Imputation vs. Impartation

Christ's righteousness counted to us, and His life formed in us.

Core Distinction

Term	What it describes	Mode	Emphasis
Imputation	Legal reckoning of righteousness or guilt	Counted / credited	Justification
Impartation	Engendering spiritual life and holiness	Given / infused	Sanctification

Antecedent Ordering

In classic Reformed theology, imputation precedes impartation. God first reckons Christ's righteousness by grace through the gift of faith to His covenant people, granting them a reconciled, justified standing before Him. Therefrom flows the impartation of life and holiness by the Spirit.

We are not justified by becoming inwardly holy; we are made holy after being freely justified in Christ.

Scriptural Anchors

• Imputation: Romans 4:5-8; 2 Corinthians 5:21.
• Impartation: Romans 6:4; Galatians 2:20.
• Union with Christ: 1 Corinthians 1:30.

Devotional Accent

Praise God for both sides of this precious reality: the wonder that Christ's obedience is counted as ours, and the marvel that His grace actually changes us! Imputation gives assurance; impartation brings transformation.

Why It Matters

• Protects free grace: inward renewal is not the ground of acceptance.
• Honors true holiness: the Spirit's work is real and necessary.
• Pastoral comfort: trembling believers look first to Christ for themselves,
  then to Christ in themselves.

See also: