But be careful. There are some theologians today who are trying to get you back to the teaching of the 16th century Reformation. If you are within the Lutheran and Reformed camps, you are stuck with this doctrine, but I believe you might be able to use it to your advantage. Teach this imputed righteousness as being what you call justification or what God does for you. Sanctification, or the Christian life, is what you do for God.
Polls indicate that people go to church to be motivated to live good lives and be successful.
Give them what they want. If you insist on still preaching sin, blood sacrifice, and imputed righteousness, get it over with quickly. Do it in the beginning. Encourage your people to live good lives. Give them sound principles.