Topical Encyclopedia The term "justifies" in the biblical context refers to the act of God declaring a sinner to be righteous on the basis of faith in Jesus Christ. This concept is central to Christian theology, particularly in the doctrine of justification by faith, which is a cornerstone of Protestant Reformation teachings.Biblical Foundation The concept of justification is primarily rooted in the writings of the Apostle Paul. In Romans 3:28, Paul states, "For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from works of the Law" . This verse underscores the belief that justification is not achieved through human effort or adherence to the Law, but through faith in Jesus Christ. In Romans 5:1, Paul further elaborates, "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ" . Here, justification is presented as the means by which believers attain peace with God, signifying a restored relationship with the Creator. Theological Significance Justification is a legal term, often used in the context of a courtroom, where God, as the righteous judge, declares a believer to be righteous. This declaration is not based on the individual's own righteousness but on the righteousness of Christ, which is imputed to the believer through faith. As stated in 2 Corinthians 5:21, "God made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God" . The doctrine of justification by faith alone (sola fide) was a pivotal issue during the Protestant Reformation. Reformers like Martin Luther emphasized that human works cannot contribute to one's justification; rather, it is solely the grace of God received through faith that justifies. Old Testament Foreshadowing While the full revelation of justification by faith is found in the New Testament, the Old Testament contains foreshadowing of this doctrine. Genesis 15:6 states, "Abram believed the LORD, and it was credited to him as righteousness" . This verse is frequently cited in the New Testament (e.g., Romans 4:3, Galatians 3:6) to illustrate that justification by faith was always part of God's redemptive plan. Practical Implications The doctrine of justification has profound implications for the believer's life. It assures Christians of their standing before God, providing a foundation for spiritual peace and confidence. As Paul writes in Romans 8:33-34, "Who will bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is there to condemn?" . This assurance liberates believers from the fear of condemnation and empowers them to live in the freedom of God's grace. Furthermore, while justification is by faith alone, it is not a faith that remains alone. Genuine faith, as described in James 2:17, "faith by itself, if it does not result in action, is dead" , will naturally produce good works as evidence of a transformed life. Conclusion The doctrine of justification is a testament to God's grace and mercy, highlighting the transformative power of faith in Jesus Christ. It remains a foundational truth that continues to shape Christian belief and practice. Greek 1344. dikaioo -- to show to be righteous, declare righteous ... to be righteous, declare righteous NASB Word Usage acknowledged...justice (1), acquitted (1), freed (3), justified (24), justifier (1), justifies (2), justify ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1344.htm - 9k Strong's Hebrew 6663. tsadeq -- to 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 (1), justify (5 ... /hebrew/6663.htm - 6k Library That Faith in Christ Justifies. Whether the New Law Justifies? Only Christ Justifies. Justin Justifies his Departure from Greek Customs. The Righteousness of Christ is not Imputed to us for Righteousness ... The Whole of that in which we Appear Before God, Justifies Us. But ... Justification by Faith, not by Works; Or, the Law Condemns, Grace ... Its Objects "But Whereunto Shall I Liken this Generation?" Refutation of the Calumnies by which it is Attempted to Throw ... Thesaurus Justifies (5 Occurrences)...Justifies (5 Occurrences). ... Romans 4:5 But to him who doesn't work, but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness. ... /j/justifies.htm - 7k Justifier (1 Occurrence) Paul (207 Occurrences) Ungodly (41 Occurrences) Justifieth (4 Occurrences) Trusts (35 Occurrences) Retribution (14 Occurrences) Ezra-nehemiah Excuse (13 Occurrences) Ezranehemiah Resources What does it mean to be saved by grace? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is justification? What does it mean to be justified? | GotQuestions.org Why is faith without works dead? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Justifies (5 Occurrences)Romans 3:26 Romans 4:5 Romans 8:33 Proverbs 17:15 Isaiah 50:8 Subtopics Related Terms |
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