Originally Posted by
Colonel
Abraham was righteous by faith though he was not born again. On accord of his faith he was imputed righteousness by decree.
We are righteous by faith and have righteousness imputed to us by decree. But God takes this one step further by giving new birth to us, creating a new creature in Christ in us that is righteous like he is. It cannot sin and if we sin it's because we live according to the flesh, our carnal selves.
Rom 5:10 For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.
Rom 5:18 Therefore, as through one man’s offense judgment came to all men, resulting in condemnation, even so through one Man’s righteous act the free gift came to all men, resulting in justification of life.
Rom 8:10 And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.
Gal 3:21 Is the law then against the promises of God? Certainly not! For if there had been a law given which could have given life, truly righteousness would have been by the law.
2 Cor 5:4 For we who are in this tent groan, being burdened, not because we want to be unclothed, but further clothed, that mortality may be swallowed up by life.
And when that life has taken completely over then we are only that new creature and we are only righteous. By a life that can only produce righteousness throughout eternity.