Topical Encyclopedia Justification before God is a central tenet of Christian theology, referring to the act by which God declares a sinner to be righteous on the basis of faith in Jesus Christ. This divine acquittal is a gift of grace, not earned by human effort or merit. The Scriptures consistently affirm that the wicked, those who persist in sin and rebellion against God, shall not attain to this justification.The Bible clearly delineates the fate of the wicked in contrast to the righteous. In the book of Psalms, it is written, "For the LORD knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish" (Psalm 1:6). This verse underscores the ultimate separation between those who are justified and those who are not. The wicked, by their nature and deeds, are on a path that leads to destruction, unable to stand justified before a holy God. Proverbs further emphasizes this truth: "The LORD detests the way of the wicked, but He loves those who pursue righteousness" (Proverbs 15:9). The pursuit of righteousness is indicative of a heart transformed by faith, a prerequisite for justification. The wicked, in their refusal to turn from evil, remain outside the bounds of divine favor and justification. The New Testament reinforces this principle, particularly in the writings of the Apostle Paul. In Romans, Paul articulates the doctrine of justification by faith, stating, "For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from works of the law" (Romans 3:28). However, this justification is not extended to those who persist in wickedness. Paul warns, "Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God?" (1 Corinthians 6:9). This rhetorical question highlights the incompatibility of wickedness with the justified state required to enter God's kingdom. The epistle of James also addresses the nature of true faith, which results in justification. James writes, "You see that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone" (James 2:24). This statement is not a contradiction of Paul's teaching but rather a clarification that genuine faith, which justifies, is evidenced by righteous living. The wicked, lacking such faith and its resultant works, cannot attain justification. The book of Revelation provides a sobering depiction of the final judgment, where the wicked are eternally separated from God. "But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death" (Revelation 21:8). This passage illustrates the ultimate consequence for those who remain in wickedness, devoid of the justification that comes through faith in Christ. In summary, the biblical narrative consistently affirms that the wicked, by virtue of their unrepentant hearts and sinful actions, shall not attain justification before God. This divine verdict underscores the necessity of faith in Jesus Christ and a life marked by righteousness as the pathway to being declared righteous by God. Torrey's Topical Textbook Exodus 23:7Keep you far from a false matter; and the innocent and righteous slay you not: for I will not justify the wicked. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Another Mode of Justification General Character of Christians. Reply to the Arguments of the Adversaries. How Christ is to be Made Use Of, as the Way, for Sanctification in ... Satan's Devices Luther -- the Method and Fruits of Justification The Beginning of Justification. In what Sense Progressive. In the Work of the Redemption of Man, not Only the Mercy, but Also ... Consecration to God --Illustrated by Abraham's Circumcision Twenty Fourth Sunday after Trinity Prayer and Spiritual Knowledge. 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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