteousness providing a record of perfect obedience that we cannot provide for ourselves. Understanding that God sees us as he sees Christ dissolves fear in the face of death.
But the imputation of Christ’s righteousness also matters in our lives right now, too. Here’s a quote from Consolations from Christ’s Imputed Righteousness by Thomas Brooks that shows one way it matters:
Now remember that this imputed righteousness of Christ procures acceptance for our inherent righteousness. When a sincere Christian casts his eye upon the weaknesses, infirmities, and imperfections that daily attend his best services, he sighs and mourns. But if he looks upward to the imputed righteousness of Jesus Christ, [it] shall bring forth his infirm, weak, and sinful performances perfect, spotless, and sinless, and approved according to the tenor of the Gospel. They become spiritual sacrifices, [and] he cannot but rejoice (1Pe 2:5). For as there is an imputation of righteousness to the persons of believers, so there is also an imputation to their services and actions…so the imperfect good works that are done by believers are accounted righteousness….
It turns our sighing and mourning over the imperfections of our best service to God into rejoicing because our imperfect service becomes righteous service in God’s eyes based on the imputation of Christ’s righteousness to us. Rather than becoming discouraged over the deficiencies in our good works for God we become encouraged by their acceptableness to God, who sees them through the lens of Christ’s work.
It might make you more motivated in service, mightn’t it?
And while we’re on the subject, do you find that understanding the imputation Christ’s righteousness has practical results in your life? How so?
I may use what you say on my list, so be forewarned.