Two Kinds Of Righteousness Ew Kenyon
Two kinds of righteousness ew kenyon is a profound concept explored by the
renowned author and speaker Ew Kenyon. His teachings delve into the spiritual
dimensions of righteousness, distinguishing between two fundamental types that
influence a believer's walk with God. Understanding these two kinds of righteousness is
essential for anyone seeking a deeper relationship with the divine, spiritual growth, and a
victorious Christian life. This article explores these two types, their biblical foundations,
their practical implications, and how they can transform your faith journey.
Introduction to Righteousness in Christian Faith
Righteousness is a central theme in Christian theology, often associated with God's
nature, salvation, and the believer's standing before God. At its core, righteousness
signifies being in right standing with God, marked by moral integrity, righteousness of
character, and divine approval. Ew Kenyon's teachings emphasize that understanding the
different kinds of righteousness can unlock a richer spiritual experience and enable
believers to operate in divine authority. Before diving into the specifics, it's important to
recognize that the concept of righteousness is multidimensional. It encompasses both a
positional truth—what Christ has achieved for believers—and a practical, experiential
aspect—how believers live out that righteousness daily.
The Two Kinds of Righteousness According to Ew Kenyon
Ew Kenyon identified two distinct yet interconnected kinds of righteousness:
Imputed Righteousness — The righteousness received by faith in Christ, which is1.
credited to the believer's account at salvation.
Practical Righteousness — The righteousness that manifests in the believer's life2.
through obedience, character development, and spiritual growth.
Understanding the difference between these two is crucial for a balanced spiritual life.
Let's explore each in detail.
Imputed Righteousness: The Righteousness of Faith
Definition and Biblical Foundation
Imputed righteousness refers to the righteousness that God imputes or credits to
believers through faith in Jesus Christ. It is not something earned or achieved by human
effort but is a gift from God, based on Christ's finished work on the cross. Biblical
references include:
2
Romans 3:22: "Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto
all and upon all them that believe."
2 Corinthians 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."
These scriptures affirm that righteousness is a divine gift, imputed to believers at the
moment of salvation.
Characteristics of Imputed Righteousness
Legal Standing: It establishes the believer's legal right to stand before God
without guilt or condemnation.
Unconditional: It is not based on works but solely on faith in Christ.
Instantaneous: It occurs at the moment of salvation when one accepts Jesus Christ
as Lord and Savior.
Secure: Once received, it cannot be lost or revoked.
Implications for the Believer
- Confidence in God's acceptance and love. - Freedom from guilt, shame, and
condemnation. - A foundation for spiritual growth and sanctification. - The basis for
approaching God boldly in prayer and worship.
Practical Righteousness: Living Out the Righteous Life
Definition and Biblical Foundation
Practical righteousness refers to the active expression of righteousness in a believer's
daily life. It involves obedience to God's Word, moral integrity, and the development of
Christlike character. Key scriptures include:
Matthew 5:6: "Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness."
Philippians 3:9: "And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is
of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of
God by faith."
James 2:26: "For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is
dead also."
This righteousness is about aligning one's life with God's standards and demonstrating His
character through actions.
3
Characteristics of Practical Righteousness
Progressive: It develops over time as believers grow in faith and obedience.
Dependent on Grace: While effort is involved, divine grace empowers the believer
to live righteously.
Visible: It manifests through acts of love, integrity, humility, and holiness.
Transformative: It changes the believer's character and influences their
environment positively.
Implications for the Believer
- Encourages consistent spiritual discipline such as prayer, Bible study, and service. -
Promotes moral integrity and ethical conduct. - Reflects Christ’s character to others. -
Facilitates spiritual victory and empowerment.
The Relationship Between the Two Kinds of Righteousness
Understanding how imputed and practical righteousness interrelate is essential. Ew
Kenyon emphasized that: - Imputed righteousness provides the foundation—believers are
made righteous before God through faith in Christ. - Practical righteousness is the
fruit—living out that righteousness through obedience and character development. This
relationship signifies that salvation is not merely a legal declaration but also an ongoing
process of sanctification. The two work together to produce a balanced Christian life.
How to Live in the Light of Both Righteousnesses
Achieving a healthy balance between these two kinds of righteousness involves:
Embracing Your Position in Christ: Rest in the truth of your imputed
righteousness. Know that you are accepted and justified before God by faith.
Living Out Practical Righteousness: Commit to daily spiritual disciplines that
cultivate Christlike character.
Understanding Grace: Recognize that practical righteousness is empowered by
God's grace, not human effort alone.
