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Bible Reading – Romans 5:11-21 NLT

This week I talk about another one of the Great Words of the Gospel. I am going to look at a word that is not used very often, but it is a very powerful word that is central to our faith in Christ. The word is Imputation.

The Doctrine of Imputation not only helps understand our need for salvation, it also helps us to understand what Christ has done and what we have because of Christ’s death for us.

In today’s message I want to tell three stories of people I have spoken to over the years. One I was sharing my faith with, one shared a testimony at church and I talked to them afterwards and one was a Christian that needed to understand what we have in Christ. Then I will look at the topic of Imputation and share three things that the Bible tells us about this subject.

Three stories

Story 1 – The first story is of a man we met when we were out going door to door in Perth. We were in one of the more well to do suburbs and in the main street of the area. It was what they call a dress circle. All the houses were very large, had all the features and backed on to a lake. They were the sort of houses that people talk about they would buy if they won lotto. When we approached the house the owner was out the front mowing his lawn. His lawn mower looked like it cost more than my car (a Mitsubishi Scorpion) and the clothes he was wearing to mow the lawn were better than my Sunday best. He had two cars in the garage – a BMW convertible and a Mercedes 4WD. He had a speed boat and a Harley. He looked very well off. Anyway, we said hello and said we were from the local church going door to door. We talked about faith, life, the Bible, church and Jesus. He talked openly about life and his experience with church as a child, but then he said that he came to the point as adult where he decided he didn’t need God. He explained that he was a good person who gave money to charity, he treated people well and he looked after his family – so he wasn’t a “sinner” like others he knew. He knew about sin and understood Jesus died on the cross for him, but it did not rate in his life. In the end, he turned, pointed to his house and garage and said, “Do I look like I need God?” He thanked us for coming, but basically said, “Thanks, but no thanks”. We went on our way feeling very sad for the man because we knew how much he needed Jesus.

Story 2 – The second story was of a man I met at Church many years ago. He was a nice man in his late 50s who was a fairly new Christian. He shared his testimony of how he had not always been a nice man. He talked of his time in Asia of where he headed up a crime syndicate called the Triads. He was involved in drugs, illegal gambling and having people killed. He talked about how it was nothing for him to have someone killed or even do it himself. He talked about the crimes he was involved with over many years. One day he met someone who shared Christ with him. At first, he wanted to have him killed, but before long he wanted to give his life to Christ. He learned that Jesus could forgive his sin and help him turn his life around, but first he had to confess him sins to God. He decided to include them all. He wrote 13 pages of sins on paper. Thirteen pages of the most horrible things a person could do. He understood Jesus could take them all and He would forgive him, so he wanted to include them all. Jesus did and he turned his life around. So much so that he went to the local Police Commissioner to face justice. The Police Commissioner thought long and hard before deciding to let him go. He saw that his conversion was real and he was relieved to have him off the streets.

Story 3 – The final story is of a lady I met who was a lovely lady in her 40s. She had given her life to Christ about 10 years before and done her best to follow Jesus wholeheartedly. It was not until we talked at a deeper level about her faith and life that she opened up to me. She had received God’s salvation and forgiveness, but she could not forgive herself or see herself as righteous in God’s eyes. You see as a young lady she was heavily involved in drugs and she had worked as a prostitute. During this time, she got pregnant several times and she had abortions. She had no time for kids as she had to keep working to support her habit. While she had received forgiveness from God, the things she had done ate away at her soul. She could not see herself as righteous in God’s eyes. She loved the Lord and followed Him wholeheartedly, but could not get passed, her past.

Three stories of three very different people. Three people who needed both God and the forgiveness He offered. Two of them had it, but one needed to believe more of what God had given her. This is where Imputation comes into to my message today.

What is Imputation?

Imputation is another legal word. In the legal world, it is the charging or reckoning something to someone’s account. Imputation takes words or actions and ties them to a person or a cause. It also has implications of transferring something to someone else.

We see Imputation is a very important word for us as Christians because it helps us to understand the Gospel more fully. Imputation has three main implications for us.

