Gospel Words We Should Know
JUSTIFICATION
IMPUTE
The word impute has a special meaning which is essential for our understanding of the gospel.
It is used concerning the transfer of both sin and righteousness from one person to another, a process usually unknown in human systems of justice. The word used in the original languages of the Bible is variously translated as, reckon, impute, credit, account, laid, become, made. Genesis 15:6 Isaiah 53:6 Romans 4:5-9 Romans 4:22-24 2 Corinthians 5:21.
In the language of Romans 5,
- Adam's sin was imputed to all his descendants, and they carry the consequences,
- our sin was imputed to Christ so that it became His sin with all its horror, guilt and penalty of eternal death, so that He could fully satisfy all the requirements of God's holiness and justice as our substitute.
- Christ's righteousness is imputed to believers so that it becomes their own and they have the forgiveness, acceptance and the eternal life which perfect righteousness brings. Romans 5:12-19
