Theology Terms Explained: “Imputation”
In this series on the blog, we’re providing sound doctrine for everyday people by providing you with clear and simple definitions that will strengthen your theological foundation. Each article covers 4 categories including:
1. The Term – We lay out how it’s pronounced.
2. The Definition – We provide the Merriam-Webster definition and an everyday version.
3. The Biblical Connection – We show you where the term connects with Scripture.
4. Used in an Everyday Conversation – We use it in a basic conversation.
Here we go!
The Term
“Imputation”
im·pu·ta·tion | \ im-pyü- tā-shən \
The Definition
Merriam-Webster: The act of imputing; attribution; especially: the attribution of something (such as fault or responsibility) to a person or cause.
FTG’s Expanded Explanation:
In biblical theology, imputation means crediting something to someone’s account. The Bible teaches three great acts of imputation: Adam’s sin imputed to all humanity (Romans 5:12), our sin imputed to Christ (2 Corinthians 5:21), and Christ’s righteousness imputed to believers (Romans 4:24).
Imputation is central to the gospel. On the cross, Jesus didn’t simply sympathize with sinners— He bore our sin and its penalty. In exchange, God credits Jesus’ perfect righteousness to those who trust in Him. This means we stand justified before God, not because of our own works, but because of what Christ accomplished on our behalf.
The Biblical Connection
2 Corinthians 5:21 – “He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”
Romans 4:22–24 – “Therefore it was also credited to him as righteousness… for our sake also, to whom it will be credited…”
Romans 5:19 – “For as through the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, even
so through the obedience of the One the many will be made righteous.”
Philippians 3:9 – “…not having a righteousness of my own… but that which is through faith in Christ…”
These passages show how God accounts Christ’s righteousness to us and our sin to Him. This great exchange is what makes justification by faith possible.
Used in Everyday Conversation
“It amazed me to realize that God doesn’t just forgive—He imputes Christ’s righteousness to me and sees me completely washed, cleansed, and right with Him. That changes everything about how I see grace.”
“Imputation means that when God looks at a believer, He sees the perfect righteousness of Jesus credited to their account.”
