What Is Imputation in the Bible — In Biblical Context
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)
The Biblical Context
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.
Where It Sits in Scripture
The core passage for this question, 2 Corinthians 5:21, sits inside 2 Corinthians 5. To grasp the full meaning, read the surrounding paragraph — the verses before set up the thought, the verses after carry it forward.
"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."
Supporting Passages
"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."
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