Easton's Bible Dictionary

Imputation - is used to designate any action or word or thing as reckoned to a person. Thus in doctrinal language

• (1) the sin of Adam is imputed to all his descendants, i.e., it is reckoned as theirs, and they are dealt with therefore as guilty;
• (2) the righteousness of Christ is imputed to them that believe in him, or so attributed to them as to be considered their own;
• (3) and our sins are imputed to Christ, i.e., he assumed our "law-place," undertook to answer the demands of justice for our sins.

In all these cases the nature of imputation is the same (Rom. 5:12-19; comp. Philemon 1:18, 19).