Eternal life vs. credited righteousness

[JamesL]

Do you believe there is a difference between eternal life and credited righteousness?

The way they are typically explained, it seems that eternal life is a current possession, but righteousness is not.

Do we actually have eternal life, or is it only credited?

Do we actually have righteousness, or is it only credited?

 

[tyndale1946]

Do you believe there is a difference between eternal life and credited righteousness?

The way they are typically explained, it seems that eternal life is a current possession, but righteousness is not.

Do we actually have eternal life, or is it only credited?

Do we actually have righteousness, or is it only credited?

I been thinking this over Brother James... First of all my Master holds the card... I give him ALL the credit... Because his Eternal Salvation is PRICELESS!... Brother Glen

 

[JamesL]

I been thinking this over Brother James... First of all my Master holds the card... I give him ALL the credit... Because his Eternal Salvation is PRICELESS!... Brother Glen

Just seems people use them synonymously, but never together.

Then at times we hear definitions which have them at odds

 

[Yeshua1]

Do you believe there is a difference between eternal life and credited righteousness?

The way they are typically explained, it seems that eternal life is a current possession, but righteousness is not.

Do we actually have eternal life, or is it only credited?

Do we actually have righteousness, or is it only credited?

We have eternal life, as we have it right now, and in the sight of God already perfected in Christ, but from our point of view, working out our salvation in fear and trembling!

 

[percho]

Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.
And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.

 

[Van]

Do you believe there is a difference between eternal life and credited righteousness?
The way they are typically explained, it seems that eternal life is a current possession, but righteousness is not.
Do we actually have eternal life, or is it only credited?
Do we actually have righteousness, or is it only credited?

I know that John 3:16 says everyone believing into Him shall not perish but shall have eternal life. So each and every person God transfers into Christ based on crediting their faith as righteousness, has eternal life. So that condition starts when we are born anew, while still physically alive and still facing (unless the Lord returns) physical death. So if we are actually born anew, we actually have eternal life.

Now your term "credited righteousness" does not appear in scripture, so I am guessing at your meaning. When we are transferred into Christ, born anew, we are made righteous, blameless and perfect. This condition also occurs during our physical life, from when we are born anew, and undergo the washing of regeneration. But the word credited does not appear in these verses. Romans 5:19, and Colossians 1:22. So if we are actually born anew, we actually have the righteousness of God.

Which brings us to the false theology of being credited righteous. Romans 4:5 makes clear God credits our faith as righteousness, but does not credit us as being righteous. The actual biblical doctrine is we are made righteous by the washing of regeneration.
So the actual biblical doctrine is if and when God credits our faith in Christ as righteousness, He then sets us apart in Christ, where we undergo the circumcision of Christ resulting in the body - consequences - of our sin being removed.

 

[JamesL]

I know that John 3:16 says everyone believing into Him shall not perish but shall have eternal life. So each and every person God transfers into Christ based on crediting their faith as righteousness, has eternal life. So that condition starts when we are born anew, while still physically alive and still facing (unless the Lord returns) physical death. So if we are actually born anew, we actually have eternal life.

Now your term "credited righteousness" does not appear in scripture, so I am guessing at your meaning. When we are transferred into Christ, born anew, we are made righteous, blameless and perfect. This condition also occurs during our physical life, from when we are born anew, and undergo the washing of regeneration. But the word credited does not appear in these verses. Romans 5:19, and Colossians 1:22. So if we are actually born anew, we actually have the righteousness of God.

Which brings us to the false theology of being credited righteous. Romans 4:5 makes clear God credits our faith as righteousness, but does not credit us as being righteous. The actual biblical doctrine is we are made righteous by the washing of regeneration.
So the actual biblical doctrine is if and when God credits our faith in Christ as righteousness, He then sets us apart in Christ, where we undergo the circumcision of Christ resulting in the body - consequences - of our sin being removed.

I'm not sure how you draw a distinction between Faith being credited as righteousness versus a person being credited with righteousness

 

[JonC]

Do you believe there is a difference between eternal life and credited righteousness?

The way they are typically explained, it seems that eternal life is a current possession, but righteousness is not.

Do we actually have eternal life, or is it only credited?

Do we actually have righteousness, or is it only credited?

