The term "imputed" in the context of Romans 4:11 and theological discussions about justification refers to the act of crediting or reckoning something to someone [^1] [^3] [^7]. It means that something is attributed to a person, not necessarily because of their own actions or inherent qualities, but because it is assigned to them by an external source, in this case, by God.
Here's a more detailed explanation:
1. **Not inherent:** Imputation does not mean that the person inherently possesses the quality or characteristic being imputed [^10]. Instead, it is a legal or declarative act where something is attributed to them.
2. **God's action:** In the context of justification, righteousness is imputed by God [^1] [^7]. This means God credits a person with righteousness, even though they may not be fully righteous in their own being [^6].
3. **Faith as the basis:** The basis for this imputation is faith in Jesus Christ [^1] [^7]. When a person believes in Jesus, God imputes Christ's righteousness to them [^9].
4. **Legal or declarative:** Imputation is often understood as a legal or declarative act [^8]. It's as if God declares a person righteous in His sight because of their faith in Christ [^8].
5. **Distinct from inherent righteousness:** It's important to distinguish imputation from inherent righteousness [^10]. Inherent righteousness is the actual state of being righteous or holy, while imputed righteousness is the crediting of righteousness to someone [^10].
6. **Catholic perspective:** Catholic theology understands that justification involves not only the imputation of Christ's righteousness but also an interior transformation through grace, making a person truly just and holy [^8] [^10]. The righteousness is not merely "cloaked" but becomes an interior quality [^10].
7. **Augustine's view:** Augustine of Hippo explained that the righteousness of God is bestowed on the believer through the Spirit of grace, not through the law [^7]. He emphasized that God uses the law to reveal human weakness so that individuals may seek refuge in His mercy through faith [^7].
In summary, "imputed" means that God credits or reckons righteousness to a person because of their faith in Jesus Christ, even though that person may not be fully righteous in themselves. This concept is central to understanding justification in Christian theology [^1] [^7].
[^1] [The Holy Bible Romans 5](https://www.magisterium.com/docs/7ab6e175-afab-4262-915a-0e98ce0d133d/ref/Romans%205)
[^2] [The Holy Bible Romans 4](https://www.magisterium.com/docs/7ab6e175-afab-4262-915a-0e98ce0d133d/ref/Romans%204)
[^3] [On the Spirit and the Letter 15](https://www.magisterium.com/docs/32fbc5ba-ce02-400a-b385-33d61ea9dc3b/ref/15)
[^4] [Catholic Encyclopedia Justification](https://www.magisterium.com/docs/f2c979a8-871d-4f46-a059-320d3b837a76/ref/Justification)
[^5] [CCC 1991](https://www.magisterium.com/docs/0583c069-d4bf-42dd-97de-c19f0b80150f/ref/1991)
[^6] [1997 Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification 10](https://www.magisterium.com/docs/2c2dae97-fd15-4b6c-8ea4-6e3632723e05/ref/10)
[^7] [Catholic Encyclopedia St. Paul](https://www.magisterium.com/docs/f2c979a8-871d-4f46-a059-320d3b837a76/ref/St.%20Paul)
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