Stan, by your reasoning if the righteousness of God which is imputed (as you do agree) does not make one righteous, then the imputation of sin should not make one a sinner.
Rom 5:13 (For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law.
However, we know that when sin is imputed we are sinners (in actuality). It is not a theoretical concept.
Likewise, when God imputes righteousness we are righteous (in Him) and we are called to walk in this righteousness and remain in it. Imputation is not just a legal standing but a reality that is manifested in us. Christ in us, the hope of glory.
Rom 4:22 And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness.
We see many ways and testimonies in the NT where the reality of Christ and His righteousness in us are manifested. Here is one such way.
2Co 2:15 For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish:
2Co 2:16 To the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things?
2Co 2:14 Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.
This is intimate heart knowledge of Jesus Christ that comes from partaking of His divine nature as we abide in Him. (...that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature,,, 2Pe 1:.4). Peter goes on to speak about adding to "YOUR faith, virtue,,,godliness. He is saying YOUR virtue and godliness. Of course we know it comes from Christ in us, conforming us to His image (character).
Therefore something is to take place IN US, now. And what that is, is God's righteousness being fulfilled IN US as we walk after the Spirit.
Rom 8:4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
Rom 8:10 And if Christ be in you, the body (old man) is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.
If the body of sin (the flesh, the old man) is alive in you then you are a sinner but if the old man is dead then Christ must be in you and you are righteous in Him.
Again, this is not theory. His righteousness is to be realized in your life in greater and greater capacity. From glory to glory and faith to faith.
2Co 5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
Here, Paul is speaking about "your righteousness", but you say we have no righteousness. I suppose you will pull out the Greek or another translation on this verse.
2Co 9:10 Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;)
The "New Man" that we are to "put on" is a Righteous New Man.
Eph 4:24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
If the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness...
Eph 5:9 (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)
How can we be filled with the fruits of righteousness if we don't have the righteousness within us, first?
Php 1:11 Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.
The verse you use has to do with salvation and there is no one righteous. All must come through Jesus Christ, the righteous one.
Rom_3:10 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:
Jesus is in the business of making men righteous.
Rom_5:19 For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.
Christians are not supposed to have a "dirty old man" living side by side with the New Man created in Righteousness.
Rom_6:6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.
Stan, Christ is your remedy for the "old man". You don't have to walk around beating yourself over the head. God always causes us to triumph in Christ and make manifest the savour of His knowledge.
Eph 4:22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;
Col 3:9 Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;
1Jn 1:6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:
1Jn 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
Axehead
