Topical Encyclopedia The concept of atonement and justification is central to Christian theology, representing the means by which humanity is reconciled to God through the sacrificial work of Jesus Christ. In the Christian tradition, atonement refers to the reconciling of humanity with God, while justification is the act of God declaring a sinner to be righteous on the basis of faith in Jesus Christ.Biblical Foundation The doctrine of justification by atonement is deeply rooted in the New Testament, particularly in the writings of the Apostle Paul. 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 universal need for justification due to sin and highlights that it is a gift of grace, not earned by human effort. The Role of Faith Faith is the means by which individuals receive justification. Romans 5:1 states, "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." This verse emphasizes that faith in Jesus Christ is the channel through which believers are justified, leading to peace with God. The Sacrificial Work of Christ Central to the doctrine of atonement is the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ. In 2 Corinthians 5:21 , Paul 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 substitutionary atonement is the foundation of justification, where Christ takes on the sin of humanity, and in exchange, believers receive His righteousness. Grace and Law The relationship between grace and the law is a significant aspect of justification. Galatians 2:16 declares, "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 clarifies that adherence to the law cannot achieve justification; it is solely through faith in Christ and the grace of God. The Result of Justification Justification results in a transformed relationship with God. Romans 8:1 assures believers, "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." This assurance of no condemnation reflects the believer's new standing before God, free from the penalty of sin. Theological Implications The doctrine of justification by atonement has profound theological implications. It affirms the holiness and justice of God, who cannot overlook sin, and simultaneously His love and mercy, providing a means of reconciliation through Christ. It also emphasizes the sufficiency of Christ's atoning work, negating any human effort as a basis for salvation. Historical Context Historically, the doctrine of justification by faith was a central issue during the Protestant Reformation. Reformers like Martin Luther emphasized justification by faith alone (sola fide) as a return to biblical teaching, challenging the prevailing views of the time that included works as a component of justification. Practical Application For believers, the doctrine of justification by atonement provides assurance of salvation and motivates a life of gratitude and obedience. It calls Christians to live in the reality of their justified status, pursuing holiness not to earn God's favor, but as a response to the grace already received. In summary, the atonement and justification by faith are foundational to understanding the Christian gospel, highlighting the grace of God, the sufficiency of Christ's sacrifice, and the transformative power of faith. Torrey's Topical Textbook Romans 5:9Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Corinthians 5:21 Library Justification. The Consensus and Dissensus of Creeds. New York Ministerium. Dr. Philip Schaff on the Resurrection. The Resurrection of Christ. Justification. Contents. Lecture I. Sanctified by God the Son. The Epistles of Paul Pride Catechized Resources What are the various theories on the atonement? | GotQuestions.orgIf Jesus is our atonement, why did He die at Passover instead of the Day of Atonement? | GotQuestions.org What is the concept of the vicarious atonement? | GotQuestions.org Atonement: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Atonement for Tabernacle and Furniture Atonement for Those Defiled by the Dead Atonement in Consummation of the Levites Atonement: Day of How Observed Atonement: Made by Animal Sacrifices Atonement: Made by Jesus with Context Atonement: Made by Jesus: A Mystery Atonement: Made by Jesus: Divinely Ordained Atonement: Made by Jesus: Made But Once Atonement: Made by Jesus: Redemption By Atonement: Made by Jesus: Typified Atonement: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To The Atonement: Acceptable to God The Atonement: Access to God By The Atonement: Commemorated in the Lord's Supper The Atonement: Effected by Christ Alone The Atonement: Exhibits The: Grace and Mercy of God The Atonement: Exhibits The: Love of Christ The Atonement: Exhibits The: Love of God The Atonement: Faith In, Indispensable The Atonement: Has Delivered Saints from The: Power of Sin The Atonement: Has Delivered Saints from The: Power of the Devil The Atonement: Has Delivered Saints from The: Power of the World The Atonement: Justification By The Atonement: Ministers should Fully Set Forth The Atonement: Reconciles the Justice and Mercy of God The Atonement: Reconciliation to God Effected By The Atonement: Remission of Sins By The Atonement: Saints Glorify God For The Atonement: Saints Praise God For The Atonement: Saints Rejoice in God For The Atonement: Sanctification By the Day of Atonement: A Day of Humiliation the Day of Atonement: Atonement Made On for the High Priest the Day of Atonement: Atonement Made On for the Holy Place the Day of Atonement: Atonement Made On for the Whole Congregation the Day of Atonement: Observed As a Sabbath the Day of Atonement: Offerings to be Made On the Day of Atonement: Punishment for not Observing the Day of Atonement: Tenth Day of Seventh Month the Day of Atonement: The High Priest Entered Into the Holy Place On the Day of Atonement: The Sins of the People Borne off by the Scapegoat On the Day of Atonement: Year of Jubilee Commenced On Under the Law Atonement by Priests Alone Under the Law Atonement: Extraordinary Cases of Under the Law Atonement: Made by Sacrifice Under the Law Atonement: Necessary For: Propitiating God Under the Law Atonement: Necessary For: Purifying Under the Law Atonement: Necessary For: Ransoming Under the Law Atonement: Offered For: Persons Sinning Ignorantly Under the Law Atonement: Offered For: Persons Sinning Wilfully Under the Law Atonement: Offered For: Persons Swearing Rashly Under the Law Atonement: Offered For: Persons Unclean Under the Law Atonement: Offered For: Persons Withholding Evidence Under the Law Atonement: Offered For: The Altar Under the Law Atonement: Offered For: The Congregation Under the Law Atonement: Offered For: The Healed Leper Under the Law Atonement: Offered For: The Holy Place Under the Law Atonement: Offered For: The Leprous House Healed Under the Law Atonement: Offered For: The Priests Under the Law Atonement: Offered For: Women After Childbirth Under the Law Atonement: Typical of Christ's Atonement Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
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