1. Adam’s sin is Imputed to us all.

In our reading from today we saw that God imputes Adam’s sin to all other members of the human race. Romans 5:12 tell us that, “When Adam sinned, sin entered the world. Adam’s sin brought death, so death spread to everyone, for everyone sinned”.

The Bible tells us in Genesis chapter 3 that Adam sinned and was cast out of the garden paradise that God has placed them in. As a result, all mankind since then has become separated from God because we are all descendants of Adam.

The Bible tells us that in our natural state without Christ we have a tendency towards sin, because Adam’s sin brought it into the world. It seems appealing and enticing and we are drawn towards it. It doesn’t matter if it is in word, deed or thought. It is still sin if it is wrong in God’s eyes.

Adam’s sin had both an immediate consequence – being cast out of the garden, and a mediate long term consequence, it spread to all his descendants – us. It was imputed or legally transferred to the entire human race.

The man that I spoke of in the first story did not think he was a sinner personally, but he needed to understand that sin had been transferred to us all from Adam. He could not see his sin, because he put himself on a pedestal in the place of God. When we place ourselves on a pedestal, it is easier to look down at the sin of others and not see our own sin. It is easier to see the speck in others eyes and miss the log in our own eyes. We can see the sin of the world and be blinded to our own. It is my hope and prayer that this man has since seen his own sin and realised that Adam’s sin is passed on to him also. It is my hope that he placed Jesus on the pedestal of his life.

2. Our sin is Imputed to Christ

The second thing the Bible teaches us about Imputation is that our sins are Imputed to Jesus Christ. Central to the message of salvation is the good news that the entire sin of the human race was transferred to Jesus and born by Him on the cross of Calvary.

2 Corinthians 5:21 tells us that, “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God”.

Jesus lived the perfect sinless life. He was the only one in all history who did live a sinless life. He was the only one who could live a sinless life. That is why His life was the perfect offering for sin. He could be made sin, because He had no sin of His own. He was not part of Adam’s sin because His birth was supernatural from heaven.

From our text today verses 15 and 16 tell us, “But there is a great difference between Adam’s sin and God’s gracious gift. For the sin of this one man, Adam, brought death to many. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of forgiveness to many through this other man, Jesus Christ. [16] And the result of God’s gracious gift is very different from the result of that one man’s sin. For Adam’s sin led to condemnation, but God’s free gift leads to our being made right with God, even though we are guilty of many sins.”

The man from the second story understood the good news of the gospel when he wrote down 13 pages of sin that he had committed. He took weeks to compile the list, because he knew all of them were placed on Jesus. He knew Jesus died for him and he wanted to confess as much as he possibly could. He knew God could cleans him and forgive him of everything, because Christ took all his sin. He understood the imputation of his sin to Christ.

3. Christ’s righteousness is imputed to us.

In the third point, we are going to look at some great news. Not only have our sins been taken by Christ’s death on the cross, we have been given Christ’s righteousness as a replacement. It is a beautiful exchange as the song says.

The last part of our reading says, “17 For the sin of this one man, Adam, caused death to rule over many. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and His gift of righteousness, for all who receive it will live in triumph over sin and death through this one Man, Jesus Christ. 18 Yes, Adam’s one sin brings condemnation for everyone, but Christ’s one act of righteousness brings a right relationship with God and new life for everyone. 19 Because one person disobeyed God, many became sinners. But because one other person obeyed God, many will be made righteous.”

Christ’s righteousness is imputed to us. It is credited to our account. We are no longer separated from God with a death sentence upon us. We are right with God and Christ’s righteousness is ours. As I said a few weeks ago, the blood of Jesus covers us completely.

1 Corinthians 1:30 – It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God–that is, our righteousness, our holiness and our redemption.

The lady in the third story could not accept this. She believed Jesus died for her, that her sins were forgiven by God, but she could not forgive herself. She held on to her guilt and shame, which did not belong to her any more. The righteousness that Christ offered like in the image on the screen was hers, but she could not bear to put her arms out to receive it. As a result, she lived way below where God wanted her to be.

For us today as Christians we need to understand that not only are our sins forgiven, but Christ’s righteousness is credited to us. I stand here today as a man who knew the depths of depression and the weight of sin. I knew what it was to not forgive myself, but Christ changed that, and I can now say though my sins were as red as crimson, they are now as white as snow. God sees them no more, He just sees the righteousness of Christ. Church, the good news is that it is the same for you too. It is my hope and prayer that you will feel this way too. That you can understand Christ’s righteousness is yours.

