Imputation

I am reading The God Who Justifies by Dr. James White, and this past week I read a chapter entitled "Imputation: The Only Hope for the Sinful Soul". Imputation is the act of attributing (something to someone), in our case the righteousness of Jesus to sinners and in exchange the guilt of our sin to Jesus. This is aptly described "The Great Exchange". Because of this exchange The Accuser (Satan) has nothing to accuse a believer of, so we can say with Isaiah (50:8-9) He who vindicates me is near; Who will contend with me? Let us stand up to each other; who has a case against we? Let him draw near to me. 9 Behold, the Lord GOD helps me; who is he who condemns me? Behold, they will all wear out like a garment; the moth will eat them. And we can say with Paul (Romans 8:33) Who will bring a charge against God's elect? God is the one who justifies; 34 who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us. Because of this once and for all, final and complete, act by God of justification there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1) and so we are sealed, saved, and secure of our salvation for all time.

For some time this doctrine has captivated me but just last week was I able to illustrate it to myself so that I could better understand what Jesus did on my behalf. I imagined a friend of mine taking the punishment for some of the things I have done over the years, like getting fired for stealing, failing tests for cheating, fines for speeding, friendships lost for things I've said and done, etc. (In my mind I was more specific and I encourage you to do the same to fully understand my point). I was them able to better grasp the amazing truth that Jesus not only received the punishment for these sins but also for the ones I didn't get caught for, the ones that I didn't realize I committed (sins of omission and opposed to commission), and most of all, the sins of all who would believe. Selah.

Since God poured out His wrath onto Jesus (instead of us, though God's wrath still abides on unbelievers) as punishment for sins committed, the Father was propitiated (satisfied or appeased) and the believer, upon regeneration, is justified and can boldly go before the throne of grace.