Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Overview:Grace, in Christian theology, refers to the unmerited favor and love of God towards humanity. It is a central tenet of Christian soteriology, emphasizing that salvation is a gift from God, not earned by human efforts or works. Justification by grace is the doctrine that individuals are made righteous before God solely through His grace, received by faith, as opposed to any human merit or works. Biblical Foundation: The concept of justification by grace is rooted deeply in the New Testament, particularly in the writings of the Apostle Paul. In his epistle to the Romans, Paul articulates the principle that righteousness comes through faith in Jesus Christ, not through adherence to the Law. Romans 3:23-24 states, "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." Paul further elaborates in Ephesians 2:8-9 , "For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast." This passage underscores the belief that salvation is a divine gift, not a human achievement. Contrast with Justification by Works: The doctrine of justification by works suggests that human actions and adherence to the Law can earn righteousness before God. This view is contrasted sharply with justification by grace, which posits that human efforts are insufficient for salvation. In Galatians 2:16 , Paul asserts, "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." The tension between grace and works is further highlighted in the epistle to the Galatians, where Paul admonishes the Galatian church for turning back to the Law as a means of justification. Galatians 5:4 warns, "You who are trying to be justified by the law have been severed from Christ; you have fallen away from grace." Theological Implications: The doctrine of justification by grace has profound implications for Christian theology and practice. It emphasizes the sufficiency of Christ's atoning sacrifice and the necessity of faith for salvation. This understanding fosters a reliance on God's mercy and a recognition of human inability to achieve righteousness through personal effort. The Apostle James, while emphasizing the importance of works as evidence of faith, does not contradict the doctrine of grace. James 2:24 states, "As you can see, a man is justified by his deeds and not by faith alone." This passage is often interpreted to mean that genuine faith, which justifies, will naturally produce good works as its fruit. Historical Context: The doctrine of justification by grace was a central issue during the Protestant Reformation. Reformers like Martin Luther championed the principle of "sola gratia" (grace alone) as a foundational truth, opposing the prevailing teachings of the time that emphasized works and indulgences as means of salvation. Luther's interpretation of Romans and Galatians played a pivotal role in shaping Protestant theology and affirming the belief that salvation is a gift of grace, received through faith. Conclusion: The doctrine of justification by grace remains a cornerstone of Christian belief, affirming that salvation is a divine gift, not a human accomplishment. It calls believers to trust wholly in the redemptive work of Christ and to live lives that reflect the transformative power of God's grace. Torrey's Topical Textbook Romans 4:4,5Now to him that works is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. Torrey's Topical Textbook Romans 11:6 Galatians 5:4 Library On Justification The Boasted Merit of Works Subversive Both of the Glory of God, in ... Christ Rightly and Properly Said to have Merited Grace and ... Whether a Man Can Merit the First Grace for Himself Certainty of Our Justification. On the Justification of Man Before God Whether Grace is Fittingly Divided into Operating and Cooperating ... The Works of James Arminius, Vol. 2 The Works of James Arminius, Vol. 1 Justification. Resources What is the meaning of “grace upon grace” in John 1:16? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the definition of grace? | GotQuestions.org What is prevenient grace? | GotQuestions.org Grace: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Grace is Described as All-Abundant Grace is Described as All-Sufficient Grace is Described as Exceeding Grace is Described as Glorious Grace is Described as Manifold Grace is Described as Sovereign Grace is the Source of Consolation Grace is the Source of Election Grace is the Source of Forgiveness of Sins Grace is the Source of Justification Grace is the Source of Salvation Grace is the Source of The Call of God Grace of God: General Scriptures Concerning Grace: Beware Lest You Fail of Grace: Foretold by the Prophets Grace: Glory of, Exhibited in Our Acceptance in Christ Grace: God's Throne, the Throne of Grace: God's Work Completed in Saints By Grace: Inheritance of the Promises By Grace: Justification By, Opposed to That by Works Grace: Manifestation of, in Others, a Cause of Gladness Grace: Necessary to the Service of God Grace: Not to be Received in Vain Grace: Pray for for Yourselves Grace: Riches of, Exhibited in God's Kindness Through Christ Grace: Saints are What They are By Grace: Saints: Abound in Gifts of Grace: Saints: Receive, from Christ Grace: Saints: should be Established In Grace: Saints: should be Strong In Grace: Saints: should Speak With Grace: Special Manifestation of, at the Second Coming of Christ Grace: Specially Given: To Ministers Grace: Specially Given: To the Humble Grace: Specially Given: To Those Who Walk Uprightly Grace: The Gospel, a Declaration of Grace: The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Grace: The Success and Completion of the Work of God to Be Related Terms |
    |