David's Imputed Righteous

In Roman's 4 Paul quotes Psalms 32 concerning David's comments about sin not being imputed.

Faith can be imputed (Abraham)

Sin may be forgiven and not imputed (David)

So, "apart from works", is the concept of coming to the state of forgiveness. It isn't the idea you have no works to do but that evil works are separated from us in judgment. This is sometimes seen as the works of the Law David lived under at the time. The Ten Commandments. 

Apart from works (ASV) or Without works (KJV) would mean to dismiss the standards they were required to live by. Such as the law of murder or adultery. Baptism wasn't commanded yet in Psa 32, so David wasn't dismissing baptism. Not even in principle.

Paul used without works in relation to forgiveness, not process toward forgiveness. Thus, God dismissed evil works of his flesh. They were seperated from him.  So it could be Paul is showing the separation of evil works not the separation of good works of faith. Romans 4:5-6.

In his letter to Titus he addresses the positive works of righteousness we have done.

Plus, blessedness was for the Godly and righteous, terms showing the summation of faith even when corrupt according to the flesh.

See, David had works leading to his forgiveness. Repentance, confession, prayer.

Psa 32:1  A Psalm of David, Maschil. Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. 

Psa 32:2  Blessed is the man unto whom the LORD imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile. 

Psa 32:3  When I kept silence, my bones waxed old through my roaring all the day long. 

Psa 32:4  For day and night thy hand was heavy upon me: my moisture is turned into the drought of summer. Selah. 

Psa 32:5  I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the LORD; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah. 

Psa 32:6  For this shall every one that is godly pray unto thee in a time when thou mayest be found: surely in the floods of great waters they shall not come nigh unto him. 

Psa 32:7  Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance. Selah. 

Psa 32:8  I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye. 

Psa 32:9  Be ye not as the horse, or as the mule, which have no understanding: whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle, lest they come near unto thee. 

Psa 32:10  Many sorrows shall be to the wicked: but he that trusteth in the LORD, mercy shall compass him about. 

Psa 32:11  Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, ye righteous: and shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart. 

David wasn't arguing faith only, but using the concept of repentance, confession, and prayer. He used the concept of dropping your stubbornness.

Notice also,

this blessedess is for the Godly and righteousness, not to make you Godly and righteous. You might exclaim a murderer or adulterer or thief can't be righteous or Godly, or no believer would do such,

but surely David did.

this blessedness is for

godly

righteous

he that trust

those upright in heart

whose spirit there is no guile

Godly and righteousness is used in a different sense than morally perfect.

Being righteous does not absolve us from repentance, confession, or prayer. Or offering an offering as God demanded Abraham. Even after being considered Godly and righteous we have things to do.

Therefore forgiveness to those with faith to follow God's instructions and path after being approached by God.