Imparted Righteousness is not Works-Righteousness

Humble_Disciple · Aug 3, 2021

While works-righteousness is by human works, apart from God's grace, imparted righteousness is the result of God's grace.

Preachers and theologians from various Protestant traditions (not only Wesleyan) use the term "imparted righteousness" to identify the righteous principle imparted by God to believers when He regenerates them. Believers thereby become "partakers of the divine nature" (cf. 2 Peter 1:4). It is this principle of righteousness imparted to men in regeneration which is ever in conflict with the old Adamic nature. Protestants, however, maintain the distinction between the "imputed righteousness" of Christ which is the basis for justification and the "imparted righteousness" which is the basis for subsequent sanctification.
Imparted righteousness - Wikipedia

Jesus said that, if you love Him, you will keep His commandments (John 14:15), that except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter the Kingdom of Heaven (Matthew 5:20) and Hebrews 12:14 says that, without holiness, no one will see the Lord.

Without God's free gift of sanctifying grace through faith, this righteousness wouldn't be possible.

Whether one likes Wesleyanism or Finneyism or not, they are closer on the doctrine of imparted righteousness to what the Anabaptists, the historical forerunners of the Baptist faith, actually taught than what "easy-believism" today teaches.

Anabaptist cleric David Griffin writes:[45]

For early Anabaptists, sola fide muted the call to imitate Christ by excusing anti-Christian behavior generally, and justifying violence towards fellow Christians in particular. True fide, it was argued, takes Christ both as savior and example. That is, faith is directed not just to the soteriological work of Christ's death, but also towards his exemplary human life. Faith accepts that because Christ's earthly life pleased God, it is normative for proper human experience. Consequently, early Anabaptism expected an affirmative answer to two basic questions: 1) "Do you believe that Christ bore your sins?" and 2) "Do you believe that Jesus' human life, which pleased God, should be copied?"[45]
Justification (theology) - Wikipedia

I've also read the 1689 London Baptist Confession several times, which has a lot to say about sanctification being the evidence of God's election and regeneration.

1. They who are united to Christ, effectually called, and regenerated, having a new heart and a new spirit created in them through the virtue of Christ's death and resurrection, are also farther sanctified, really and personally, through the same virtue, by His Word and Spirit dwelling in them; the dominion of the whole body of sin is destroyed, and the several lusts thereof are more and more weakened and mortified, and they more and more quickened and strengthened in all saving graces, to the practice of all true holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord. ( Acts 20:32; Romans 6:5, 6; John 17:17; Ephesians 3:16-19; 1 Thessalonians 5:21-23; Romans 6:14; Galatians 5:24; Colossians 1:11; 2 Corinthians 7:1; Hebrews 12:14 )

2. This sanctification is throughout the whole man, yet imperfect in this life; there abideth still some remnants of corruption in every part, whence ariseth a continual and irreconcilable war; the flesh lusting against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh. ( 1 Thessalonians 5:23; Romans 7:18, 23; Galatians 5:17; 1 Peter 2:11 )

3. In which war, although the remaining corruption for a time may much prevail, yet through the continual supply of strength from the sanctifying Spirit of Christ, the regenerate part doth overcome; and so the saints grow in grace, perfecting holiness in the fear of God, pressing after an heavenly life, in evangelical obedience to all the commands which Christ as Head and King, in His Word hath prescribed them. ( Romans 7:23; Romans 6:14; Ephesians 4:15, 16; 2 Corinthians 3:18; 2 Corinthians 7:1 )
1689 Baptist Confession Chapter 13

Believers are justified in Christ and His perfect law-keeping is imputed to their account. Evangelical law-keeping is then the portion of their growth in righteousness (imparted righteousness).
The London Baptist Confession of Faith | Exposition of Chapter 19

Hammster · Aug 3, 2021

I’m pretty sure the London Baptist Confession of Faith 1689 would not recognize this as true.

Bible Highlighter · Aug 3, 2021

Humble_Disciple said:
While works-righteousness is by human works, apart from God's grace, imparted righteousness is the result of God's grace.

Jesus said that, if you love Him, you will keep His commandments (John 14:15), that except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter the Kingdom of Heaven (Matthew 5:20) and Hebrews 12:14 says that, without holiness, no one will see the Lord.

Without God's free gift of sanctifying grace through faith, this righteousness wouldn't be possible.

Whether one likes Wesleyanism or Finneyism or not, they are closer on the doctrine of imparted righteousness to what the Anabaptists, the historical forerunners of the Baptist faith, actually taught than what "easy-believism" today teaches.

I think it is a balance of both God’s grace and Sanctification which is all a part of the faith and God’s plan of salvation. If we focus too much on grace and do not regard how we live, then that would be Easy Believism and or turning God’s grace into a license for immorality. But if we are to ignore being saved initially by His grace in calling upon the name of the Lord for salvation (Romans 10:13) and we make it all about works, then that also can be the opposite wrong extreme, as well. That would be what Paul was fighting against (Which was Works ALONE Salvationism without God’s grace).