Maintaining Faith and Works in Harmony: Faith in Christ should lead to
obedience and good works, not legalism.
Common Misconceptions About Righteousness
To fully grasp these concepts, it's helpful to address some misconceptions:
Righteousness is earned: Imputed righteousness is a gift, not something earned
by works.
Practical righteousness is optional: Living righteously is a response to God's
4
grace and essential for spiritual growth.
Once saved, no need for practical righteousness: Genuine salvation manifests
in a righteous lifestyle.
Conclusion: Embracing the Two Kinds of Righteousness for a
Victorious Life
Ew Kenyon's insights into the two kinds of righteousness—imputed and practical—offer a
comprehensive understanding of what it means to be right with God. Recognizing that
salvation is rooted in the divine act of imputation, believers are encouraged to pursue
practical righteousness as a response to God's grace. This balanced approach ensures a
life of confidence, holiness, and spiritual victory. By internalizing these principles,
believers can walk confidently in their divine authority, reflect Christ's character, and live
victorious lives that honor God. The journey of righteousness is ongoing, rooted in God's
grace, and expressed through daily obedience, love, and faith. Whether you are just
beginning your faith journey or seeking deeper spiritual maturity, understanding and
embracing these two kinds of righteousness will transform your relationship with God and
empower you to live out His purpose for your life.
QuestionAnswer
What are the two kinds of
righteousness discussed in EW
Kenyon's teachings?
EW Kenyon describes two kinds of righteousness:
the righteousness of the law based on human effort
and the righteousness of faith received through
Jesus Christ.
How does EW Kenyon differentiate
between legal righteousness and
positional righteousness?
Kenyon explains that legal righteousness is based
on adherence to the law and human works, while
positional righteousness is the divine right standing
with God achieved through faith in Christ.
Why does EW Kenyon emphasize
the importance of understanding
the 'two kinds of righteousness'?
He emphasizes that recognizing the difference
helps believers understand their true standing with
God and how to live a victorious Christian life
through faith, not legalism.
According to EW Kenyon, how
does faith influence the two kinds
of righteousness?
Faith connects believers to the righteousness of
God, making the legal, effort-based righteousness
unnecessary, and allowing believers to live in the
righteousness provided through Christ.
What role does the concept of
'imputed righteousness' play in
EW Kenyon's teachings?
Imputed righteousness refers to the righteousness
of Christ credited to believers by faith,
distinguishing it from self-righteousness based on
works.
5
How can understanding the two
kinds of righteousness impact a
believer's spiritual walk, according
to EW Kenyon?
It helps believers to rest in God's grace, avoid
legalism, and live confidently in their divine right
standing through Christ's righteousness.
What biblical scriptures does EW
Kenyon often cite to illustrate the
two kinds of righteousness?
He frequently references Romans 3:22, 2
Corinthians 5:21, and Philippians 3:9 to support the
distinction between righteousness by law and
righteousness by faith.
How does EW Kenyon's concept of
the two kinds of righteousness
challenge traditional legalistic
Christianity?
Kenyon's teachings emphasize that righteousness
is a gift through faith in Christ, rather than a result
of human effort, challenging legalistic views that
focus on works for salvation.
Two Kinds of Righteousness Ew Kenyon: An In-Depth Exploration Righteousness is a
foundational concept in Christian theology, embodying the moral and spiritual standing of
an individual before God. Among the many voices that have contributed to understanding
righteousness, Ew Kenyon stands out for his profound insights into the two kinds of
righteousness. His teachings distinguish between a righteousness that is imputed and one
that is imparted, offering believers a comprehensive view of their spiritual journey. In this
article, we will explore two kinds of righteousness Ew Kenyon, examining their definitions,
biblical foundations, implications for faith practice, and how they intersect to shape a
believer's life. --- Understanding the Two Kinds of Righteousness Ew Kenyon's teaching
emphasizes a dual perspective on righteousness, often summarized as imputed
righteousness and imparted righteousness. This distinction helps believers grasp their
position before God and their daily walk of faith. What Is Imputed Righteousness? Imputed
righteousness refers to the righteousness that is credited or imputed to a believer at the
moment of salvation. It is not based on personal merit but is a divine act of grace. When a
person accepts Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, God "imputes" or attributes Christ's
righteousness to them, making them positionally justified before Him. Biblical Foundations
of Imputed Righteousness - 2 Corinthians 5:21: "For He made Him who knew no sin to be
sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him." - Romans 5:17: "...by
the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one, Jesus Christ." - Philippians 3:9:
"...and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that
