Imputed righteousness is a complete waste of time. It does not impede sinfulness and it does not promote righteousness. In Paul’s false doctrine, we don’t have to be righteous.

Imputed righteousness Paul says: “There is none righteous, no, not one.” (Romans 3:10). Therefore, he develops a doctrine that we shall nevertheless be deemed righteous even though we are not.

Being righteous is really having God’s righteousness, through Jesus’ sacrifice, imputed to us. The Bible says our righteousness will not get us close to God or to heaven (Titus 3:3-7).

Sinners are constituted righteous by the righteousness of one, even Jesus Christ. Here was imputed righteousness. And on its basis, Paul knew, he had true ability to serve his Saviour.