Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Etymology: The term "justifying" in a biblical context refers to the act of God declaring a sinner to be righteous on the basis of faith in Jesus Christ. The word is derived from the Latin "justificare," which means "to make just" or "to declare righteous." In the original Greek of the New Testament, the word "δικαιόω" (dikaioō) is used, which carries the meaning of acquitting or pronouncing righteous. Biblical Context: Justification is a central theme in Christian theology, particularly in the writings of the Apostle Paul. It is a legal term that signifies a change in status from guilty to righteous before God. This change is not based on human merit but is a gift of grace through faith in Jesus Christ. Key Biblical Passages: 1. Romans 3:23-24 : "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus." This passage highlights the universality of sin and the gratuitous nature of justification, emphasizing that it is a gift of grace. 2. Romans 5:1 : "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." Here, Paul underscores the result of justification—peace with God, which is achieved through faith. 3. Galatians 2:16 : "know that a man is not justified by works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have believed in Christ Jesus, that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified." This verse contrasts justification by faith with the works of the law, affirming that faith in Christ is the sole means of being declared righteous. 4. Titus 3:5-7 : "He saved us, not by the righteous deeds we had done, but according to His mercy, through the washing of new birth and renewal by the Holy Spirit. This is the Spirit He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by His grace, we would become heirs with the hope of eternal life." This passage emphasizes the role of God's mercy and the Holy Spirit in the process of justification. Theological Significance: Justification is a foundational doctrine in Christian theology, particularly within Protestant traditions. It is often associated with the Reformation and Martin Luther's emphasis on "sola fide" (faith alone) as the means of justification. This doctrine asserts that human beings cannot achieve righteousness through their own efforts or adherence to the law but are justified solely through faith in the redemptive work of Christ. Relation to Sanctification: While justification is a legal declaration of righteousness, sanctification is the process of becoming holy and conformed to the image of Christ. Justification is instantaneous and complete at the moment of faith, whereas sanctification is a lifelong process. Both are essential aspects of salvation, with justification providing the foundation for the believer's sanctification. Historical Perspectives: Throughout church history, the doctrine of justification has been a point of significant theological debate. The Council of Trent (1545-1563) articulated the Roman Catholic position, which includes both faith and works in the process of justification. In contrast, the Reformers, such as Martin Luther and John Calvin, emphasized justification by faith alone, apart from works. Practical Implications: For believers, the doctrine of justification provides assurance of salvation and peace with God. It encourages a life of gratitude and obedience, not as a means to earn righteousness, but as a response to the grace already received. Understanding justification helps Christians to rest in the finished work of Christ and to live confidently in their identity as children of God. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Justify.Greek 1347. dikaiosis -- the act of pronouncing righteous, acquittal ... Transliteration: dikaiosis Phonetic Spelling: (dik-ah'-yo-sis) Short Definition: acquittal, justification Definition: acquittal, justifying, justification, a ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1347.htm - 8k Strong's Hebrew 6663. tsadeq -- to be just or righteous... 1), acquitted (1), declare you right (1), do justice (1), give him justice (1), just (2), justified (5), justifies (1), justify (5), justifying (2), lead the ... /hebrew/6663.htm - 6k Library What is Justifying Faith? Justifying or Sanctifying Grace Tennessee Justifying Her Procedure. Marcion, Justifying his Antithesis Between the Law and the Gospel ... What is Justifying Faith? Who Teach: that the True Believers and Regenerate not Only Can ... Articles I and ii i. Faith, that Is, Justifying Faith, is not ... Whether a Movement of the Free Will is Required for the ... Whether for the Justification of the Ungodly is Required a ... Faith Thesaurus Justifying (9 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance Justifying (9 Occurrences). Luke 10:29 But he, desirous of justifying himself, said to Jesus, And who is my neighbour? (DBY). ... /j/justifying.htm - 9k Innocence (10 Occurrences) Rewarding (10 Occurrences) Condemning (6 Occurrences) Justify (19 Occurrences) Innocent (97 Occurrences) Conduct (93 Occurrences) Establish (133 Occurrences) Opponent (13 Occurrences) Justle (1 Occurrence) Resources Do the ends justify the means? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is sanctifying grace? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean that you will know them by their fruit in Matthew 7:16? | GotQuestions.org Justifying: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Justifying (9 Occurrences)Luke 10:29 Deuteronomy 25:1 1 Kings 8:32 2 Chronicles 6:23 Job 32:2 Proverbs 17:15 Isaiah 50:8 Ezekiel 16:52 Daniel 12:3 Subtopics Related Terms |
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