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. This doctrine is deeply rooted in the promises of the Old Testament and fulfilled in the New Testament through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.Old Testament Promises The concept of justification is foreshadowed in the Old Testament, where God promises a future righteousness that will be apart from the law. In Genesis 15:6, it is written, "Abram believed the LORD, and it was credited to him as righteousness." This verse highlights the principle of faith being counted as righteousness, a theme that is later expanded in the New Testament. The prophets also spoke of a coming salvation and righteousness. Isaiah 53:11 prophesies about the suffering servant, "After the anguish of His soul, He will see the light of life and be satisfied. By His knowledge My righteous Servant will justify many, and He will bear their iniquities." This passage points to the Messiah's role in bearing the sins of many and providing justification. New Testament Fulfillment The New Testament reveals the fulfillment of these promises in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Apostle Paul, in particular, expounds on the doctrine of justification extensively. In Romans 3:21-22, Paul writes, "But now, apart from the law, the righteousness of God has been revealed, as attested by the Law and the Prophets. And this righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe." Paul further explains in Romans 5:1, "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." This justification is not based on human works or adherence to the law but is a gift of grace received through faith in Christ. The Role of Faith Faith is the means by which believers receive justification. Ephesians 2:8-9 states, "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 act of grace, not a human achievement. Christ's Atoning Work Central to the doctrine of justification is the atoning work of Christ. In 2 Corinthians 5:21, Paul declares, "God made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God." Through His sacrificial death, Jesus bore the penalty of sin, satisfying divine justice and enabling believers to be declared righteous. Imputed Righteousness The righteousness that believers receive is not their own but is imputed to them through Christ. Philippians 3:9 emphasizes this truth: "And be found in Him, not having my own righteousness from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness from God on the basis of faith." Eternal Implications Justification has profound eternal implications, assuring believers of their standing before God. Romans 8:30 affirms, "And those He predestined, He also called; those He called, He also justified; those He justified, He also glorified." This golden chain of salvation underscores the security and future glorification of those justified in Christ. In summary, justification before God is a promise fulfilled in Jesus Christ, offering believers peace with God and the assurance of eternal life through faith. This doctrine, rooted in Scripture, highlights the grace and mercy of God in providing a way for sinners to be declared righteous. Torrey's Topical Textbook Isaiah 45:25In the LORD shall all the seed of Israel be justified, and shall glory. Torrey's Topical Textbook Isaiah 53:11 Library On the Justification of Man Before God Thirteenth Sunday after Trinity God's Testament and Promise in ... That we Obtain Remission of Sins by Faith Alone in Christ. Another Mode of Justification Justification Of Justification by Christ Justification by Faith. Article iii: of Christ. Two Things to be Observed in Gratuitous Justification. How Christ is to be Made Use Of, as the Way, for Sanctification in ... Resources What is the Ordo Salutis / order of salvation? | GotQuestions.orgIs salvation by faith alone, or by faith plus works? | GotQuestions.org What are the differences between Catholics and Protestants? | 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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