But for us also, to whom it (RIGHTEOUSNESS) shall be imputed (ATTRIBUTED), if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; Who was delivered for our offences and was raised again for our justification. -Romans 4:24-25
One of the most precious promises from God's Word, that almost all religions miss, is God's promise of Christ's righteous imputation. Imputation simply means attributed. Christ's righteousness becomes permanently attributed by faith. Let's back up and view some previous verses of chapter 4:
For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. 4Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. Romans 4:3-5
Paul makes the case here that Abraham's faith is what made him righteous, it was not of his own works (Genesis 15:6). If it were of works, Abraham would have the glory himself and not God (Romans 4:2).
He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform. And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness. -Romans 4:20-22
Abraham believed God and thereby was made righteous. The same thing occurs when one places their faith and trust in Jesus Christ. His righteousness becomes imputed (attributed) to us. This is what makes true biblical Christianity unique. Any sinner can be declared righteous simply by God's grace through faith in Christ, and therefore is dependent on Christ's merit and worthiness, rather than on one's own merit and worthiness.
Think of it this way...
Through Adam, sin is imputed or attributed to all men, the scripture says:
Wherefore, as by one man (Adam) sin entered into the world, and death by sin; (Romans 5:12)
For as in Adam all die... (1st Corinthians 15:22)
It then is by no coincidence that Christ is called the second Adam, he did the opposite of what Adam did. Adam condemned mankind, Christ redeemed mankind. Adam brought death, Christ brought life. I ask that you read all these scriptures carefully my friend.
Therefore as by the offence of one (Adam) judgment came upon all men to condemnation; (Romans 5:18)
Thus it is written, “The first man Adam became a living being”; the last Adam became a life-giving spirit. (1st Corinthians 15:35)
For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive (1st Corinthians 15:22)
For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ. (Romans 5:17).
Adam condemned us with death, Christ redeems us with life. Adam passed to us our sin nature, Christ blesses us with his righteous nature through faith. Faith is the ember that activates God's permanent promise where His righteousness is attributed, his grace is given, and his mercy endures, to the believer. Christ's righteousness, the covering of faith in his shed blood is what allows us to cross into eternal life and forever into His perfect presence (Romans 5:9).
For by grace are ye saved throu gh faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9)
Does your religious institution tell you that you have any part in your salvation aside from faith? Does your religious institution tell you that Christ empowers your efforts, and if you make good on those efforts you might make it into God's presence? Does your institution require attendance or ordinances that determine your final resting place? Do your religious leaders change the definition of a work to justify teaching that human effort is required for heaven or your final destination? If the answer is yes to any of these questions, your church is pushing a false Christ and a false gospel that Paul speaks of in Galatians chapter 1.
Let's be clear, a work is any human effort outside of faith. The bible clearly states that a man's belief is not a work (Romans 4:5). Upon placing faith in Jesus Christ, His righteousness becomes attributed to you permanently. His righteousness is what justifies you, His righteousness is what allows for our forgiveness, his righteousness is what provides our justification. The law does not justify, our good works do not justify, our church attendance does not justify, only faith is what justifies.
I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain. -Galatians 2:21
If you were able to attain heaven and eternal life on your own Jesus would not have to die. Jesus didn't just die to meet you "half-way" he paved the entire way that can only be attained by faith.
To my Roman Catholic friend: Are you taught that Christ's righteousness is attributed by faith alone?
To my Eastern Orthodox friend: Are you taught that Christ's righteousness is attributed by faith alone?
To my Mormon or Latter Day Saint friend: Are you taught that Christ's righteousness is attributed by faith alone?
To my Jehovah Witness friend: Are you taught that Christ's righteousness is attributed by faith alone?
To my Seventh Day Adventist friend: Are you taught that Christ's righteousness is attributed by faith alone?
If your answer is no, then go to the authority of God's Word my friend. Read the New Testament with childlike faith, dump your preconceived thoughts and ideas. God can work with a humble heart, the scripture says He is drawn to humility (James 4:6). God's precious gift of Christ's attributed righteousness is available to all men, won't you come partake? Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be made positionally righteous forever, and thus made worthy of his kingdom eternally.
