...Justification by Faith By Russell D. Stalvey Introduction A statement that is ancient but also timeless and just as relevant for today’s believers is that we are justified by faith. The Apostle Paul gave insight to this statement very distinctly and in great aspect but to completely understand the statement, we first must possess a foundational comprehension of what it means to be justified. In understanding justification we will see that it is inseparably interrelated to faith, but not just any faith. We will also see that the undertaking of justification by faith has overwhelming effects on the justified. Definition Justification is seen as an act of God’s wonderful grace, free grace that is available to all sinners. God exonerations all of the sins, receives the sinners, not because of anything fashioned in the sinner or performed by the sinner, but only for the unflawed submission and complete satisfaction of the Lord, through God’s impartation and received by faith alone. The Westminster Larger Catechism answers the definition of justification in this manner: “Justification is an ‘act’. It is a courtroom verdict .We are the defendants and charges have been filed against us. The judge passes his verdict. Logically there are only two verdicts available to the judge. One of these verdicts is ‘condemned’, and the other is ‘justified’. If we are ‘condemned’, then the judge has pronounced us ‘guilty’. If we are ‘justified’, then the judge has pronounced us...
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...Liberty University Justification by Faith A Research paper submitted to Professor Laverne Smith In partial fulfillment of the Requirements for BIBL 161-D01 Willmington School of the Bible By Jason Miller Lynchburg, Virginia FRIDAY November 28, 2014 CONTENTS Introduction 1 Man’s Unrighteousness 1 Man’s Need for Redemption 2 The Righteousness of God 3 Justification by Faith 4 Salvation from God’s Wrath 6 Contemporary Church’s View of Justification 6 Conclusion 7 Introduction The Protestant Reformation began when Martin Luther’s study of the scriptures revealed to him that mankind can only be justified by faith. This truth from God’s Word transformed Luther’s life and opened the door for believers to break free of religious bondage. Luther would say that justification by faith is the article upon which the church stands or falls. The reformer John Calvin would later echo that sentiment by stating that justification by faith is the hinge by which everything else turns. In reading Paul’s letter to the Romans one can easily see that the doctrine of justification is truly a cornerstone of the Christian faith. This doctrine is a theme that appears throughout the book. By examining man’s unrighteous state and his need for redemption the apostle Paul methodically shows the reader that not only is a person justified by faith alone but also that they are saved from God’s...
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...relationship between the gospel and the law and others that sought to explain justification by faith. Unlike the Christian teachings during his time, Luther affirmed that the Christian righteousness is only acquired from without. He suggested that the righteousness not only comes from Christ but is also Christ’s righteousness that is ascribed to Christians through faith. In this regard, Luther explored the dissimilarities between the righteousness accorded to Christians as a gift through faith and Christian’s own proper righteousness which works in the power of the gift through Jesus to do different works of mercy and love. Consequently, Luther presented a Latin phrase that further described Christian justification, “Simul Justus et Peccator” which is directly interpreted as “simultaneously just and sinners.” Therefore, this paper will explain and evaluate Martin Luther’s ideas of the double righteousness possessed by Christians using his commentaries on Galatians and Romans as well as his 1519 sermon on two kinds of righteousness. Luther’s ideas on Simul Justus et Peccator and Justification Luther’s sermon on the two kinds of righteousness is associated with the reformers belief of salvation and living by faith and not works. The original justice presented by Luther is the alien righteousness that comes from without. This kind of righteousness is the righteousness of Jesus Christ and is ascribed through faith. Luther quotes the Bible in John 14:6 where Jesus Christ says ‘I Am...
