In the Bible, “credited” or “reckoned” refers to God attributing righteousness or value to an individual, often based on faith rather than works, as seen in Romans 4:3, where Abraham’s belief was counted as righteousness. This concept emphasizes the idea of divine grace and the assurance of salvation through faith.
Scripture
1 After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: “Fear not, Abram, I am your shield; your reward shall be very great.”
2 But Abram said, “O Lord God, what will you give me, for I continue childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?”
3 And Abram said, “Behold, you have given me no offspring, and a member of my household will be my heir.”
4 And behold, the word of the Lord came to him: “This man shall not be your heir; your very own son shall be your heir.”
5 And he brought him outside and said, “Look toward heaven, and number the stars, if you are able to number them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your offspring be.”
6 And he believed the Lord, and he counted it to him as righteousness.
Credited or Reckoned in the Bible
The concept of being “credited” or “reckoned” in the Bible fundamentally revolves around the idea of imputed righteousness, wherein God attributes righteousness to individuals through their faith rather than their actions. This is vividly illustrated in Romans 4:3, which references Genesis 15:6, stating, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” This establishes a theological framework where righteousness is viewed not as a result of human endeavor but as a divine gift. Abraham’s faith predated the Mosaic Law and thus set a precedent that underscores the central role of belief in the divine economy of salvation.
Moreover, this idea is foundational to Christian doctrine, as it emphasizes the concept of grace—God’s unmerited favor. In Ephesians 2:8-9, Paul underscores this by affirming that salvation is by grace through faith, and it is not from ourselves but is a gift of God, eliminating the grounds for boasting. This teaches that reconciliation with God and acceptance into His family is accessible to all who believe, regardless of their past, highlighting the transformative power of faith. The essence of being “credited with righteousness” conveys a profound assurance: that God’s approval is not based on human performance but rather on trust in His promises. Thus, it reiterates the importance of faith as the pathway to salvation, granting believers confidence in their relationship with God.
In addition to the foundational examples, the theme of being “credited” or “reckoned” is echoed throughout other parts of Scripture, emphasizing how divine reckoning transcends human limitation. For instance, in the writings of the prophet Habakkuk, we find a poignant declaration that “the righteous will live by his faith” (Habakkuk 2:4). This principle reinforces the idea that it is not solely adherence to the law that defines one’s righteousness, but rather a life lived in faithfulness and confidence in God’s ability to save. The immediacy of this faith translation into righteousness serves as an invitation for believers to trust in God’s redemptive plans, accentuating faith as the means of receiving God’s gracious acknowledgment.
Furthermore, the New Testament echoes this idea in various contexts, such as in the parables found in Matthew 20, where the laborers are paid equally regardless of their time spent working in the vineyard. This innately challenges human notions of fairness and merit, illustrating that God’s grace operates beyond conventional measures of worthiness. It is through the lens of divine generosity that one understands being reckoned as righteous; this ultimate equality in God’s kingdom emphasizes that all who respond to His call, regardless of their past or how long they have labored, are recipients of His grace. Ultimately, these themes illustrate a profound truth: the act of God crediting righteousness is deeply rooted in His love and compassion, inviting us to respond with faith and gratitude.
Theological Implications of Justification
In biblical theology, the concept of being “credited” or “reckoned” often relates to the doctrine of justification. This signifies that an individual is declared righteous before God, not based on their own works or merits, but through faith. This act of being credited with righteousness emphasizes the grace of God and the transformative power of faith, illustrating that believers are accepted by God through their trust in Him rather than their own actions.
The Role of Faith in Salvation
The notion of being reckoned also highlights the essential role of faith in the process of salvation. It suggests that faith itself is a means through which individuals receive God’s grace. This understanding underscores the belief that it is not merely the act of faith that saves, but the object of that faith—God’s promises and His character. Thus, being credited with righteousness becomes a profound statement about the relationship between faith and divine acceptance.
The Assurance of Believers
Furthermore, the idea of being credited or reckoned serves to provide assurance to believers regarding their standing before God. It reassures them that their worthiness is not contingent upon their fluctuating performance or moral failures, but rather on the steadfastness of God’s promises. This assurance fosters a sense of security and peace, encouraging believers to live out their faith with confidence, knowing they are accepted and loved by God.
How to Embrace Faith and Live Righteously
Embracing faith and living righteously is a journey that requires both intention and grace. Start by nurturing a personal relationship with God through prayer and scripture; these practices will ground you in His word and help you discern His will for your life. Surround yourself with a community of believers who can encourage and challenge you, as fellowship is vital in our walk of faith. Remember, living righteously isn’t about perfection but about striving to reflect Christ’s love in your actions—showing kindness, practicing forgiveness, and serving others selflessly. When you stumble, don’t be discouraged; instead, lean into God’s mercy and allow it to transform you. Each day is a new opportunity to grow in faith and embody the values of love, humility, and integrity that Jesus exemplified. Embrace this journey with an open heart, and you’ll find that living righteously becomes a beautiful expression of your faith.
Bible References to Credited or Reckoned:
Romans 4:1-8: 1 What then shall we say was gained by Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh?
2 For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God.
3 For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.”
4 Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due.
5 And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness,
6 just as David also speaks of the blessing of the one to whom God counts righteousness apart from works:
7 “Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven,
and whose sins are covered;
8 blessed is the man against whom the Lord will not count his sin.”
Romans 4:9-12: 9 Is this blessing then only for the circumcised, or also for the uncircumcised? We say that faith was counted to Abraham as righteousness.
10 How then was it counted to him? Was it before or after he had been circumcised? It was not after, but before he was circumcised.
11 He received the sign of circumcision as a seal of the righteousness that he had by faith while he was still uncircumcised. The purpose was to make him the father of all who believe without being circumcised, so that righteousness would be counted to them as well,
12 and to make him the father of the circumcised who are not merely circumcised but who also walk in the footsteps of the faith that our father Abraham had before he was circumcised.
Romans 4:13-25: 13 For the promise to Abraham and his offspring that he would be heir of the world did not come through the law but through the righteousness of faith.
14 For if it is the adherents of the law who are to be the heirs, faith is null and the promise is void.
15 For the law brings wrath, but where there is no law there is no transgression.
16 That is why it depends on faith, in order that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to all his offspring—not only to the adherent of the law but also to the one who shares the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all,
17 as it is written, “I have made you the father of many nations”—in the presence of the God in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist.
18 In hope he believed against hope, that he should become the father of many nations, as he had been told, “So shall your offspring be.”
19 He did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body, which was as good as dead (since he was about a hundred years old), or when he considered the barrenness of Sarah’s womb.
20 No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God,
21 fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised.
22 That is why his faith was “counted to him as righteousness.”
24 but for ours also. It will be counted to us who believe in him who raised from the dead Jesus our Lord,
24 but for ours also. It will be counted to us who believe in him who raised from the dead Jesus our Lord,
25 who was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification.
Galatians 3:6-9: 6 just as Abraham “believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness”?
7 Know then that it is those of faith who are the sons of Abraham.
8 And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, “In you shall all the nations be blessed.”
9 So then, those who are of faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.
James 2:20-24: 20 Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless?
21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar?
22 You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works;
23 and the Scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness”—and he was called a friend of God.
24 You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.