...LIBERTY UNIVERSITY JUSTIFICATION BY FAITH RESEARCH PAPER SUBMITTED TO PROFESSOR BRADLEY MCDANIEL 201540 FALL 2015 BIBL 161-B01 LUO BY DEIRDRE JONES-SHOOK LYNCHBURG, VIRGINIA OCTOBER 2015 Table of Contents Definition 3-5 How is the term justification defined by scholars? What is your own definition based on your research? Basis 5-6 What is the act of being justified based or grounded on, that is, what is necessary to have happened or to be true in order for justification to be possible? Means 6-7 How does one obtain justification? What is the means by which one is justified? Time Factors 7-8 Is justification an act or a process? Is it instantaneous or gradual? Results/Fruits 8-10 Once one has been justified, what benefits or results follow? Assurance 10-12 How can one be assured of justification? Conclusion 12 Bibliography 13 JUSTIFICATION BY FAITH “Justification by faith alone” (justificatio sola fide) summarizes the doctrine of justification that has come to us as the great legacy of the Protestant Reformation. We frequently hear this formula used in preaching and teaching. The doctrine of justification by faith is a biblical doctrine. The Apostle Paul gives a full exposition of this doctrine. The letters he wrote to the Galatians and the Romans are especially important in this connection. However, the core message of justification by faith is found in the Old Testament. Paul himself argues from the...
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...THE FAITH OF JESUS CHRIST by K. R. Blades | The apostle Paul uses the above expression at least 7 times in his epistles to us, and with it speaks of something that often times is not fully appreciated by Christians as it ought to be. The expression strikes many as a peculiar one. “Faith” is something that we think of with respect to ourselves. We place OUR faith IN Christ. Therefore, to find Paul talking about “the faith OF Jesus Christ,” or CHRIST'S faith, seems puzzling. Because of this, unfortunately, many times the expression is treated as if it were a misstatement. Christians are told, or led to think, that the expression really does refer to our faith IN Christ, but it has just been mistranslated. The impression is given that the expression is just a funny wording in the original Greek. It really does say “the faith OF Jesus Christ,” but it's to be looked upon as just a funny way of referring to our faith IN Him. And with this, many English translations make the expression refer to our faith IN Christ, though some do at least acknowledge in a foot note that literally the expression is “the faith OF Jesus Christ.” However, unfortunately, by doing this a wonderful truth is largely obscured, if not completely obliterated. A wonderful God be thanked truth which is marvelously conveyed in the expression “the faith OF Jesus Christ.” There are two things that ought to make it apparent that Paul's reference to “the faith of Jesus Christ” is referring to something special with...
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...Justification by Faith Galatians 2: This brings us to the doctrinal section of this marvelous epistle, which deals with justification by faith. In this section Paul shows his perspective as a Jew. We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles [Gal. 2:15]. The Jew in that day looked upon the Gentile as a sinner. In fact, Gentile and sinner were synonymous terms. Therefore, the rebuke that Paul gave shows the folly of lawkeeping -- how really foolish it is to try to be good enough to go to heaven, and how ridiculous to consider others to be sinners when you keep failing at your own lawkeeping. Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified [Gal. 2:16]. This is a clear-cut and simple statement of justification by faith. Believe me, the legalist has trouble with this verse. This verse will upset every legal system there is today. To say that you have to add anything to faith in Christ absolutely mutilates the gospel. Notice what Paul says here. If a Jew had to leave the Law behind -- that is, forsake it -- in order to be justified by faith, Paul's question is, "Why should the Gentile be brought under the Law?" That was the great argument at the council of Jerusalem in Acts 15; "Should the Gentile be brought under the Law?" Thank...
