Topical Encyclopedia Justification is a central tenet of Christian theology, particularly within the framework of the Gospel. It refers to the act by which God declares a sinner to be righteous on the basis of faith in Jesus Christ. This divine acquittal is not based on human merit or works but is a gift of grace, received through faith. Under the Gospel, justification is pivotal as it frees believers from the condemnation that sin incurs.Biblical Foundation The Apostle Paul, in his epistle to the Romans, articulates the doctrine of justification with clarity and depth. Romans 8:1 states, "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." This verse encapsulates the essence of justification under the Gospel: those who are united with Christ through faith are no longer subject to the condemnation that sin warrants. The believer's union with Christ ensures that the penalty for sin has been fully satisfied through His atoning sacrifice. The Role of Faith Faith is the means by which justification is appropriated. Romans 5:1 declares, "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." This peace signifies the end of enmity between God and the sinner, a reconciliation made possible through the redemptive work of Christ. Faith is not a work that earns justification but is the channel through which God's grace is received. Grace and Redemption Justification is intrinsically linked to the grace of God. Ephesians 2:8-9 emphasizes, "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 underscores that justification is a divine gift, unmerited and freely given. The believer's redemption is secured through the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, who bore the penalty of sin on behalf of humanity. Imputed Righteousness A key aspect of justification is the imputation of Christ's righteousness to the believer. 2 Corinthians 5:21 explains, "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 the sin of humanity and imparting His righteousness to believers—is foundational to understanding how justification frees from condemnation. It is not the believer's own righteousness but Christ's that is credited to their account. Freedom from the Law's Condemnation The law, which reveals the holiness of God and the sinfulness of man, brings condemnation to those who fail to uphold it perfectly. However, Galatians 3:13 assures, "Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us." Through Christ's redemptive work, believers are liberated from the law's curse and condemnation. Justification, therefore, is not merely a legal declaration but a transformative act that brings the believer into a new relationship with God, free from the law's demands and penalties. Assurance and Security The assurance of justification provides believers with security in their salvation. Romans 8:33-34 poses the rhetorical questions, "Who will bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is there to condemn?" The implied answer is that no one can condemn those whom God has justified. This assurance is rooted in the unchangeable nature of God's promise and the completed work of Christ. In summary, justification under the Gospel is a profound expression of God's grace, freeing believers from condemnation and granting them peace with God. It is a transformative declaration that rests solely on the redemptive work of Jesus Christ, appropriated through faith, and assures believers of their standing before God. Torrey's Topical Textbook Isaiah 50:8,9He is near that justifies me; who will contend with me? let us stand together: who is my adversary? let him come near to me. Torrey's Topical Textbook Isaiah 54:17 Romans 8:33,34 Library General Character of Christians. Its Meaning Of Justification by Faith. Both the Name and the Reality Defined. Article xii (V): of Repentance. Augustin's Part in the Controversy. The Doctrine part i 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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