Topical Encyclopedia Justification 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. Under the Gospel, this justification is not achieved through human works or efforts but is a gift of grace received through faith.Biblical Foundation The Apostle Paul, in his epistles, provides a comprehensive exposition on the doctrine of justification by faith. In Romans 3:28, Paul asserts, "For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from works of the law" . This statement underscores the belief that adherence to the Mosaic Law or any human effort cannot achieve righteousness before God. Instead, it is faith in the redemptive work of Christ that justifies the believer. In Ephesians 2:8-9, Paul further elaborates, "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 emphasizes that salvation and justification are acts of divine grace, not human merit, ensuring that no individual can claim personal credit for their righteous standing before God. The Role of Faith Faith is the means by which believers receive justification. In Romans 4:5, Paul writes, "However, to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited as righteousness" . This verse highlights that it is not the absence of works that justifies, but the presence of faith in God who justifies the ungodly. Abraham is often cited as the exemplar of this faith-based justification, as seen in Romans 4:3, "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness" . The Work of Christ Central to the doctrine of justification is the atoning work of Jesus Christ. In Romans 5:9, Paul declares, "Since we have now been justified by His blood, how much more shall we be saved from wrath through Him!" . The sacrificial death of Christ on the cross is the basis for justification, as His blood satisfies the demands of divine justice, allowing God to remain just while justifying those who have faith in Jesus (Romans 3:26). The Inadequacy of Works The New Testament consistently teaches that human works, whether ceremonial, moral, or legalistic, are insufficient for justification. Galatians 2:16 states, "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 passage reinforces the inadequacy of the law and human effort in achieving righteousness before God. Implications for Believers The doctrine of justification by faith apart from works has profound implications for the believer. It assures the believer of their standing before God, not based on personal merit but on the finished work of Christ. This assurance fosters a life of gratitude, obedience, and service, not as a means to earn justification, but as a response to the grace already received. As James 2:18-26 clarifies, genuine faith will naturally produce good works, not as a basis for justification, but as its evidence. In summary, justification before God under the Gospel is a divine act of grace received through faith in Jesus Christ, independent of human works. This doctrine is foundational to the Christian faith, affirming that salvation is a gift from God, ensuring that all glory and honor are directed to Him alone. Torrey's Topical Textbook Acts 13:39And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which you could not be justified by the law of Moses. Torrey's Topical Textbook Romans 8:3 Galatians 2:16 Galatians 3:11 Library On the Justification of Man Before God The Justification of Man Before God The Works of James Arminius, Vol. 1 Justification Knowing that a Man is not Justified by the Work of the Law, but by ... That we Obtain Remission of Sins by Faith Alone in Christ. Another Mode of Justification The Beginning of Justification. In what Sense Progressive. Luther -- the Method and Fruits of Justification "Who Walk not after the Flesh, but after the Spirit. " Resources What are internalism and externalism? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Keswick movement, and is it biblical? | GotQuestions.org Is the New Perspective on Paul biblical? | 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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