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...Justification by Faith By Russell D. Stalvey Introduction A statement that is ancient but also timeless and just as relevant for today’s believers is that we are justified by faith. The Apostle Paul gave insight to this statement very distinctly and in great aspect but to completely understand the statement, we first must possess a foundational comprehension of what it means to be justified. In understanding justification we will see that it is inseparably interrelated to faith, but not just any faith. We will also see that the undertaking of justification by faith has overwhelming effects on the justified. Definition Justification is seen as an act of God’s wonderful grace, free grace that is available to all sinners. God exonerations all of the sins, receives the sinners, not because of anything fashioned in the sinner or performed by the sinner, but only for the unflawed submission and complete satisfaction of the Lord, through God’s impartation and received by faith alone. The Westminster Larger Catechism answers the definition of justification in this manner: “Justification is an ‘act’. It is a courtroom verdict .We are the defendants and charges have been filed against us. The judge passes his verdict. Logically there are only two verdicts available to the judge. One of these verdicts is ‘condemned’, and the other is ‘justified’. If we are ‘condemned’, then the judge has pronounced us ‘guilty’. If we are ‘justified’, then the judge has pronounced us...
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...1. The Gospels are called synoptic gospels because they all have something in common. Although I will compare and contrast John and Luke. The first event mentioned in Luke is Jesus’ birth while in John it is the creation of the world. Statements of Jesus being born of a virgin are mentioned in Luke but in John it seems to be denying the virgin birth. From His birth he is known as the Son of God in Luke. In John He is known as Son of God from the creation of earth. Jesus’ baptism is described in Luke and in John it is not mentioned. In Luke a main function was exorcism in his ministry with many exorcisms performed though in John there is none performed. The themes of Jesus’ teaching is the Kingdom of God while in John it is Jesus himself with the Kingdom of God as a background. Jesus’ main focus of ministry in Luke is his involvement with the poor and the suffering and this is barely mentioned in John along with many references to scribes that are confused by Jesus’ teachings but in John there are no scribes mentioned. Jesus is mentioned of having performed miracles, natural miracles, healings, and exorcisms but in John there is hardly any exorcisms, healings, with all of them being natural healings. Luke says that Jesus’ ministry lasted one year and was mainly in Galilee while John says his ministry was three years and was mainly in Judea. In Luke it speaks of the Last Supper being on Passover Eve and that the ceremonial event was the meal. It also says that Simon was the one...
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...Edwina Edney-Hopes Instructor: Rev. Dr Joseph Kimatu Life and Writings of Paul REL-327-DL01 December 7, 2014 Word Count : 3185 Word Count w/outline: 3286 Galatians 3:1-29 Abstract The purpose of this writing is to discuss the book of Galatians Chapter 3 verses 1-29. My goal is to give you the when, what, who, where and why. I will also do some examination of each verse in this chapter. I hope to give further insight to myself and others on this chapter in the bible. A thesis statement and stated approach in the Introduction Paul is writing this letter to the people of Galatia to combat the teachings of the Judaizers. After he came to tell them about God after he left the Juadaizers came in and started to teach them that they had to follow the Jewish laws. Paul felt that they had been led astray and he wanted to get them back on track. Now the where, who and Paul’s occasion for writing. The first where is Galatia located? Galatia is located in Northern Asia Minor. It was originally populated by Celts. It was reorganized into a Province by the Romans after the last Galatian King died. It added other districts to it to make the Province these areas are Isauria, parts of Lycaonia, Palphlagonia, Pisidia, Phrygia and Pontus. Who was Paul writing to? This is up to debate for the people that Paul was writing to. There is a Northern Galatia Theory, Southern Galatia theory. People that favor the Northern Galatia Theory contend this for a couple of reasons. One would be his use of “You...
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...imputed of God’s grace and mercy and the solution to salvation. After read Romans you should be able to provide steps that you would take to achieve Justification, Sanctification and Salvation. The Natural World Paul was given the mission to preach the gospel according to God himself. According to Romans 1:20, since the creation of the world attributes are clearly seen, and understood by things made through the power of God. The Romans choose to practice the ungodliness or unrighteousness will be judge according to God’s grace. The Ten Commandments are the perfect example of what not to do. The scripture “For in it is revealed the righteousness of God from faith to faith as it is written the one who is righteous by faith will live .(Romans 1:17). The ones who practice ungodliness will such as sexual immorality, covetousness, maliciousness, full of envy, strife, murder and deceit or anything that is consider ungodly will be surly be put to death. “Do not fear for God has come to test you and that his fear may be before you so that you may not sin” provides justification for Rome. (Exodus 20:20)...
