Article 23 speaks of the work of Justification. It emphasizes Justification as (1) remission of sin for Christ’s sake. It implies a second element: (2) adoption as sons. Justification is a legal concept whereby one is declared or pronounced Just before God’s Judgment throne.
Justification has been identified as (1) eternal (God beholds His people as innocent in Christ), (2) through the cross (when Christ makes full and complete payment for the sins of His people), (3) in our consciousness upon conversion, and (4) final justification in the great day of Judgment.
Justification is a single act, i.e., one is either fully justified, or he is not justified at all.
This truth has distinguished protestant churches from the Roman Catholic Church. The latter viewed justification as both a work of Christ on the cross-and in part, the work of man accomplished through his works (supposedly done by God’s grace). Martin Luther insisted on the Scriptural teaching: we are justified by faith only. If justification rests even on a little of man’s work, we would not be saved.
Because of this truth, we can boldly come before God with the assurance that we shall be heard.
QUESTIONS:
1. In what sense does Rev. 13:8 speak of justification?
2. How does Romans 8:30 speak of justification?
3. How does Romans 5:1 speak of justification?
4. What does faith (or: “believing”) have to do with our justification?
5. I John 1:1, 2 speaks of Jesus as our Advocate. What is an Advocate-and how is Christ that Advocate?
6. What did Luther do (before the Reformation) to obtain his own justification?
7. What is the relationship between justification and sanctification?
8. Does not James (chapter 2:21-26) teach justification by works?