What Is Imputation in the Bible?
What Is Imputation in the Bible? Imputation is the act by which God charges sin or righteousness to someone's account — Adam's sin to humanity, our sin to Christ, and Christ's righteousness to believers.
Key verse: 2 Corinthians 5:21 (KJV)
Imputation is the act by which God charges sin or righteousness to someone's account — Adam's sin to humanity, our sin to Christ, and Christ's righteousness to believers.
Imputation is the act by which God charges sin or righteousness to someone's account — Adam's sin to humanity, our sin to Christ, and Christ's righteousness to believers.
"For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him." — 2 Corinthians 5:21 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
Surrounding KJV scripture
Related Verses
Cross-reference scriptures
The Biblical Answer
Imputation is one of the great doctrines of Scripture. Three imputations form the backbone of the gospel. First, Adam's sin was imputed to the whole human race, so that all are born under condemnation (Romans 5:12). Second, on the cross, the sins of believers were imputed to Christ, who bore their guilt and penalty (Isaiah 53:6; 2 Corinthians 5:21). Third, the perfect righteousness of Christ is imputed to all who believe, so that they stand before God clothed in His righteousness, not their own (Romans 4:5-6). This 'great exchange' is the heart of justification. Believers are not merely forgiven — they are positively counted righteous in Christ.
Topic Overview
What Does the Bible Say About Salvation?
What the Bible teaches about salvation, being saved, and how to receive eternal life.
Key Scripture References
"For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him."
"But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness."
"For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
What Is Justification in the Bible?
Justification is God's gracious act of declaring a sinner righteous in His sight through faith in Jesus Christ.
What Is the Doctrine of Original Sin?
Original sin is the doctrine that all human beings inherit a sinful nature and guilt from Adam, our first father.
What Is Atonement in the Bible?
Atonement is the work of Christ on the cross by which He satisfied God's justice and reconciled sinners to God.
What Is the Unforgivable Sin?
The unforgivable sin, or blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, is the persistent, willful rejection of the Spirit's testimony about Jesus Christ.
Why Did Jesus Have to Die on the Cross?
Jesus died as a substitutionary sacrifice to pay the penalty for human sin and reconcile humanity to God.
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
2 Corinthians 5:21 Commentary
In-depth study • Salvation & Gospel
What Is the Unforgivable Sin?
Sin & Salvation
Can God Forgive Any Sin?
Sin & Salvation
Can You Lose Your Salvation?
Sin & Salvation
God Promises Victory Over Sin
Bible promises that you can overcome sin through Christ's power.
God Promises to Forgive Your Sins
Bible promises about complete forgiveness, cleansing, and the removal of guilt t
Read it in context
The answer above sits inside 2 Corinthians. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read 2 Corinthians on day 330 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
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