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...3:21-22) (Moo, pg. 126). This righteousness is received through faith not by obeying the law (Romans 3:22,26,28). Even though it is awarded apart form deeds, it was announced by the Law of Moses and the Prophets and establishes the former law; it does not destroy it (Romans 3:21,31). How does he build his case? Paul presents three implications of justification through faith apart from deeds in Romans 3:27-31. First, justification by faith excludes boasting (Romans 3:27-28). Salvation does not come through what we have done (our works or deeds), but by putting our trust in Christ. We are to lift up Christ by exalting in the works he has done, not our own works (Moo, pg. 142). Second, justification by faith excludes ethnic barriers (Romans 3:29-30). If it is by faith, then it cannot be by circumcision, race, or nationality. Every believer in Christ will be justified by God, regardless of origin. Third, justification by faith excludes antinomianism (Moo, pg. 129). Though some may charge the Apostle Paul with promoting lawlessness, the accusation is unfounded. We do not reject God’s law by affirming salvation by grace; we place law in its proper context within both salvation history and in the life and practice of the believer. What is his conclusion? Compare Paul's conclusion here with James 2:14-26. The Apostle Paul uses the 4th chapter of Romans to defend and explain the doctrine of justification through faith from the Old Testament scriptures. He uses Abraham, before the...
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...compassion that provided our means to pass through the needles eye, to receive deliverance through his Son Jesus Christ, who paid for our sins through his sacrificial death. We have the opportunity to accept Christ as Savior and believe in his atoning work, and through this act of Faith we are saved. Jesus' righteousness is credited to us. Not by works so that none can boast. When Jesus finished his time here in the flesh He said, It is better that I leave then the counselor (Holy Spirit) will come. The Holy Spirit is at work in helping us avoid sin and grow in godliness. God's plan is intolerant and impartial and at the same time fair and just. This is true for both Jews and Gentiles. All are worthy to come to Christ and receive salvation. Salvation is a gift from God wholly separate from any human effort or achievement. Paul wrote that he would pray they would receive spiritual gifts to empower them to minister as He is also. He states "That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me. (1:12) " This is a humble statement by Paul and his way of trying to make them understand the equality of the believers in Christ. Paul also identifies justification by faith as the topic of the letter in 1:16-17; he addresses the cause of man’s separation from God-- sin. No one is righteous before God, "Jews and Gentiles alike are all under sin" (3:9). The Law given to the Jews was unable to vindicate them, rather it incriminated them. And...
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...THE FAITH OF JESUS CHRIST by K. R. Blades | The apostle Paul uses the above expression at least 7 times in his epistles to us, and with it speaks of something that often times is not fully appreciated by Christians as it ought to be. The expression strikes many as a peculiar one. “Faith” is something that we think of with respect to ourselves. We place OUR faith IN Christ. Therefore, to find Paul talking about “the faith OF Jesus Christ,” or CHRIST'S faith, seems puzzling. Because of this, unfortunately, many times the expression is treated as if it were a misstatement. Christians are told, or led to think, that the expression really does refer to our faith IN Christ, but it has just been mistranslated. The impression is given that the expression is just a funny wording in the original Greek. It really does say “the faith OF Jesus Christ,” but it's to be looked upon as just a funny way of referring to our faith IN Him. And with this, many English translations make the expression refer to our faith IN Christ, though some do at least acknowledge in a foot note that literally the expression is “the faith OF Jesus Christ.” However, unfortunately, by doing this a wonderful truth is largely obscured, if not completely obliterated. A wonderful God be thanked truth which is marvelously conveyed in the expression “the faith OF Jesus Christ.” There are two things that ought to make it apparent that Paul's reference to “the faith of Jesus Christ” is referring to something special with...
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...Justified by faith in Jesus Christ” Gal. 3:23-29 “In Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith.” [Gal. 3:26] Synopsis: Apostle Paul in his letter to Galatians is revealing a great fortune, an emphatic exposition of justification through faith which was kept as mystery to mankind. Until then mankind was shackled in the clutches of law. Human race was led by law towards justification where no compassion, personal aspect or relational attributes were present. It’s also worth noting; who else is the best qualified to witness and teach about justification and salvation through faith than Apostle Paul himself who got justified from Saul to Apostle Paul. Let us direct our muse based on below three aspects mentioned in verses 23-29. Christ The Guardian Children Of God Convergence Of Subjects 1. Christ The Guardian: We humans are elevated to a noble status. Our lord and savior Jesus Christ is assuming the default role of guardian in place of law which was instituted in the era of Mosses. The human race is being freed from the bondage of sins with no blemish of imperfections; our in-obedience is forgiven and expunged without traces when we repent truly with heart. We are being assured that we will be justified through our faith, through our faith we will be counted as righteousness. In 2 Corinthians 5:7 we are reminded “For we live by faith, not by sight”. It’s all about the promise Jesus the guardian who makes us stand firm on our feet again without...
