Double Imputation
Note: if you came here from the justification page, you'll notice many repeat teachings here, but if you go through them again, focus on the double imputation part.
Double Imputation
"Doctrine" means teaching, specifically a teaching God has revealed to mankind in the Holy Scriptures; the Holy Bible.
This Doctrine of Double Imputation is part of the Doctrine of Justification, the broader doctrine that examines several salvation doctrine topics.
In the Doctrine of Double Imputation—the theological concept that, in salvation, believers' sins are imputed to Christ, and Christ's righteousness is imputed to believers.
These two things, then, complete our grace of acceptation. Sin being removed, and righteousness bestowed, we have peace with God—are continually accepted before him. There is not any thing to charge us with: that which was, is taken out of the way by Christ, and nailed to his cross—made fast there; yea, publicly and legally cancelled, that it can never be admitted again as an evidence. What court among men would admit of evidence that has been publicly cancelled and nailed up for all to see it? So has Christ dealt with that which was against us; and not only so, but also he puts that upon us for which we are received into favor. He makes us comely through his beauty; gives us white raiment to stand before the Lord. This is the first part of purchased grace wherein the saints have communion with Jesus Christ. In remission of sin and imputation of righteousness does it consist; from the death of Christ, as a price, sacrifice, and a punishment—from the life of Christ spent in obedience to the law, does it arise. The great product it is of the Father’s righteousness, wisdom, love, and grace—the great and astonishable fruit of the love and condescension of the Son—the great discovery of the Holy Ghost in the revelation of the mystery of the gospel.
-John Owen
Examine Further:
Fully examine the Salvific doctrine, (incl Justification, Double Imputation and Penal Substitution) here.
More on this teaching can be examined here,
Putting on Christ- Illustration
*Add EZ clip on TPUSA event
Specifics on Double Imputation
Primary coverage, most systematic teaching on double imputation:
1. Simultaneously Righteous and a Sinner
This explicitly explains the double imputation doctrine, highlighting the believer’s dual identity.
Shows both our sin credited to Christ and His righteousness credited to believers.
Key Points:
●Shows both our sin credited to Christ and His righteousness credited to believers.
●Demonstrates how believers are justified while still contending with sin.
Double imputation?: Yes — fully covers both sides.
Explicitly discusses justification, covering both sides of imputation.
Includes parable application demonstrating sin forgiven and righteousness imputed.
These sermons explore the Parable of the Pharisee and the , emphasizing justification by faith.
Key Points:
●Explicitly discusses justification, covering both sides of imputation.
●Uses the parable to illustrate sin forgiven and righteousness imputed to the believer.
●Highlights the impossibility of self-righteousness apart from Christ.
Double imputation?: Yes — both our sin to Christ and Christ’s righteousness to believers are taught.
3. “The Work of Christ”
This delves into the central aspects of Christ's work, emphasizing the double imputation described in 2 Corinthians 5:21.
It systematically explains Christ’s substitutionary work and the resulting imputation to believers.
Key Points:
●Christ was made sin for us, bearing our sins on the cross.
●Believers become the righteousness of God in Him through imputation.
This discusses the necessity of substitutionary atonement and the implications of double imputation.
It focuses on Christ’s substitutionary death and the legal exchange of guilt/ righteousness.
Key Points:
●A righteous Judge cannot deliver double punishment; thus, Christ's atonement is limited to the elect.
●Christ's righteousness is credited to believers, securing their justification.
5. Justification & Atonement (Luke 18:9-14)
Clearly teaching both the imputation of sin and the imputation of Christ’s righteousness.
Overlaps thematically with the “Who Can Be Right With God?” series but emphasizes the atoning work.
Key Points:
●Clearly teaches both the imputation of sin to Christ and the imputation of Christ’s righteousness to believers.
●Shows how justification is grounded in Christ’s sacrificial death.
Double imputation?: Yes — fully covered.
Secondary coverage: One-sided or indirect teaching on the doctrine.
Focuses on Christ’s substitutionary death and the legal exchange of guilt/righteousness.
This emphasizes God’s justice and how it is satisfied through Christ’s work.
Key Points:
●Mostly covers Christ’s righteousness credited to believers.
●Penal substitution is implied — Christ bears our guilt, satisfying God’s justice.
●Does not systematically teach the imputation of our sin to Christ.
Double imputation?: Partially — righteousness to believers is clear; sin to Christ is only implied.
Focuses on the righteousness credited to believers; penal substitution and sin imputation are implied, in this message, not emphasized.
It explains how righteousness is a gift from God, received through faith in Jesus Christ, and how this gift is central to the gospel message.
Key Points:
●Believers are credited with the righteousness of Christ by faith.
●The imputation of our sin to Christ is implied but not systematically emphasized.
●Emphasizes that justification is a legal declaration by God, resulting in the believer being declared righteous.
*Double imputation is partially covered in this message. The imputation of Christ’s righteousness to believers is covered, but the explicit imputation of our sin to Christ is not fully emphasized in detail here.
Emphasizes God’s righteousness and our imputed righteousness.
It explores God’s righteousness and the believer’s new status in Christ.
Key Points:
●Emphasizes God’s righteousness being declared.
●Shows how believers receive imputed righteousness.
●Penal substitution is mentioned only partially and indirectly.
Double imputation?: Partially addressed — mostly covers righteousness to believers; sin imputation is less emphasized.
Discusses believers’ new status.
Focuses on the believer’s transition from condemnation to righteousness.
Key Points:
●Discusses believers’ new position before God.
●Imputation of Christ’s righteousness is mentioned, but sin imputation is not systematically developed.
●Emphasizes the result of justification more than the mechanics of substitution.
Double imputation?: Partially — mainly the positive side (righteousness to believers).
This message teaches the result of justification, with some discussion of imputation; more focused on sanctification than penal substitution.
It explores the believer's new position in Christ, highlighting the imputation of Christ's righteousness.
Key Points:
●Justification changes the believer's standing before God, from condemnation to grace.
●Christ's righteousness is imputed to believers, ensuring their eternal security.
Covers the concept of imputation generally.
This sermon emphasizes the permanence of justification and salvation.
Key Points:
• Covers justification generally, highlighting its lasting effect.
• Penal substitution is acknowledged but not the main focus.
• Double imputation is referenced but not fully unpacked.
Double imputation?: Partially — both sides are acknowledged, but the teaching is not systematic.
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Both going through these expository explaining messages on the topic from Scripture, and the recommended book above, will be a great help to you on this topic.
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