attain the forgiveness of sins and righteousness. “Because you believe in me,” says the Lord, “and your faith lays hold on Christ, whom I have freely given to you in order that he should be your mediator and high priest, therefore you are justified and righteous.” That is why God accepts or accounts us as righteous—simply for our faith in Christ. This acceptance, or imputation, is very necessary. First, because we are not yet perfectly righteous; while we remain in this life, sin still remains in