I believe we actually have eternal life, not as credited but in this life as we share in Christ and in the hope of our bodily resurrection through His. The same is true of righteousness. That life we have in Christ is eternal – even though our bodies die we will continue to live in Christ because He is in us and will not suffer death again. Christ Himself is this life and righteousness, so eternal life is something that we taste in this lifetime or not at all.

My answer is influenced by my belief that the Kingdom of God exists now as an expression of a more complete future reality - something George Ladd called the “presence of the future among us” (Ladd, Theology of the New Testament).

 

[percho]

Do you believe there is a difference between eternal life and credited righteousness?

The way they are typically explained, it seems that eternal life is a current possession, but righteousness is not.

Do we actually have eternal life, or is it only credited?

Do we actually have righteousness, or is it only credited?

Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed (Singular) should come to whom the promise (See Titus 1:2 the promise of God, that is the common denominator, of all the promises) was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator. Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but God is one. Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law. Gal 3:19-21

 

[Yeshua1]

I know that John 3:16 says everyone believing into Him shall not perish but shall have eternal life. So each and every person God transfers into Christ based on crediting their faith as righteousness, has eternal life. So that condition starts when we are born anew, while still physically alive and still facing (unless the Lord returns) physical death. So if we are actually born anew, we actually have eternal life.

Now your term "credited righteousness" does not appear in scripture, so I am guessing at your meaning. When we are transferred into Christ, born anew, we are made righteous, blameless and perfect. This condition also occurs during our physical life, from when we are born anew, and undergo the washing of regeneration. But the word credited does not appear in these verses. Romans 5:19, and Colossians 1:22. So if we are actually born anew, we actually have the righteousness of God.

Which brings us to the false theology of being credited righteous. Romans 4:5 makes clear God credits our faith as righteousness, but does not credit us as being righteous. The actual biblical doctrine is we are made righteous by the washing of regeneration.
So the actual biblical doctrine is if and when God credits our faith in Christ as righteousness, He then sets us apart in Christ, where we undergo the circumcision of Christ resulting in the body - consequences - of our sin being removed.

the ONLY thing that gets any of us saved here was the death of Jesus on our behalf, and not our faith as a credit, for even that faith is the gift of God towards us!

 

[Yeshua1]

I believe we actually have eternal life, not as credited but in this life as we share in Christ and in the hope of our bodily resurrection through His. The same is true of righteousness. That life we have in Christ is eternal – even though our bodies die we will continue to live in Christ because He is in us and will not suffer death again. Christ Himself is this life and righteousness, so eternal life is something that we taste in this lifetime or not at all.

My answer is influenced by my belief that the Kingdom of God exists now as an expression of a more complete future reality - something George Ladd called the “presence of the future among us” (Ladd, Theology of the New Testament).

As I think that He stated, the Kingdom is here, but not yet fully here.

 

[percho]

For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. Romans 1:17

Ὁ δὲ δίκαιος ἐκ πίστεως ζήσεται

The yet righteous one out of faith shall be living.
-------------------------------------------- vi Fut midD 3 Sg

And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him. And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Matt 3:15-17

Did that, "fulfill all righteousness," or did it picture how, "all righteousness," would be fulfilled?

But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished! Luke 12:50

Did that baptism fulfill all righteousness? Did it require obedience of faith?

Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done. And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him. And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground. And when he rose up from prayer, and was come to his disciples, he found them sleeping for sorrow, And said unto them, Why sleep ye? rise and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. Luke 22:42-46 See also Heb 5:7,8 Obedience unto death.

 

[JamesL]

I believe we actually have eternal life, not as credited but in this life as we share in Christ and in the hope of our bodily resurrection through His. The same is true of righteousness. That life we have in Christ is eternal – even though our bodies die we will continue to live in Christ because He is in us and will not suffer death again. Christ Himself is this life and righteousness, so eternal life is something that we taste in this lifetime or not at all.

My answer is influenced by my belief that the Kingdom of God exists now as an expression of a more complete future reality - something George Ladd called the “presence of the future among us” (Ladd, Theology of the New Testament).

I also believe the answer to this question is related to the Kingdom of God.

I also agree that the Kingdom of God exists now, but I'm not sure I understand what you mean by "an expression of a more complete future reality"

Depending on what you mean by that, I may agree or disagree.

I've been rethinking a lot of these types of issues after leaving Dispensationalism about 5 years ago.

 

[JonC]

I also believe the answer to this question is related to the Kingdom of God.

