Understanding Justification and Righteousness

Sometimes when we hear the word justification we find it accompanied by other “ation” words: sanctification, glorification, propitiation, regeneration and imputation. These words are from time to time used interchangeably. This can be confusing and needs to be clarified before continuing. Imputation is where credit has been given. It can also mean to lay responsibility on someone. With God, imputation is where He accounts righteousness to the believer. Sanctification is separate from justification. Justification is about one’s position with God; sanctification is about one’s spiritual condition. Propitiation is defined in “Reformation tradition as the satisfaction of divine wrath upon sin”. Regeneration is the creation of a new heart and new spirit. This change of heart and spirit is what allows us to live righteous lives. Glorification comes once we receive our heavenly reward. It is the completion of our salvation.

In conclusion, Paul teachings help us to understand how God views sin and its consequences. His message also reveals God’s righteousness and forgiveness through Christ. Our natural world, our human

     Some believed that since God’s righteousness is made evident when people commit unrighteousness, God would not be able to punish people for their sins because their sin showed God’s righteousness. Paul argued that if this was so, God could not judge the world (3:5-7). Some went so far as to allege that Paul taught that people should sin to bring about good (3:8).

DeVries argues, “It is not making ourselves righteous. It is not sanctification. It is not simply belonging to the Christian church because you profess Christ as Lord. Justification has to do with God as Judge. It is the declaration that you are free from guilt and condemnation in the sight of God. It is an anticipation of future judgment.” In his article “Justification: A Doctrine in Crisis,” Carl Henry asserts, “Justification is God’s declaration and implementation of his eternal will giving

In Romans 3:28-30, Paul explains that people are saved by faith, not by the law. During that time period, it was a big adjustment for Jewish culture that the law was not the main focus anymore. Many Jews were still so focused on the law that it took away from their opportunity to witness to the Gentile cultures around them. Most Jews at this time had beliefs about the gentiles that they were not worthy to be justified, because of their life styles and ideas. The New Testament addresses this and points to the fact that Jesus died for the World and all its cultures.

Theodicy directly translates from Greek to the justification of God. Theodicy exhibits just, to justify a situation or dilemma. This defends God's goodness and justice in the face of the existence of evil .To give a defense is to build a story to which both God and evil exist and to attempt to show that this story is logical. The purpose of giving a theodicy is to justify the ways of God to men. The purpose of giving a defense is, to show that the co-existence of God and evil is a real possibility.

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.

Romans 1-4 is the first section of Paul’s letter. This section has two major structural units. The first unit defined the human problem of sin. The second unit of the first section defined the solution to the human problem of sin. Paul’s outline of this solution is the first section’s single most compelling issue. Romans 3:22-24, “This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” The solution to our human problem, righteousness credited to us as a result of faith in Christ’s sacrifice, is available to all of us only because of God’s compassionate grace.

In Romans 7:7-25 we see Paul’s conviction of the law and learning how to live a sanctified life where he claims that the law is not evil but it is present to show sins existence in our life.

The power of God for salvation is only for those who believe. Paul makes that very clear in this passage. Romans 1:18-20 This passage goes in detail stating that the basis for God’s wrath against the Gentiles and the fact that they are without excuse is that through their wickedness they suppress the obvious truth about God’s eternal power and divine nature. Verse eighteen goes in detail that the wrath of God is going to be revealed from heaven on the wickedness of the Gentiles.

somehow we were good enough for salvation, or that we add something by our own goodness and holy actions. That is dangerous nonsense. God does it all. We were vile sinners, far from God. God is pristinely holy and utterly apart from sin. There is no way we could reach His standards—it truly is of God.

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

The word “justified” comes up in almost every discussion of morals, but what does it truly mean? To determine if something is right or wrong everyone must be on the same page of what is justifiable. Thus, the definition will come into play while making laws, in court, and when contemplating your own morals. For an action to be justified, it must be understandable and have good intentions. The action must be balanced to the situation, and they must have expected a somewhat positive outcome from it.