INCORPORATED RIGHTEOUSNESS: A RESPONSE TO RECENT EVANGELICAL DISCUSSION CONCERNING THE IMPUTATION OF CHRIST'S RIGHTEOUSNESS IN JUSTIFICATION

Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society, Jun 2004 by Bird, Michael F

It still remains fitting within the discourse of systematic theology, for the sake of the historical continuity with Reformation thought, and when stressing the forensic nature of justification against an infused righteousness, to speak of imputed righteousness. Yet in more finely nuanced discussions of the topic, especially in preaching, teaching, and exegesis, we must be prepared to use language that more readily comports with Paul's concept of justification.

Finally, it is my sincere hope that evangelicals on both sides of the debate would be able to unite and sing, "When he shall come with trumpet sound, O may I then in Him be found, Dressed in His righteousness alone, Faultless to stand before the throne."128

MICHAEL F. BIRD*

* Michael Bird is a doctoral student at the University of Queensland, St. Lucia QLD 4072, Australia.