When a man sins, he can be declared free of guilt in only 2 ways: 1) he can be forgiven of his sins, or 2) he can have Christ’s righteousness placed on him like a cloak, so God cannot see his sins since God then sees only Christ’s righteousness. Which of these two is the Biblical viewpoint?

Romans 4:7 “Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered...” Covered by Christ’s perfect life on earth, they say.

And in the context, he clearly says his sins “are forgiven.” Forgiveness then is the Bible concept.

Romans 5:10 – Their proof text “For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of His Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.” They say Jesus obeyed God’s commands perfectly on earth so that perfect obedience on earth saves us.

Life Now or Life to Come? Notice verb tenses. We were reconciled – Past Tense Verb. This has already happened. This is now. We shall be saved – Future Tense. This will occur by Christ’s Life. Salvation is our future resurrected life! Will this come by Christ’s earthly life?

It is Christ’s resurrected life which saves us. Romans 4:25 “Raised” Hebrews 7:23-25 “He continues forever.” “He always lives”

“But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God--and righteousness and sanctification and redemption– “ Christ became righteousness for us, therefore His perfect life is imputed to us, they say. Not true! Romans 5:9 does not say we are justified by Christ’s perfect life! Romans 5:9 says we are justified by His Blood (His Death).

Hebrews 10:7 – “Behold I have come to do Your will, O God.” = Christ’s Sacrifice v.10 Because of Jesus’ Sacrifice, we can have forgiveness of sins.

Matthew 26:39 He offered Himself, the Ultimate Sacrifice, of His Own Volition. This Sacrifice saves us! Hebrews 5:8 Matthew 26:39 He offered Himself, the Ultimate Sacrifice, of His Own Volition. This Sacrifice saves us! Hebrews 5:8

The Bible shows that His perfect sacrificial death and resurrection save us. Romans 5:9,10

“For by one offering, He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified.” Hebrews 10:14 “For by one offering, He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified.” Hebrews 10:14