The term "justifieth" is derived from the verb "justify," which in 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 salvation. The term is often used in the King James Version of the Bible and is synonymous with the modern term "justifies."

Biblical Foundation

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul extensively discusses the concept of justification, particularly in his epistles to the Romans and the Galatians. Romans 3:26 states, "He did it to demonstrate His righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and to justify the one who has faith in Jesus." This verse highlights the dual nature of God as both just and the justifier, emphasizing that justification is an act of divine grace.

Romans 4:5 further elaborates, "However, to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited as righteousness." Here, Paul underscores that justification is not based on human works but on faith in God, who justifies the ungodly.

Theological Significance

Justification is a legal term, signifying a change in status before God. It is not merely a pardon but a declaration of righteousness. This is made possible through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who bore the penalty for sin, thus satisfying the demands of divine justice. As a result, believers are imputed with the righteousness of Christ, 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."

Faith and Works

While justification is by faith alone, it is important to note that genuine faith is evidenced by works. James 2:24 states, "As you can see, a man is justified by his deeds and not by faith alone." This does not contradict Paul's teachings but rather complements them by illustrating that true faith results in a transformed life, characterized by good works.

Old Testament Foreshadowing

The concept of justification is not limited to the New Testament. It is foreshadowed in the Old Testament, particularly in the life of Abraham. Genesis 15:6 says, "Abram believed the LORD, and it was credited to him as righteousness." This verse is pivotal in understanding that justification by faith is a consistent theme throughout Scripture.

Role of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in the process of justification. It is through the Spirit that believers are regenerated and brought to faith in Christ. Titus 3:5-7 explains, "He saved us, not by the righteous deeds we had done, but according to His mercy, through the washing of new birth and renewal by the Holy Spirit. This is the Spirit He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by His grace, we would become heirs with the hope of eternal life."

Conclusion

The doctrine of justification is foundational to the Christian faith, affirming that salvation is a gift of God's grace, received through faith in Jesus Christ. It assures believers of their righteous standing before God and motivates them to live lives that reflect their justified status.

He Justifieth his Exhortation.
... The Homily. Chap. xix."he justifieth his exhortation. Wherefore, brethren
and sisters, [4002] after the God of truth hath been ...
/.../the second epistle of clement/chap xix he justifieth his exhortation.htm

Its Objects
... A definite reply is given in Romans 4:5: "Him that justifieth the""whom?
the holy, the faithful, the fruitful? no, the very reverse ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the doctrine of justification/7 its objects.htm

Its Meaning
... For example, in Proverbs 17:15 we read, "He that justifieth the wicked, and he that
condemneth the just, even they both are abomination to the LORD": now ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the doctrine of justification/2 its meaning.htm

Its Results
... "It is God that justifieth" (Rom.8:33), and "I know that ... "It is God that justifieth.
Who is he that condemneth" (Rom.8:33, 34). Who will reverse His decision! ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the doctrine of justification/10 its results.htm

How Pronunciation Serves to Remove Ambiguity. Different Kinds of ...
... lay anything to the charge of God's elect?" might be pronounced in such a way as
to make what follows an answer to this question, "God who justifieth," and to ...
/.../on christian doctrine in four books /chapter 3 how pronunciation serves to.htm

And all the Directions that I have Given About Ambiguous ...
... lay anything to the charge of God's elect?" might be pronounced in such a way as
to make what follows an answer to this question, "God who justifieth," and to ...
/.../augustine/on christian doctrine in four books/chapter 6 and all the.htm

May 6 Morning
... It is God that justifieth."To him that worketh not, but believeth on him that
justifieth the ungodly; his faith is counted for righteousness. ...
/.../anonymous/daily light on the daily path/may 6 morning.htm

Only Christ Justifies.
... Whence it is said: "To the man that believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly,
his faith is counted for righteousness." [264] Now if any man had it in his ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 18 only christ justifies.htm

Whether Children Receive Grace and virtue in Baptism?
... Objection 3: Further, it is written (Rom.4:5): "To him that worketh not, yet believing
in Him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is reputed to justice ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether children receive grace and.htm

Concerning Justification.
... Many are the disputes among those called Christians concerning this point; and indeed,
if all were truly minding that which justifieth, there would be less ...
/.../proposition vii concerning justification.htm

Justifieth (4 Occurrences)
...Justifieth (4 Occurrences). Romans 4:5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth
on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. ...
/j/justifieth.htm - 7k

Justify (19 Occurrences)

/j/justify.htm - 12k

Justifies (5 Occurrences)

/j/justifies.htm - 7k

Worketh (49 Occurrences)
... (KJV ASV WBS). Romans 4:5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that
justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. (KJV ASV WBS). ...
/w/worketh.htm - 19k

Reckoned (98 Occurrences)
... Romans 4:5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the
ungodly, his faith is reckoned for righteousness. (ASV DBY YLT RSV). ...
/r/reckoned.htm - 36k

Believeth (42 Occurrences)
... (KJV WBS). Romans 4:5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth
the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. (KJV ASV WBS). ...
/b/believeth.htm - 17k

Confront (15 Occurrences)
... (See NAS). Isaiah 50:8 He is near that justifieth me; who will contend with me?
let us stand up together; who is mine adversary? let him come near to me. ...
/c/confront.htm - 10k

Condemneth (6 Occurrences)
... (YLT). Proverbs 17:15 He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the
just, even they both are abomination to the LORD. (KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS). ...
/c/condemneth.htm - 8k

Adverse (6 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 50:8 He is near that justifieth me: who will contend with me? let us stand
together; who is mine adverse party? let him draw near unto me. (DBY). ...
/a/adverse.htm - 8k

Abomination (78 Occurrences)
... 12:22), "the proud in heart" (Proverbs 16:5), "the way of the wicked" (Proverbs
15:9), "evil devices" (Proverbs 15:26), and "he that justifieth the wicked, and ...
/a/abomination.htm - 55k

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