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...take to receive the ultimate gifts of Justification, Sanctification and Salvation from God himself? God wants the world to know through him there is no condemnation through him you will have enteral life and that you are truly blessed. As you read Romans you will discover how God’s wrath is revealed to the Romans and the imputed of God’s grace and mercy and the solution to salvation. After read Romans you should be able to provide steps that you would take to achieve Justification, Sanctification and Salvation. The Natural World Paul was given the mission to preach the gospel according to God himself. According to Romans 1:20, since the creation of the world attributes are clearly seen, and understood by things made through the power of God. The Romans choose to practice the ungodliness or unrighteousness will be judge according to God’s grace. The Ten Commandments are the perfect example of what not to do. The scripture “For in it is revealed the righteousness of God from faith to faith as it is written the one who is righteous by faith will live .(Romans 1:17). The ones who practice ungodliness will such as sexual immorality, covetousness, maliciousness, full of envy, strife, murder and deceit or anything that is consider ungodly will be surly be put to death. “Do not fear for God has come to test you and that his fear may be before you so that you may not sin” provides justification for Rome. (Exodus 20:20)...
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...therefore explaining Luther’s descriptive and emotional account of his coming to faith, as typical of a confessional. Paradoxically, the passage is a dogmatic account of his own ‘Pietism’. God is constantly mentioned, and complements theological terms, including sin, law...
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...Søren Kierkegaard’s Fear and Trembling is an interpretation of the scriptural story of Abraham and his son Isaac. This account from Genesis involves God commanding Abraham to leave his home for an unknown land where he will, by way of a forthcoming son, become the father of a great nation. Time elapses well past the point when Abraham could father a son, but God holds to His promise and Isaac is miraculously born. God then demands Abraham offer up Isaac in sacrifice and Abraham, without hesitation, sets out to fulfill God’s will. This seems on its face a horrific act and one unfitting of a man subsequently hailed as the father of the Christian faith. Kierkegaard contends, however, that Abraham is justified in his actions and that few people...
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...Discuss. A belief is a conviction based on cultural or personal faith, morality or values. They are not based on facts or other evidence. They cannot be disproved or even contested in a rational or logical manner. They are inarguable. They cannot serve as a thesis of formal argument. An example of a belief is that God created the world we live in today and everyone who resides on Planet Earth. Knowledge has traditionally been understood as “justified true belief”. This is the idea of people initially having faith in something they believe to be true and then logically thinking about in order to justify their belief. Once agreed it is a justified true belief it becomes common knowledge between everyone. This later introduces the idea of Epistemology which is how beliefs can be verified. Some beliefs are justified through epistemology making them a true belief thus disproving the fact that there is no such thing as a true belief. People who believe them have good reason to believe them. For much of what we believe however, we do not have any good reasons: we make guesses; we take things on faith. Epistemology is important because it is fundamental to how we think. Without some means of understanding how we acquire knowledge, how we rely upon our senses, and how we develop concepts in our minds, we have no coherent path for our thinking. Some beliefs would appear to be justified solely by the use of reason (WOK). Justification of that kind is said to be a priori: prior to any kind of...
