Unlocking the Power of Impartation: Discovering the Transformative Gift of God's Grace.

Discover the meaning and significance of impartation in the Bible. Explore how it relates to spiritual gifts, wisdom, the gospel message, and righteousness.

The Meaning and Significance of Impartation in the Bible

In the Bible, the term "impartation" refers to the act of giving, conveying, or granting something to someone. It is a concept that is mentioned in various contexts throughout the Scriptures. Impartation can involve the giving of spiritual gifts, wisdom, the message of the gospel, and even material goods. It is a powerful and transformative act that has significant implications for believers.

Spiritual Gifts Imparted by the Holy Spirit

One of the most prominent examples of impartation in the Bible is the giving of spiritual gifts by the Holy Spirit. In Romans 1:11, the apostle Paul writes, "For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you." Here, Paul expresses his desire to impart spiritual gifts to the believers in Rome for their edification and growth in their faith.

This concept of impartation is further emphasized in 1 Corinthians 12:7-11, where Paul explains that the Holy Spirit distributes various spiritual gifts to believers for the common good of the body of Christ. These gifts include things like wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, and more. Through impartation, believers receive these gifts to empower them in their service to God and others.

Impartation of Wisdom and Understanding

In addition to spiritual gifts, impartation can also involve the granting of wisdom and understanding. Proverbs 29:15 states, "The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother." Here, the act of impartation is illustrated through discipline and correction, which leads to the acquisition of wisdom and understanding.

Furthermore, James 1:5 encourages believers to ask God for wisdom, promising that He will generously impart it to those who seek it. This demonstrates that impartation of wisdom is not limited to discipline but is also a result of seeking God's guidance and revelation through prayer.

Impartation of the Gospel Message

The message of the gospel is another aspect of impartation in the Bible. In 1 Thessalonians 2:8, Paul writes, "So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us." Here, Paul emphasizes the intimate and personal nature of imparting the gospel to others.

Similarly, in Romans 10:14-15, Paul asks rhetorical questions to emphasize the importance of imparting the gospel message to all people. He says, "How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?" The answers to these questions highlight the necessity of proclaiming and imparting the gospel to those who have not yet heard it.

Impartation of Material Goods

Impartation is not limited to spiritual matters but can also involve the giving of material goods. Ephesians 4:28 states, "Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need." This verse encourages believers to work diligently and honestly so that they can have something to impart to those in need.

Additionally, 1 Timothy 6:18 instructs believers to do good, to be rich in good works, and to be generous and ready to share. This includes imparting material blessings to others in need. The act of imparting material goods reflects God's heart of generosity and encourages believers to be channels of His provision and blessing to those around them.

The Difference between Imparted, Imputed, and Infused Righteousness

When it comes to the concept of righteousness, different terms are used in theological discussions. It is important to understand the distinctions between these terms.

Imputed Righteousness

The idea of imputed righteousness is central to the doctrine of justification by faith. Imputation refers to the act of crediting or reckoning something to someone's account. In the context of righteousness, imputed righteousness means that, through faith in Jesus Christ, believers are credited with the righteousness of Christ. This is based on passages such as Romans 4:3, which says, "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness."

Imputed righteousness emphasizes the legal aspect of our relationship with God. When we place our faith in Jesus, His righteousness is imputed to us, and we are declared righteous in God's sight. This righteousness is not based on our own works or merit but on the finished work of Christ on the cross.

Imparted Righteousness

Imparted righteousness, on the other hand, is a term often used in Wesleyan and Methodist theology to describe the process of sanctification. It is the idea that, after being justified and declared righteous through faith, believers continue to be transformed by the indwelling Holy Spirit. This transformation involves the impartation of God's righteousness, enabling believers to live holy lives and increasingly reflect the image of Christ.

Scriptural support for the concept of imparted righteousness can be found in 2 Corinthians 3:18, which says, "And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit." This verse highlights the ongoing process of transformation that believers experience as they are being conformed to the likeness of Christ.

It is important to note that imparted righteousness does not imply sinless perfection, as some in the Wesleyan tradition suggest. Rather, it emphasizes the progressive nature of sanctification and the continual work of the Holy Spirit in believers' lives.

Infused Righteousness

Infused righteousness is a concept primarily found in Roman Catholic theology. It suggests that righteousness is gradually infused into believers through their participation in the sacraments, obedience, confession, and penance. This view differs from both imputed and imparted righteousness, as it emphasizes the cooperative effort of believers in attaining righteousness.

However, the idea of infused righteousness lacks biblical support. The Bible teaches that justification and righteousness come through faith alone, apart from works (Romans 3:28). It is not something that can be earned or gradually infused but is a gift received by grace through faith in Jesus Christ.

Conclusion

In summary, the concept of impartation plays a significant role in the Bible. It involves the giving, conveying, or granting of various things, including spiritual gifts, wisdom, the gospel message, and material goods. Impartation is a powerful and transformative act that empowers believers in their service to God and others.

When it comes to righteousness, the Bible primarily speaks of imputed righteousness, where believers are credited with the righteousness of Christ through faith. This righteousness is a legal declaration and is not based on our own works. Additionally, the concept of imparted righteousness emphasizes the ongoing transformation of believers through the work of the Holy Spirit. It involves the impartation of God's righteousness, enabling believers to live holy lives.

It is crucial to have a biblical understanding of these concepts and to recognize that our righteousness ultimately comes from God. Through faith in Jesus Christ, we are justified and declared righteous. And through the work of the Holy Spirit, we are continually being transformed into the image of Christ as we grow in our relationship with Him.