Humble_Disciple · Aug 3, 2021

Hammster said:
I’m pretty sure the London Baptist Confession of Faith 1689 would not recognize this as true.

Since I've read the London Baptist Confession several times, I'd be happy for you to quote it so we can discuss it. It has a lot to say about sanctification being the evidence of God's election and regeneration.

1. They who are united to Christ, effectually called, and regenerated, having a new heart and a new spirit created in them through the virtue of Christ's death and resurrection, are also farther sanctified, really and personally, through the same virtue, by His Word and Spirit dwelling in them; the dominion of the whole body of sin is destroyed, and the several lusts thereof are more and more weakened and mortified, and they more and more quickened and strengthened in all saving graces, to the practice of all true holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord. ( Acts 20:32; Romans 6:5, 6; John 17:17; Ephesians 3:16-19; 1 Thessalonians 5:21-23; Romans 6:14; Galatians 5:24; Colossians 1:11; 2 Corinthians 7:1; Hebrews 12:14 )

2. This sanctification is throughout the whole man, yet imperfect in this life; there abideth still some remnants of corruption in every part, whence ariseth a continual and irreconcilable war; the flesh lusting against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh. ( 1 Thessalonians 5:23; Romans 7:18, 23; Galatians 5:17; 1 Peter 2:11 )

3. In which war, although the remaining corruption for a time may much prevail, yet through the continual supply of strength from the sanctifying Spirit of Christ, the regenerate part doth overcome; and so the saints grow in grace, perfecting holiness in the fear of God, pressing after an heavenly life, in evangelical obedience to all the commands which Christ as Head and King, in His Word hath prescribed them. ( Romans 7:23; Romans 6:14; Ephesians 4:15, 16; 2 Corinthians 3:18; 2 Corinthians 7:1 )
1689 Baptist Confession Chapter 13

Believers are justified in Christ and His perfect law-keeping is imputed to their account. Evangelical law-keeping is then the portion of their growth in righteousness (imparted righteousness).
The London Baptist Confession of Faith | Exposition of Chapter 19

Bible Highlighter · Aug 3, 2021

While we are initially saved by the gospel (Which is believing that Christ died for our sins, He was buried, and He was risen three days later - 1 Corinthians 15:1-4), I believe that the call of the gospel according to 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14 is… God has chosen us to salvation through Sanctification of the Spirit and a belief of the truth. While we are saved by God’s grace through faith without works (Ephesians 2:8-9), a person can also be be like a vain deceiver and deny God by being reprobate unto every good work (Titus 1:16). For without holiness, no man shall see the Lord (See: Hebrews 12:14-15). For God’s grace teaches us to deny ungodliness and that we should live righteously and godly in this present world (Titus 2:11-12). For Jesus said cast the unprofitable servant into outer darkness where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth (Matthew 25:30). Yet, the servant who was faithful over a few things was told to enter into the joy of His Lord (Matthew 25:21).

Hammster · Aug 3, 2021

Humble_Disciple said:
Since I've read the London Baptist Confession several times, I'd be happy for you to quote it so we can discuss it. It has a lot to say about sanctification being the evidence of God's election and regeneration.

It’s exactly the evidence. But that’s not what you proposed in the OP.

Humble_Disciple · Aug 3, 2021

Hammster said:
It’s exactly the evidence. But that’s not what you proposed in the OP.

You might have interpreted the OP incorrectly.

Humble_Disciple said:
Without God's free gift of sanctifying grace through faith, this righteousness wouldn't be possible.

Believers are justified in Christ and His perfect law-keeping is imputed to their account. Evangelical law-keeping is then the portion of their growth in righteousness (imparted righteousness).
The London Baptist Confession of Faith | Exposition of Chapter 19

Soyeong · Aug 3, 2021

Humble_Disciple said:
While works-righteousness is by human works, apart from God's grace, imparted righteousness is the result of God's grace.

To say that someone has a character trait is to say that they are someone who expresses that character trait through their actions. Jesus is righteous and he express his righteousness through his works, so becoming someone who expresses his righteousness through our works is what it means to be imputed with his righteousness. In Matthew 23:23, Jesus said that faith is one of the weightier matters of the law, so our obedience to it is about doing God's works, not our own. In Psalms 119:29, David wanted God to be gracious to him by teaching him to obey his law, so that is what it means to be under grace, not doing our own works apart from grace. In Titus 2:11-14, our salvation is described as being trained by grace to do what is godly, righteous, and good, and to renounce doing what is ungodly, so doing these works is again what it means to be under grace, not apart from God's grace.