I also agree that the Kingdom of God exists now, but I'm not sure I understand what you mean by "an expression of a more complete future reality"

Depending on what you mean by that, I may agree or disagree.

I've been rethinking a lot of these types of issues after leaving Dispensationalism about 5 years ago.

What I am referring to as the Kingdom of God is related to God's authority, power, and rule. We experience the Kingdom now but not without struggle. I think there is an expression of the Kingdom yet to come as our hope is fulfilled. Not dispensationalism but a new heaven and new earth.

 

[percho]

To date, has any man born of woman inherited the kingdom of God?

In many parts, and many ways, God of old having spoken to the fathers in the prophets, in these last days did speak to us in a Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He did make the ages; Heb 1:1,2

 

[Yeshua1]

The Kingdom of God is not upon the earth yet in full, for if this was it, there would be Paradise restored!
That parts waits for the King to arrive, and undo the Curse in full placed upon creation and us....

 

[Van]

I'm not sure how you draw a distinction between Faith being credited as righteousness versus a person being credited with righteousness

I did not draw a distinction, God's word is crystal, no verse says God credits us with righteousness. Please cite any verse that says or suggests God credits us with righteousness, (you cannot) because no such verse exists. What you will find is God credits our faith as righteous to us. The false theology folks say having our faith credited as righteousness is the same as having ourselves credited as righteous. We are made righteous (the washing of regeneration, the circumcision of Christ) when God puts us into Christ.

 

[JamesL]

I did not draw a distinction, God's word is crystal, no verse says God credits us with righteousness. Please cite any verse that says or suggests God credits us with righteousness, (you cannot) because no such verse exists. What you will find is God credits our faith as righteous to us. The false theology folks say having our faith credited as righteousness is the same as having ourselves credited as righteous. We are made righteous (the washing of regeneration, the circumcision of Christ) when God puts us into Christ.

Okay, you clearly have something in your brain that you are not conveying properly.

If I call over the phone and pay $200 toward your light bill, they will say any one of the following statements:

$200 has been credited towards your account

$200 has been credited toward you

you have been credited with $200

you now have $200 on your account

Now substitute righteousness in place of the $200


The only thing I can figure is that you have some kind of anti-Calvinist slant that really amounts to nonsense. And you are clearly drawing a distinction, because you are saying it is this way and not that way whereas everybody else is saying they're both the same thing

If your faith was credited to you as righteousness, how is it that you are not credited as being righteous? that doesn't make a lick of sense

 

[Van]

the ONLY thing that gets any of us saved here was the death of Jesus on our behalf, and not our faith as a credit, for even that faith is the gift of God towards us!

More fake theology without any biblical support.
The "gift of faith" via Irresistible grace is fake theology. No verse will be cited.
God credits our faith as righteousness, or not. Romans 4:4-5, Romans 4:23-24.

 

[Van]

Okay, you clearly have something in your brain that you are not conveying properly.
If I call over the phone and pay $200 toward your light bill, they will say any one of the following statements:
$200 has been credited towards your account
$200 has been credited toward you
you have been credited with $200
you now have $200 on your account
Now substitute righteousness in place of the $200
The only thing I can figure is that you have some kind of anti-Calvinist slant that really amounts to nonsense. And you are clearly drawing a distinction, because you are saying it is this way and not that way whereas everybody else is saying they're both the same thing
If your faith was credited to you as righteousness, how is it that you are not credited as being righteous? that doesn't make a lick of sense

In among all your verbiage, I missed where you cited a single verse that supports your view. Romans 4:4-5 Romans 4:23-24 support my view that God credits our faith in Christ as righteousness or not.

You are simply saying if your faith is credited as righteousness, that means your are credited as righteous. If this were true, and it is not, why would be need to be "made righteous." Something in my brain tells me you will not have a reasonable answer.
BTW, if you owe an infinite amount and $200 dollars is credited toward you, have you been made righteous or are you still hopelessly in debt.

Romans 5:1-2 says our faith provides our access to the grace in which we stand. A long winded way of saying we are saved through faith. When you enter a room through a door, you go through the door first. The door provides the access. Thus if our faith is credited as righteousness, it provides the access to salvation by grace. Access to the washing of regeneration, our rebirth as a new creation, created for good works. Access to the circumcision of Christ.

My view is supported with scripture, yours is supported by fake theology.