The Doctrine of Justification by Faith

The first thing we are to consider is the meaning of these words to Impute and Imputation. For from a mere plain Declaration hereof, it will appear that sundry things charged on a supposition of the Imputation we plead for, are vain and groundless, or the Charge it self is so.

The first thing we are to consider is the meaning of these words to Impute and Imputation. For from a meer plain Declaration hereof, it will appear that sundry things charged on a supposition of the Imputation we plead for, are vain and groundless, or the Charge it self is so.

[Greek or Hebrew] The word first used to this purpose, signifies to think, to esteem, to judge, or to refer a thing or matter unto any; to impute, or to be imputed for Good or Evil. See Levit. 7.18. chap. 17.4. And Psal. 106.31. [Greek or Hebrew] and it was counted, reckoned, imputed unto him for Righteousness. To judge or esteem this or that Good or Evil, to belong unto him, to be his. The Lxx. express it by [Greek or Hebrew] and [Greek or Hebrew]; as do the Writers of the New Testament also. And these are rendered by reputare, imputare, acceptum far, tribuere, assignare, ascribere. But there is a different signification among these words; In particular, to be reputed Righteous, and to have Righteousness imputed, differ, as cause and effect. For that any may be reputed Righteous, that is, be judged or esteemed so to be, there must be a real foundation of that Reputation, ⟨p. 232⟩or it is a mistake, and not a right Judgment; as a man may be reputed to be wise, who is a fool, or reputed to be rich, who is a beggar. Wherefore he that is reputed Righteous, must either have a Righteousness of his own, or another antecedently imputed unto him, as the foundation of that Reputation. Wherefore to impute Righteousness unto one that hath none of his own, is not to repute him to be Righteous, who is indeed Unrighteous, but it is to communicate a Righteousness unto him, that he may rightly and justly be esteemed, judged, or reputed Righteous.