Every week in church we face the front and see that stained glass window. We see the image of Christ holding His sheep. I want you to know that the Father in heaven looks at you through the lens of Christ. It is like He looks from outside that window and when He sees you He sees you through the righteousness of Christ. Church, if you have confessed your sins to Him and accepted Jesus as your Lord and Saviour, you are the righteousness of Christ. Stand tall, throw your shoulders back, lift your head up high and chose to walk in it today.

Closing Summary

Today we looked at one of the key words of the Gospel message – Imputation. We saw that Adam’s sin was imputed to the entire human race. But the good news is God did not leave it that way, our sins were imputed to Christ on the cross where He paid the price. Now we are fully forgiven and free from the penalty of sin and Christ’s righteousness is credited to us. That is some Good News!

Amen.

Let us pray.

In the last few weeks we have been looking at some of the great words of the Gospel. In the first message, we looked at salvation and we saw that it was based solely on the finished work of Christ on the cross. Because we have accepted Christ as our Lord and Saviour we have our sins forgiven and we are in right relationship with God – both for now and all eternity.

In the second message of the series we looked at Redemption and we saw that is all about a price being paid to purchase us back. Because of the price being paid by Jesus’ death on the cross, we are free from being slaves to sin, free from the power of sin and death, and free from the punishment for sin.

This week I want to look at two very closely related words – Reconciliation and Propitiation. These two words finish the triangle of salvation as I call it. But before we talk about that, let us pray.

Bible Reading

2 Corinthians 5:14-21

14 For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. 15 And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again. 16 So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! 18 All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 19 that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. 20 We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. 21 God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

Message Points

Today I want to share 6 things about reconciliation and propitiation.

1. There is a need for reconciliation

Reconciliation means bringing together of two parties that are estranged or in dispute. In a worldly sense, we understand what reconciliation means. We have all probably experienced a breakdown of a relationship where one party is aggrieved and there is a tension between us when we are together. There is a wall or a barrier between and we are not relating the same as we once were. It is not until someone takes the initiative to sort it out or apologise that things get sorted out and the relationship returns to normal.

The Greek word in the Bible used for reconciliation is kat-al-lag-ay. It means exchange or change of status, restoration, or reconciliation. It is about making things right again.

In the Bible Reconciliation involves a change in the relationship between God and man. It assumes there has been a breakdown in the relationship, but now there has been a change from a state of enmity and fragmentation to one of harmony and fellowship.

As we saw several weeks ago in my message in salvation there is a need, a provision and a response required for salvation to take place.

The Bible tells us that all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God in Romans 3:23. It also tells us in Romans 6:23 that the wages of sin is death. 1 John 1:8 says that, “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.” Isaiah 59:2 reminds us that our sin separates us from God.

One of my favourite tracts I give out to people is Billy Graham’s “Steps to peace with God”. As you can see from the pictures on the screen (PDF version to see images used on screen), he uses very simple illustrations to show the need for reconciliation. He shows people looking towards God off in the distance, they are separated by sin and they try to find ways to God, but nothing works.

As we can see from these simple pictures there is a definite need for reconciliation. This brings us to point number two.

2. God is the Reconciler

In the ancient biblical world where a relationship had broken down the initiative for reconciliation was usually made in one of two ways.

Firstly, the one who caused the offense tried to reach out to the offended party. Secondly, a third party could intervene and try to broker peace and bring the two parties together. It was very rare for the injured party move towards the one who had offended them. It was often seen as a matter of pride and saving face.

However, in the Bible, restoration of relationship between God and humanity, reconciliation occurs with an unexpected twist. God, the injured party, takes the initiative.

This initiating, reconciling action from God is contrary to expectations. The removal of alienation, created by man’s sin, is the work of God. He is the one who initiates, He is the one who provides the way and He is the one who accepts us.

John 3:16 is a key reminder of this when it says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life”.

Coming back to the Billy Graham tract, God provides the bridge to life and bridge to Himself through the cross of Christ.

3. The death of Jesus Christ accomplishes reconciliation

The death of our wonderful Saviour accomplishes all that was required.

Romans 5:10 – For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!

The results of Christ’s work of reconciliation has four parts…

a. Removal of the offense of sin – God is no longer offended by our sin because it is gone. As I said several weeks ago, the Father looks at us through the lens of Christ. Like I look through that window and see outside. He looks through Christ and His shed blood as us.

b. Restored favour with God – we are right with God. The enmity between God and mankind is gone. We are adopted into His family and are co-heirs with Christ. We are spiritually seated at the right hand of the Father with Christ.

c. Fellowship is regained – we are in right relationship with God. We are no longer slaves forced to work for someone in a worldly sense, but we are friends with God as Jesus says in John 15:15. He is with us and we are with Him.

d. Justified with God – we are justified before God. We have right standing with Him. We can boldly come into His presence because of the blood of Christ as Hebrews 10:19 tells us.

The work of reconciliation has been completed. Christ did His part on the cross when He died for us. Jesus’ last words were “It is finished”. Our part in the salvation process is to accept what Christ has done for us.

4. Now we are reconciled to God, we need to help others be reconciled too.

In the last part of our reading today it talks about us being given the task of helping others come to Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:18-19 says, “All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation:  19 that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation”.

Believers have been commissioned by the resurrected Lord to have a message and ministry of reconciliation. In this sense reconciliation is not only a reality of life for believers, but it is also a purpose of their kingdom ministry. It is one of the main reasons why this church exists.

I remember years ago I got up early on morning in Perth to do my devotions. I went to my study and closed the door and began to pray. Before long God told me to open my Bible to 2 Corinthians 5. As I scan down the page these verses from 18 and 19 almost jumped off the page. It was like size 10 font changed to size 32 font like on the screen. It was like a light shone on the page too. For me this was a key moment in my life and it was a moment where I felt the call of God to bring people back to Himself. He gave me the task of reconciliation.

These verses along with 1 Peter 3:15 and Matthew 28:18-20 remind us that sharing our faith and bring people to Christ is a key part of our life on earth.

1 Peter 3:15 – “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect”.

Matthew 28:18-20 – Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Our job is to help people get to “here”. As someone who has blessed to bring quite a few people to Christ, it is one of the greatest joys of my life.

5. God is satisfied

Now we come to the other great word of the gospel – Propitiation. Propitiation means the turning away of wrath by an offering. For the Christian, the propitiation was the shed blood of Jesus on the cross. It turned away the wrath of God so that He could pass “over the sins previously committed” (Romans 3:25).

As we know it was the Father who sent the Son to be the propitiation. 1 John 4:10 says, “This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins”, not only our sins, but for the sins of the world. 1 John 2:2 tell us that Jesus died not just for us, but for all mankind.

Propitiation is a legal word that means satisfied. The Heavenly Father is satisfied with Jesus death on the cross. It was Fathers idea and the Son carried it out. God is satisfied. If you have trusted Christ for your salvation, it is done. God’s wrath is turned away and we will not face it again.

If we were to summarise propitiation, we would say…

a. God is the object of propitiation – His justice need to be satisfied before a sinner can be acceptable in His sight.

b. Christ is the provision for propitiation – His death satisfies the Father’s offended holiness.

c. God is satisfied – From the Father’s view point He is justified in forgiving sin and bestowing righteousness on us.

6. The triangle of salvation

If I was to summarise the first four great words of the gospel we have looked at so far – Salvation, Redemption, Reconciliation and Propitiation – I could do it with this diagram which I call the triangle of salvation.

On the left-hand side Jesus died to pay the price for sin and redeem us. As a result, on the right-hand side we are reconciled to God. On the top, God is completely satisfied.

Summary

Today we looked at six things…

1. There is a need for reconciliation because of sin.
2. God is the Reconciler and the one who took the initiative.
3. The death of Jesus accomplishes reconciliation.
4. We are given the task of reconciling others to Christ.
5. God is satisfied with the work of Christ (Propitiation).
6. The triangle of salvation is complete – saved, redeemed, reconciled and propitiated.

Let us pray.