Daniel of Sweden · Aug 3, 2021

Soyeong said:
In Matthew 23:23, Jesus said that faith is one of the weightier matters of the law, so our obedience to it is about doing God's works, not our own.

I'm gonna reply to your post, without any particulary reponse to your whole post, but just to add something I think is good to think about.
John 6:29
"Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.”"
I'll just let Jesus's words speak. He is alive! Amen.

Soyeong · Aug 3, 2021

Daniel of Sweden said:
I'm gonna reply to your post, without any particulary reponse to your whole post, but just to add something I think is good to think about.
John 6:29
"Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.”"
I'll just let Jesus's words speak. He is alive! Amen.

What exactly do you think that are we to believe about what one he has sent and what does that mean for the way that we live our lives? Keep in mind that Jesus said this long before his death and resurrection.

Ceallaigh · Aug 3, 2021

There's a wide margin between being totally righteous and being totally lawless.

Daniel of Sweden · Aug 3, 2021

Soyeong said:
What exactly do you think that are we to believe about what one he has sent and what does that mean for the way that we live our lives? Keep in mind that Jesus said this long before his death and resurrection.

As much as I would like to tell you my point of view, it is not my place to tell you these things.
I will leave you this Bible quote:
John 16:13
"However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come."

Just keep om doing God's work and you Will find peace. Amen.

Joy · Aug 3, 2021

MOD HAT ON

This Thread has Moved
From Baptists
To General Theology

MOD HAT OFF

pescador · Aug 3, 2021

MMXX said:
There's a wide margin between being totally righteous and being totally lawless.

Yes, one is righteous because of Jesus paying the penalty for all sin for all time. If you have been born again and are in Christ you are not under law but under grace.

Ceallaigh · Aug 3, 2021

pescador said:
Yes, one is righteous because of Jesus paying the penalty for all sin for all time. If you have been born again and are in Christ you are not under law but under grace.

Agreed. As far as judging according to behavior goes, where is the line drawn?

pescador · Aug 3, 2021

MMXX said:
Agreed. As far as judging according to behavior goes, where is the line drawn?

I don't understand your post. We are saved by God's grace, not our behavior.

Ephesians 2:8-9, "For by grace you are saved through faith, and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God; it is not from works, so that no one can boast."

fhansen · Aug 3, 2021

Humble_Disciple said:
While works-righteousness is by human works, apart from God's grace, imparted righteousness is the result of God's grace.

Jesus said that, if you love Him, you will keep His commandments (John 14:15), that except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter the Kingdom of Heaven (Matthew 5:20) and Hebrews 12:14 says that, without holiness, no one will see the Lord.

Without God's free gift of sanctifying grace through faith, this righteousness wouldn't be possible.

Whether one likes Wesleyanism or Finneyism or not, they are closer on the doctrine of imparted righteousness to what the Anabaptists, the historical forerunners of the Baptist faith, actually taught than what "easy-believism" today teaches.

I've also read the 1689 London Baptist Confession several times, which has a lot to say about sanctification being the evidence of God's election and regeneration.

It should be obvious enough that works done or obedience realized while living by the Spirit are totally and qualitatively different from works of the law, from filthy rags, from "works-righteousness".

The perfection to be sought as per Matt 5:28, those things done "for the least of these" as per Matt 25, the good to be done as per Rom 2:7, the love to be had as per Rom 5:5, the putting to death the deeds of the flesh as per Rom 8:13, those works prepared for us in advance as per Eph 2:10, are certainly works of God, of internal cleansing and justifying, He forgiving sin while putting His law in our minds and writing it on our hearts as per the New Covenant prophecy of Jer 31.

fhansen · Aug 3, 2021

pescador said:
I don't understand your post. We are saved by God's grace, not our behavior.

Ephesians 2:8-9, "For by grace you are saved through faith, and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God; it is not from works, so that no one can boast."

Salvation is necessarily a gift, but a gift we must accept and act upon, etc. The question IMO involves whether or not a born again person can turn back and sin persistently in such serious acts as the examples given in Eph 5:1-6, Gal 5:16-21, or Rev 22:14-15 so as to cut ourselves back off from God. Such sin is said to oppose and destroy love, to lead to death. Where do we draw the line?

Can we fail to remain in Christ as He instructs us that we must do in John 15, can we be branches grafted in but later cut back off as in Rom 11, is it possible to go on sinning after receiving the knowledge of truth (Heb 10), or return to sin after tasting of the heavenly gift (Heb 6)?

Ceallaigh · Aug 3, 2021

pescador said:
I don't understand your post. We are saved by God's grace, not our behavior.

Ephesians 2:8-9, "For by grace you are saved through faith, and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God; it is not from works, so that no one can boast."

I'm talking about those who judge their salvation and that of others based on behavior. That someone who's really saved will behave and perform in a certain way.

Imparted Righteousness is not Works-Righteousness

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