Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Theological ContextJustification before God is a fundamental doctrine in Christian theology, referring to the act by which God declares a sinner to be righteous on the basis of faith in Jesus Christ. This concept is central to the teachings of the Apostle Paul and is a cornerstone of Protestant Reformation theology. Justification is not based on human merit or works but is a gift of grace received through faith. Biblical Foundation The doctrine of justification is primarily expounded in the Pauline epistles. In Romans 3:23-24, Paul writes, "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 underscores the universality of sin and the gratuitous nature of justification. In Romans 5:1, Paul further explains, "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." Here, justification is linked to peace with God, indicating a restored relationship made possible through faith. Illustrations of Justification 1. Abraham's Faith: Abraham is often cited as a prime example of justification by faith. In Romans 4:3, Paul references Genesis 15:6, stating, "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness." Abraham's faith, not his works, was the basis for his justification, illustrating that righteousness is imputed to those who believe. 2. The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector: In Luke 18:9-14, Jesus tells a parable that contrasts self-righteousness with humble repentance. The tax collector, who humbly asks for God's mercy, is justified rather than the Pharisee, who boasts of his own righteousness. This parable illustrates that justification is granted to those who recognize their need for God's grace. 3. The Thief on the Cross: In Luke 23:39-43, one of the criminals crucified alongside Jesus acknowledges his own guilt and Jesus' innocence, asking Jesus to remember him in His kingdom. Jesus responds, "Truly I tell you, today you will be with Me in paradise." This account demonstrates that justification is available even at the point of death, solely through faith in Christ. The Role of Faith and Works While justification is by faith alone, the relationship between faith and works is addressed in the epistle of James. James 2:24 states, "You see that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone." This passage is often understood to mean that genuine faith will naturally produce good works, which are evidence of a justified life. Works are not the basis of justification but are the fruit of a living faith. The Imputation of Righteousness The concept of imputed righteousness is central to understanding justification. In 2 Corinthians 5:21, Paul writes, "God made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God." This exchange—Christ taking on our sin and believers receiving His righteousness—illustrates the transformative nature of justification. Conclusion Justification before God is a profound theological truth that assures believers of their righteous standing before God through faith in Jesus Christ. It is a divine act of grace that transforms the sinner's status, granting peace with God and the hope of eternal life. Torrey's Topical Textbook Luke 18:14I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalts himself shall be abased; and he that humbles himself shall be exalted. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Justification by Faith --Illustrated by Abram's Righteousness Consecration to God --Illustrated by Abraham's Circumcision Necessity of Contemplating the Judgment-Seat of God, in Order to ... Justification from Eternity Two Things to be Observed in Gratuitous Justification. Christ's Different Modes of Reply to those who Questioned his ... Confession of Sin Illustrated by the Cases of Dr. Pritchard and ... The Nature of Justification The Doctrines of Salvation A. Repentance. B. Faith. C. ... Of Passages from the Holy Scriptures, and from the Apocrypha ... Resources Why is justification by faith such an important doctrine? | GotQuestions.orgJustification vs sanctification'what are the differences? | GotQuestions.org What is justification? What does it mean to be justified? | GotQuestions.org Justification: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Justification Before God by Faith: Does not Make Void the Law Justification Before God by Faith: Excludes Boasting Justification Before God by Faith: Revealed Under the Old Testament Age Justification Before God is the Act of God Justification Before God: Abraham Justification Before God: Illustrated Justification Before God: Paul Justification Before God: Promised in Christ Justification Before God: The Wicked Shall not Attain To Justification Before God: Typified Justification Before God: Under Law: Man Cannot Attain To Justification Before God: Under Law: Requires Perfect Obedience Justification Before God: Under the Gospel by Imputation of Christ's Righteousness Justification Before God: Under the Gospel by the Blood of Christ Justification Before God: Under the Gospel by the Resurrection of Christ Justification Before God: Under the Gospel in the Name of Christ Justification Before God: Under the Gospel is by Faith Alone Justification Before God: Under the Gospel is not of Faith and Works United Justification Before God: Under the Gospel is not of Works Justification Before God: Under the Gospel is of Grace Justification Before God: Under the Gospel: Blessedness of Justification Before God: Under the Gospel: Ensures Glorification Justification Before God: Under the Gospel: Entitles to an Inheritance Justification Before God: Under the Gospel: Frees from Condemnation Justification: General Scriptures Concerning Related Terms Righteousness (442 Occurrences) Reconciliation (11 Occurrences) |
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