which is through faith in Christ." Key Points About Imputed Righteousness - It is a legal
standing before God. - Occurs at the moment of salvation. - It is entirely God's
gift—nothing earned or deserved. - It provides believers acceptance and justification. ---
What Is Imparted Righteousness? Imparted righteousness, on the other hand, refers to the
practical, experiential righteousness that develops in a believer's life through the process
of sanctification. It involves the inward transformation of character, enabling the believer
to live in obedience to God's Word. Biblical Foundations of Imparted Righteousness -
Romans 6:19: "I speak in human terms because of the weakness of your flesh. For just as
Two Kinds Of Righteousness Ew Kenyon
6
you presented your members as slaves of uncleanness and of lawlessness leading to more
lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves of righteousness for holiness." - 2
Peter 1:4: "...that through these you may become partakers of the divine nature, having
escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust." - Galatians 5:22-23: The fruit of
the Spirit—evidence of righteousness growing within. Key Points About Imparted
Righteousness - It is a daily, ongoing process. - Rooted in the work of the Holy Spirit within
believers. - Involves moral and character development. - Leads to holiness and
Christlikeness. --- The Interplay Between the Two Righteousnesses Ew Kenyon emphasizes
that while these two kinds of righteousness are distinct, they are inseparably linked in the
believer's spiritual life. Understanding their relationship is crucial for a balanced faith
experience. The Foundation of Faith: Imputed Righteousness Imputed righteousness
provides the legal standing and acceptance before God. It is the starting point—a gift
received through faith. Without this initial righteousness, no amount of good works or
character development can make a person righteous in God's sight. The Growth in Grace:
Imparted Righteousness Imparted righteousness builds upon the foundation of imputed
righteousness. As believers grow in Christ, they are sanctified, becoming more like Him.
This growth is evidence of God's work within and is essential for effective service and
personal holiness. The Balance Between the Two Ew Kenyon advocates for a balanced
understanding, recognizing that: - Imputed righteousness guarantees salvation and
acceptance. - Imparted righteousness is the evidence and outworking of genuine faith. -
Both are necessary for a full, victorious Christian life. --- Practical Implications for Believers
Understanding the two kinds of righteousness influences how believers approach their
spiritual walk, assurance, and service. Assurance of Salvation - Recognize that your
imputed righteousness is secure in Christ. - Confidence that God has credited His
righteousness to you at salvation. Daily Sanctification - Strive for imparted righteousness
through prayer, the Word, and obedience. - Allow the Holy Spirit to work within,
transforming character and habits. Overcoming Guilt and Condemnation - Remember that
your imputed righteousness covers all sins—past, present, and future. - Progress in
righteousness does not affect your standing before God but enhances your relationship
with Him. Service and Witnessing - Your imputed righteousness empowers you to serve
confidently. - Your imparted righteousness makes your witness authentic and compelling.
--- Common Misconceptions and Clarifications Misconception 1: Righteousness Is Only
Imputed Some believe that righteousness is solely a legal declaration, neglecting the
importance of living righteously. Ew Kenyon teaches that both are essential—faith grants
righteousness, and faithfulness manifests it. Misconception 2: Imparted Righteousness
Can Earn Salvation Imparted righteousness is a result of sanctification and growth, not a
means to earn salvation. Salvation is entirely a gift of grace, rooted in imputed
righteousness. Misconception 3: The Two Righteousnesses Are Opposed Instead, Kenyon
sees them as complementary—imputed righteousness is the foundation, and imparted
Two Kinds Of Righteousness Ew Kenyon
7
righteousness is the fruit. --- Conclusion: Embracing Both for a Full Christian Life The
teachings of Ew Kenyon about two kinds of righteousness offer a comprehensive
framework for understanding salvation and sanctification. Recognizing that believers are
justified by imputed righteousness and sanctified through imparted righteousness helps
foster confidence in salvation and motivates continual growth in Christ. By appreciating
the distinction and connection between the two, believers can enjoy the assurance of their
standing before God while actively pursuing holiness. This balanced perspective
encourages a faith that is rooted in grace yet expressed through a life of righteousness—a
life that reflects Christ's character and fulfills God's divine purpose. --- Final thought:
Embracing both kinds of righteousness empowers believers to live confidently in their
salvation while diligently seeking to become more like Christ each day. As Ew Kenyon
articulates, understanding these truths is essential for spiritual victory and a vibrant,
authentic walk with God.
Kenyon, Two Kinds of Righteousness, Christian Living, Spiritual Growth, Faith and Works,
Grace and Law, Religious Teaching, Biblical Principles, Personal Faith, Spiritual
Transformation, Righteousness in Christianity