Paul 's Idea Of Justification By Faith

Dating to the writing of the book of Romans there has been a basic misunderstanding as to what Paul meant by justification by faith. The Jewish culture had been educated in the law and yet the Gentile culture was being instructed that the law was death. The Jewish community was confused and aghast that God would justify sinners. Nonetheless that is exactly what Paul said God would do and he would do it based on the simple faith of the believer.

“To be sure, some scholars have in recent decades argued that justification is not the center of Pauline thought but is rather a subsidiary doctrine. In its place they have proposed other integrating doctrines. Barth thinks that the confession of Jesus Christ is more basic than justification, which he defends—although he offers a novel doctrine of both: Justification he considers but a new insight into an already universally effective Christological salvation. Yet many others, including J. Gresham Machen and Leon Morris, have championed the evangelical mainstream view that justification is basic and central.”

Though Jesus was sinless and undeserving of death, he offered himself as a sacrifice in atonement for all sin (Invitation to World Religions, pg.418). Paul was always emphatic in maintaining that salvation cannot be earned by “works”, whether humans’ effort to obey the commandments in the Torah or excellent work in general. Instead, he taught that the salvation made possible by Christ’s sacrifice is a gift, the ultimate expression of God’s love and grace. Salvation is given to those who respond to God’s grace in faith, the conviction that God has acted through Jesus Christ to amend for human sin. Although Paul was very clear in teaching that salvation depends on God’s grace and the individual’s turning to God in faith, he did not dismiss the importance of works (Invitation to World Religions, pg.419). For Paul, faith does more than bringing salvation; it unites the believers with Christ in a “newness of life”. He believed that the spirit lives in believers and brings them into union with God. As a divine presence within, the spirit encourages the growth of spiritual virtues, the greatest which is love and makes all Christians one in the church often called “the body of Christ”.

Martin Luther wrestled over justification his whole life, it tore him apart and tore him away from the church. He set out to challenge the belief of the church at the time. He came to the opinion, from his study of the gospel and the early church, that justification comes from God’s gift of grace, that only must be accepted through faith.

The theme of Romans 5:1-5 Justification by Faith. When believers are justified and declared righteous, we have peace with God. Previously, we learned that the sinful nature of humankind provoked the wrath of God. Then Paul explained that the righteousness of God was needed. Additionally, through God’s grace, His righteousness was revealed to those who believed in Jesus Christ. Now Paul explains that through the death of Christ, believers find peace with God. Believers are no longer disobedient and God is no longer angry. Justification means believers are acquitted of guilt and have a right relationship with God. However, being in right relationship with God does not exempt us from suffering. Just as the grace of God is necessary for believers to be declared righteous, suffering is necessary to give us the strength to press on. Nevertheless, we can be sure that God is with us through our sufferings. Our sufferings give us strength and the glory of God helps us endure through the suffering.

• Be able to define “justification,” “sanctification,” and “glorification.” Justification – saved from the penlty of sin; the moment an individual is saved formt he pently of sin, we literally move from darkness to light, change course from hell to heaven and gain peace with God – pg. 26 Sanctification – Saved from the power of sin; 3. Glorification – saved from the presence of sin.

3. Justification by faith- Forgiveness and removal of sin by God can be achieved only through faith alone a. Emphasized by Martin Luther during the Reformation. Weakened the power of the Church by saying that it was not needed for salvation. Also

When Wesley talked about development in holiness, and the fundamental goal of being entire sanctification, he was fixed that sanctification and justification is by faith. In his preaching, “The Scripture Way of Salvation”, Wesley expounded the faith by which Christians are perfected is because God is able, he promised in Scripture, he is willing, and he really does it 1) God has foretold this in Scripture. 2) What God promises, God is able to do. 3) God is capable and willing to manage it right away. 4) God actually answers this. Wesley concluded the sermon by exhorting his audience “expect it by faith, expect it as you are, and expect it now!”

There is a point where this general model fails, though. Ephesians 2:8 states, " For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God." This verse is the basis of sola fide, meaning we as humans are given the

* Justification- God’s act of declaring and accepting a person as righteous in His sight. God pardons sinners who accept Christ and treats them as not guilty – just as if they had never sinned.

Faith alone to achieve salvation has come under much criticism involving its permissibility of sin that contradicts Luther’s

Through Paul’s extreme and adventurous journeys to Corinth, Athens, Thessalonica, Berora, Phillipi, Alexandra Ruins, Iconium, Tarsus, Antakya, Damascus Gate, Milet Ruins and Ephesus – “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” – Phillipians 4:13. Paul had succeeded in influencing St Augustine and Martin Luther due to the key aspects of his theology. The foundational work of Paul’s letters influenced St Augustine to merge from an immoral life to a life of faith after reading Paul’s epistles. Martin Luther had expressed his belief in validation by faith alone and not faith and good works as Catholic Churches had been teaching.

It seems strange that so little is known biographically about one of the most important figures in Christian history, but this only serves to add to the mystery and grandeur surrounding the Apostle Paul of Tarsus. Much, however, is known of the time after his conversion to Christ and what he did to contribute to Christianity in this period, and it is this that leaves a greater legacy than the simple facts of his life. The contributions that he made towards the cause of Christ and the spreading and formation of Christianity are what he is perennially remembered for.

When reading through James and Paul position you can see that they are almost aiming for the same things to prove their point is correct. Their focus is on faith and works. They are trying to use the same words to prove somewhat different things. Faith is referring to the full belief along with submissiveness to God. Works are representing the laws or pleasant acts of person. There are more similarities than difference in both of them. They use the example of Abraham to support their claim, also words like faith, work, justified and they are saved by Jesus Christ. One big difference one is that James teaching is opposite of Paul's teaching. Also in James, he includes another example to prove his claim. James talks how faith without work is not perfect. He used the illustration of Abraham sacrificing his son Isaac. Faith along his work held him strong. This shows Abrahams obedience without questioning anything; he did what god asked him to do without any doubt. Both are conjoined with each other which mean one can't get more preference than the other one. James uses an additional example of Rahab how she hid the spies who came to see the land. In return her family was saved (James 2: 16-17)

Studying Soteriology present different viewpoints on the doctrine of Justification, during the time period, when the churches were struggling with the Reformation Movement. The reformed churches was