The theme of double imputation touches on the transformative exchange of Christ’s righteousness for our sins—a concept central to the heart of salvation. This truth guides us to understand the profound transaction that occurs, where Christ takes our guilt upon Himself and imparts His righteousness to us.
Defining Double Imputation: Double imputation is a theological doctrine that encapsulates the twofold exchange between Christ and believers. It involves the imputation of believers’ sin to Christ, who bore it on the cross, and the imputation of Christ’s righteousness to believers, granting them a right standing before God. This exchange showcases God’s grace and justice in simultaneously dealing with human sin and providing a means of salvation.
Reflective Insights
- 2 Corinthians 5:21 (ESV) – “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 verse encapsulates the essence of double imputation, revealing the divine exchange of our sinfulness for Christ’s righteousness.
- Romans 4:5 (ESV) – “And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness.” This verse speaks to the imputation of righteousness to believers, emphasizing faith’s role in this divine transaction.
Historical Perspectives
- John Calvin (1509–1564) – “He, in order to justify us, became a sinner with our sin and was condemned, that we in him might be justified with his righteousness.” Calvin highlighted the profound exchange that took place, where Christ took on our sin and granted us His righteousness.
- Jonathan Edwards (1703–1758) – “The obedience and suffering of Christ were both acts of obedience to the law of God. Both are imputed to believers for their justification.” Edwards emphasized that not only our sins were imputed to Christ but His obedience as well.
Theological Reflections
- Charles Hodge – “The satisfaction rendered to divine justice by the active and passive obedience of Christ is the sole ground of the sinner’s justification.” Hodge illuminated how the double imputation forms the foundation of our justification, providing a solid ground for our salvation.
- John Murray – “Justification is the judicial act of God, by which, on the basis of the righteousness of Jesus Christ, imputed to the believer, he declares that believer to be no longer exposed to the penalty of the law.” Murray highlighted how the double imputation leads to our legal standing of righteousness before God.
Practical Implications
- Humility and Gratitude: Embrace the humility of acknowledging our own sinfulness and the overwhelming gratitude for Christ’s righteousness credited to us.
- Assured Identity: Rest in the assurance that our identity is now found in Christ’s righteousness, securing our relationship with God.
- Transformed Living: Allow the reality of double imputation to transform your thoughts, actions, and interactions, reflecting the righteousness of Christ in your life.
- Intercessory Compassion: Approach others with compassion, recognizing that just as Christ took our sins, He offers His righteousness to all who believe.
- Eternal Hope: Find solace in the eternal hope of salvation, knowing that the divine exchange secures our place in God’s kingdom.
Martin Luther called this truth the “wonderful exchange.” He says, “That is the mystery which is rich in divine grace to sinners: wherein by a wonderful exchange our sins are no longer ours but Christ’s and the righteousness of Christ not Christ’s but ours.” This exchange is central to the gospel and among the most life-giving truths we can hear. In embracing the mystery of double imputation, we find ourselves covered in the righteousness of Christ—a truth that awakens our gratitude, transforms our lives, and offers a gateway to eternal hope.