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  • Justification respects the ungodly. Therefore, it cannot be based upon any righteousness inherent in us–for we are ungodly when first justified.
    1. Romans 4:5
  • Many verses teach that it is not our own righteousness that justifies us, but God's (specifically, Christ's). Thus, it is an alien righteousness that justifies us.
    1. Jeremiah 23:6
    2. Romans 3:22
    3. Philippians 3:9
    4. 1 Corinthians 1:31
  • Many verses speak of this righteousness as being given to us, indicating that it is imputed. This righteousness given to us is Christ's obedience, and thus is not anything done in us or by us.
    1. Romans 4:6, 11, 22
      1. “Reckon” basically means impute.
    2. Romans 5:17
  • Many verses teach that this righteousness is external to us–thereby indicating that it is not inherent righteousness that justifies us, but imputed righteousness.
    1. Luke 19:9-14
    2. Isaiah 61:10