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...is easier without any doubt and assuming each step to take in life. However certainty may have its disadvantages as certainty may be influenced by a higher justification and not one’s opinions. Having doubt creates an obstruction in one’s life, while putting in thought and reason into the issue, improving society altogether. O’Connor’s Wise Blood centers around Hazel Motes, who has a firm disbelief of all faith and religion, even so that he creates his own church, the Church Without Christ, however, Hazel would find himself surrounded by Christian Traditions. When responding to a taxi cab driver about religion, the driver responds to him by arguing "That's the trouble with you preachers," he said. "You've all got too good to believe in anything,”(O’Connor 28). Although he made it evident that he does not believe in any faith, he is still assumed as a preacher, which he resented. Moreover it is said that “There was already a deep black wordless conviction in him that the way to avoid Jesus was to avoid sin”(O’Connor 16). Although the purpose of the ideology that he adopted was to avert the Christian faith and its higher beings, he is contradicting himself in terms of how he is trying to fulfill his purpose. Avoiding sin in Christianity is one of its most important values. Avoiding sin is following Jesus and the Christian faith, therefore Hazel has been following Christianity throughout his life. Hazel cannot get away from Christianity as he is always assumed as a preacher, whom...
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...Kierkegaard felt that subjective reflection was more crucial to the individual life than objective reflection, because subjective reflection focuses on passion and human existence rather than logic and impersonal truth. The objective world is the world of facts and truth, independent of the perceptions of humans. Objective reflection focuses on what actually is, in the real world. Objective reflection centers on the things and ideas in the world that give meaning to life. The subjective world is the world of human thoughts, feelings, and perceptions. It focuses on the relationship between people and their thoughts, feelings and perceptions, in respect to their lives. It centers on how meaning in life is viewed subjectively, or how humans find meaning in their lives. To Kierkegaard, subjective reflection is the relationship to what a person values in life. One major difference I noticed in the reading, between the objective and subjective realms, is in regards to 'being' versus 'becoming'. Kierkegaard stated, “the objective world is as it is: being”. The subjective world is always 'becoming' something else through internal conflicts and struggle. However, the latter difference then creates a chain, as another difference arises between the two realms. The objective world is based in reason, while the subjective world is based in passion. Kierkegaard believed that subjective reflection is the key understanding meaning in life. In a sense, he complains about the...
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...justified by faith and not by the law According to Romans the fourth chapter, we are saved through faith in Jesus and not by our adherence to the law. This is the same case for Abraham. He believed God and it was credited to him for righteousness (Romans 4:3). At that time, Abraham was not circumcised. Abraham had a covenant with God and was therefore justified before he was circumcised. God promised Abraham a son and although he it had not come to fruition, he still believed. He and Sarah were up in age and it didn’t seem like their promise was going to come to pass. Abraham believed in God’s ability to change circumstances by calling those things that do not exist as though they did exist (Romans 4:17). Abraham had an authentic faith that did not deny that there was an obstacle, but believed that God was greater than the obstacle. There was no pretense where he was concerned. On the other hand, if Abraham was justified by the law, it would have been for what he had done and not his faith. He would have something to boast about (Romans 4:2). Justification would have been according to his flesh. The Jewish people esteemed him highly and put him on a pedestal. They put him close to God and he could do nothing wrong. They believed that he followed the law perfectly and that was the reason for his justification. The entire premise as it relates to Abraham is that because he believed, God imputed righteousness on him. His salvation and eternal forgiveness was because of his faith. David...
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...monastery disillusioned with the Church. During this time, he was in deep spiritual torture and despair and he said: “I lost touch with Christ the Savior and Comforter, and made of him the jailor and hangman of my poor soul”. He began to see God as an angry judge whose only purpose was to condemn sinners. However, he then had his ‘tower experience’ in which he finally started to identify the real God who was not, he said, a vengeful judge and he discovered that the way to salvation was through scripture and faith. His strong, new beliefs were expressed when Johann Tetzel, a Dominican friar began selling indulgences in Wittenberg. He was angered by this and wrote to his local bishop, the Archbishop of Mainz and enclosed a copy of his 95 theses protesting the sale of indulgences. The Church at the time preached that scripture and faith alone were not enough for salvation. Roman Catholic theology stated that faith alone, cannot justify man; justification rather depends only on such faith...
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