Topical Encyclopedia
In biblical terminology, the concept of being "credited" often relates to the idea of imputation, particularly in the context of faith and righteousness. This term is most prominently featured in the writings of the Apostle Paul, who uses it to describe the theological principle that faith is accounted as righteousness.
Old Testament BackgroundThe foundational passage for understanding "credited" in the Bible is found in
Genesis 15:6, which states, "Abram believed the LORD, and it was credited to him as righteousness" . This verse is pivotal in the narrative of Abraham, illustrating the principle that faith, rather than works, is the basis for righteousness before God. Abraham's belief in God's promises was not merely intellectual assent but a deep trust that was recognized and accounted by God as righteousness.
New Testament UsageThe Apostle Paul extensively develops the concept of being "credited" in his epistles, particularly in Romans and Galatians. In
Romans 4:3, Paul cites
Genesis 15:6, emphasizing that Abraham's faith was "credited to him as righteousness" . Paul argues that this crediting of righteousness is not based on works or adherence to the Law but is a gift of grace through faith. He further elaborates in
Romans 4:5, "However, to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited as righteousness" .
Paul's argument extends to all believers, asserting that just as Abraham's faith was credited as righteousness, so too is the faith of those who believe in Jesus Christ. In
Romans 4:23-24, he writes, "Now the words 'it was credited to him' were written not only for Abraham, but also for us, to whom it will be credited—those who believe in Him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead" .
Theological ImplicationsThe concept of being "credited" with righteousness is central to the doctrine of justification by faith. It underscores the belief that righteousness is not earned by human effort but is imputed by God to those who have faith in Christ. This imputation is a legal declaration by God, where the believer is considered righteous on the basis of Christ's atoning work.
In
Galatians 3:6, Paul reiterates this principle, "So also, 'Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness'" , linking the faith of believers to the faith of Abraham. This connection highlights the continuity of God's redemptive plan from the Old Testament to the New Testament, affirming that faith has always been the means by which individuals are justified before God.
Practical ApplicationFor believers, the concept of being "credited" with righteousness offers assurance of salvation and a foundation for a life of faith. It encourages a reliance on God's grace rather than personal merit and fosters a relationship with God based on trust and gratitude. Understanding that righteousness is credited through faith in Christ empowers believers to live confidently, knowing that their standing before God is secure.
In summary, the biblical concept of "credited" emphasizes the gracious nature of God's salvation, highlighting faith as the means by which righteousness is imputed to believers, thus affirming the core message of the gospel.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
imp. & p. p.) of Credit.
Greek
3049. logizomai -- to reckon, to consider... or reckoning) Definition to reckon, to consider NASB Word Usage consider (6),
considered (2), counted (1), counting (1), credit (1),
credited (9), credits (1
...Library
Heathen Arguments in Palliation of the Above: and -1 the Poets are...
... Either the actions must be defended or the deity of the gods given up. And the heroes
are notcredited with acts inconsistent with their nature. Section 16....
Elucidations.
... The Pauline Hermas wascredited with it; and the critics, in their researches, find
multiplied traces of the one mistake, as did the traveller whose circuits...
The Sibylline Oracles.
... collected or publicly used, though, even from the scanty notices existing, we gather
that they exercised a very potent influence and were largelycredited....
Our First Proposition Was, that There is Satisfactory Evidence...
... If we knew nothing of the fact, but from the fragment; if we possessed no proof
that these accounts had beencredited and acted upon, from times, probably, as...
Chapter i
... distinction, could be no very pleasing discovery to a Jewish mind; nor could the
messengers of such intelligence expect to be well received or easilycredited....
Thursday Night - Before Annas and Caiaphas - Peter and Jesus.
... As if the love of any one who was, and felt, as Peter, could havecredited the
possibility of what he had been warned of; and, if he hadcredited it, would, in...
Old Revival Hymns.
... song. Both its words and music arecredited to Rev. John... Garden Hymn.]. Its
vigorous tune iscredited to Jeremiah Ingalls (1764-1838)....
The Influence of Dionysius in Religious History
... Dionysius was beingcredited with ascribing to Christ one divino-human activity
(una operatio deivirilis), whereas what Dionysius had written was a new divino...
Elucidations.
... The nineteenth century is certainlycredited too low, according to the modern
computists; but I insert it merely for the centuries we are now considering....
A Prefatory Letter.
... The result of my well-meant efforts I find to be, that I am generallycredited with
having invented "protoplasm" in the interests of "materialism." My unlucky...
Thesaurus
Credited (19 Occurrences)...Credited (19 Occurrences). Romans 2:26 If those who have not circumcision keep the
rules of the law, will it not be
credited to them as circumcision? (BBE).
...Apostles (79 Occurrences)
... In 1845 Schleiermachercredited the "we" sections to Timothy, not to Luke....
Both Gospel and Acts arecredited to Luke the physician....
Creditor (8 Occurrences)
Acts (271 Occurrences)
... In 1845 Schleiermachercredited the "we" sections to Timothy, not to Luke....
Both Gospel and Acts arecredited to Luke the physician....
Credit (39 Occurrences)
Negeb (37 Occurrences)
... 13:3, 4). The inheritance of the children of Simeon, as given in Joshua 19:1-9,
was in the Negeb, but in Joshua 15:21-32 these cities arecredited to Judah...
Negev (39 Occurrences)
... 13:3, 4). The inheritance of the children of Simeon, as given in Joshua 19:1-9,
was in the Negeb, but in Joshua 15:21-32 these cities arecredited to Judah...
Justification (6 Occurrences)
... 8). The sole condition on which this righteousness is imputed orcredited
to the believer is faith in or on the Lord Jesus Christ....
Gihon (6 Occurrences)
... In New Testament times it was, as it is today,credited with healing virtues. See
BETHESDA. Its position is clearly defined in the Old Testament....
Game (11 Occurrences)
... points are game. 6. (vi) In some games, a pointcredited on the score to
the player whose cards counts up the highest. 7. (n.) A...
Resources
What is imputed sin? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was the Old Testament way of salvation? | GotQuestions.orgWhy is sola fide important? | GotQuestions.orgCredited: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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