Three More Uses About Imputation in Western Literature

[EarlyActs]

I keep a list for collecting usage of the terms related to imputation from Western literature (and those are usually due to the Reformation), so that people can understand what it means. Some of the synonyms are to wipe away (from a slate for figuring math), to account, to credit/debit, to regard as, to think to be, to transfer, to erase, to take away (a debt).

Shakespeare, W. TAMING OF THE SHREW. 4.4.187. If Kate's shabby clothes were 'accounted as shame,' it was to be 'laid on me' (Petruchio) so she could frolic.

Hardy, R. MAYOR OF CASTERBRIDGE. The successful farmer Farfrae is asked to be interim mayor when the office holder has died. He accepts. The chair of the town council then announces to him 'consider yourself mayor for now until an election is held.' Notice 3 steps: uninvolved, thought to be, and finally, held in fact. This is why the term 'position' about imputation is rather weak, because the magic is the fact that the righteousness of Christ is being credited during the middle step or phase.

Cody, Capt. B. (account from frontier America). An orphan boy is imputed with the trouble started one day at the orphanage, even though he didn't do it. The governness wants to get rid of him and is happy to have Bill take him. He explains privately to Bill that others were responsible for the trouble, but it was imputed to him.

All of these show an action of doing something against the facts, or even exhorting a person to regard themselves a certain way against known facts. Their redemption comes because of the person who regards them otherwise (a kinsman, a redeemer, a leader, a husband).

 

[Josheb]

How is that relevant to scripture and our exegesis thereof?

To what degree do you think it is valid and veracious (and understandable) that our understanding of God's word progresses or increases as 1) God further illuminates His word both written and incarnate, 2) prayerful and Spirit-led and empowered thought develops and 3) prayerful and Spirit led and empowered debate among God's people ensues?