Topical Encyclopedia In Christian theology, the term "justified" refers to the act by which God declares a sinner to be righteous on the basis of faith in Jesus Christ. This concept is central to the doctrine of salvation and is extensively discussed in the New Testament, particularly in the writings of the Apostle Paul.Biblical Foundation The concept of justification is rooted in the legal imagery of the courtroom, where God, as the righteous judge, declares a person to be in right standing with Him. This declaration is not based on the individual's own righteousness or works but is a gift of grace through faith in Jesus Christ. The Berean Standard Bible provides several key passages that illuminate this doctrine: · Romans 3:23-24 : "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 universality of sin and the gratuitous nature of justification, emphasizing that it is a gift of grace. · Romans 5:1 : "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." Here, Paul highlights the result of justification—peace with God, which is achieved through faith. · Galatians 2:16 : "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 verse contrasts justification by faith with the works of the law, affirming that faith in Christ is the sole means of being declared righteous. Theological Implications Justification is a pivotal element of soteriology, the study of salvation. It signifies a change in the believer's legal standing before God, moving from a state of condemnation to one of acceptance. This change is not based on human merit but solely on the atoning work of Christ, who bore the penalty for sin on behalf of humanity. The doctrine of justification by faith alone (sola fide) was a cornerstone of the Protestant Reformation, distinguishing it from other views that incorporate human works as a basis for justification. This doctrine asserts that faith is the instrument through which believers receive the righteousness of Christ, often referred to as "imputed righteousness." Practical Outworking The assurance of being justified has profound implications for the believer's life. It provides a foundation for spiritual confidence and assurance of salvation, knowing that one's standing before God is secure. This assurance is not a license for moral laxity but rather a motivation for holy living, as believers are called to live out the righteousness they have received. Furthermore, justification fosters a spirit of humility and gratitude, recognizing that salvation is entirely a work of God's grace. It also encourages a life of faith, as believers continue to trust in Christ's finished work rather than their own efforts. Conclusion The doctrine of justification is a central tenet of Christian faith, emphasizing God's grace and the believer's faith in Christ as the means of being declared righteous. It assures believers of their peace with God and calls them to live in accordance with the righteousness they have received through faith. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (imp. & p. p.) of Justify.Greek 1344. dikaioo -- to show to be righteous, declare righteous ... dikaios Definition to show to be righteous, declare righteous NASB Word Usage acknowledged...justice (1), acquitted (1), freed (3), justified (24), justifier ( ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1344.htm - 9k 993. Boanerges -- Boanerges, an epithet applied to the two sons of ... 379. anapologetos -- without excuse Strong's Hebrew 6663. tsadeq -- to be just or righteous... be just or righteous NASB Word Usage acquit (1), acquitted (1), declare you right (1), do justice (1), give him justice (1), just (2), justified (5), justifies ... /hebrew/6663.htm - 6k Library Knowing that a Man is not Justified by the Work of the Law, but by ... A Difficulty, How we are Justified in the Blood of the Son of God. We are Justified not by Our Own Works, but by Faith. We are Justified not by Our Own Works, but by Faith. God Justified, Though Man Believes Not God was Justified in Forbidding Man to Eat of the Tree of ... No Man Justified by Works. He could not be Justified, who had not Heard of the Name of Christ ... It is not by their Works, but by Grace, that the Doers of the Law ... Whether the Moral Precepts of the Old Law Justified Man? Thesaurus Justified (46 Occurrences)...Justified (46 Occurrences). ... Matthew 12:37 For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned." (WEB KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS NAS RSV). ... /j/justified.htm - 19k Principle (32 Occurrences) Observing (28 Occurrences) Vindicated (10 Occurrences) Nevertheless (153 Occurrences) Rather (176 Occurrences) Deeds (309 Occurrences) Proved (49 Occurrences) Works (379 Occurrences) Upharsin (1 Occurrence) Resources What is justification? What does it mean to be justified? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are internalism and externalism? | GotQuestions.org Why is sola fide important? | GotQuestions.org Justified: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Justified (46 Occurrences)Matthew 11:19 Matthew 12:37 Luke 7:29 Luke 7:35 Luke 18:14 Acts 13:39 Romans 2:13 Romans 3:4 Romans 3:20 Romans 3:24 Romans 3:28 Romans 4:2 Romans 5:1 Romans 5:9 Romans 5:18 Romans 6:7 Romans 8:30 Romans 10:4 Romans 10:10 1 Corinthians 4:4 1 Corinthians 6:11 Galatians 2:16 Galatians 2:17 Galatians 3:11 Galatians 3:24 Galatians 5:4 Philippians 1:7 1 Timothy 3:16 Titus 3:7 James 2:21 James 2:24 James 2:25 Job 9:20 Job 11:2 Job 13:18 Job 25:4 Job 32:2 Job 40:8 Psalms 51:4 Psalms 143:2 Isaiah 43:9 Isaiah 43:26 Isaiah 45:25 Jeremiah 3:11 Ezekiel 16:51 Ezekiel 16:52 Subtopics Related Terms |