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...UNDERSTANDING FAITH And Jesus, answering, saith unto them, Have faith in God. Mark 11:22 INTRODUCTION Several years ago a group of high school students from America spent three weeks in Osaka, Japan, at the world’s fair. The students decided to take the subway into the downtown area to purchase some souvenirs. After spending several hours taking pictures and buying souvenirs, the students decided to return to their local residence. Arriving at the station, they saw the subway train pull up. They quickly paid the fare and jumped on board. As the train doors closed, the students learned they had gotten on the wrong train. Instantly their confidence was shattered. Though they had sincerely believed they were right just moments earlier, they now knew they were sincerely wrong. The object of our faith is more important than the sincerity of our belief. The man who thinks he is right but is not sure may be far better off than the one who is “sure” but is absolutely wrong. The credibility of our faith begins with objective truth and ends with internal trust. This chapter analyzes the six types of faith that describe the believer’s relationship to God. DOCTRINAL FAITH Some may ask, “How can I get more faith?” Paul wrote, “Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Rom. 10:17). The source and foundation of all faith is the Bible. If we want faith, we must begin with a correct understanding of the Word of God. The more we know of the Bible, the more faith we can have, and...
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...Liberty University Justification by Faith A Research paper submitted to Professor Laverne Smith In partial fulfillment of the Requirements for BIBL 161-D01 Willmington School of the Bible By Jason Miller Lynchburg, Virginia FRIDAY November 28, 2014 CONTENTS Introduction 1 Man’s Unrighteousness 1 Man’s Need for Redemption 2 The Righteousness of God 3 Justification by Faith 4 Salvation from God’s Wrath 6 Contemporary Church’s View of Justification 6 Conclusion 7 Introduction The Protestant Reformation began when Martin Luther’s study of the scriptures revealed to him that mankind can only be justified by faith. This truth from God’s Word transformed Luther’s life and opened the door for believers to break free of religious bondage. Luther would say that justification by faith is the article upon which the church stands or falls. The reformer John Calvin would later echo that sentiment by stating that justification by faith is the hinge by which everything else turns. In reading Paul’s letter to the Romans one can easily see that the doctrine of justification is truly a cornerstone of the Christian faith. This doctrine is a theme that appears throughout the book. By examining man’s unrighteous state and his need for redemption the apostle Paul methodically shows the reader that not only is a person justified by faith alone but also that they are saved from God’s...
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...and others that sought to explain justification by faith. Unlike the Christian teachings during his time, Luther affirmed that the Christian righteousness is only acquired from without. He suggested that the righteousness not only comes from Christ but is also Christ’s righteousness that is ascribed to Christians through faith. In this regard, Luther explored the dissimilarities between the righteousness accorded to Christians as a gift through faith and Christian’s own proper righteousness which works in the power of the gift through Jesus to do different works of mercy and love. Consequently, Luther presented a Latin phrase that further described Christian justification, “Simul Justus et Peccator” which is directly interpreted as “simultaneously just and sinners.” Therefore, this paper will explain and evaluate Martin Luther’s ideas of the double righteousness possessed by Christians using his commentaries on Galatians and Romans as well as his 1519 sermon on two kinds of righteousness. Luther’s ideas on Simul Justus et Peccator and Justification Luther’s sermon on the two kinds of righteousness is associated with the reformers belief of salvation and living by faith and not works. The original justice presented by Luther is the alien righteousness that comes from without. This kind of righteousness is the righteousness of Jesus Christ and is ascribed through faith. Luther quotes the Bible in John 14:6 where Jesus Christ says ‘I Am the way, the truth, and the life.’ this...
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...one true God” (pg. 22). Mentioning Paul’s transformation from adversary to apostle of Jesus Christ, the novel explores the missionary trips and letters of Paul—both disputed and undisputed—to the various Christian communities. In addition, hallmarks of the apostle are explained as well such as: inclusion of Gentiles, commitments to non-violence, the value in suffering, and reconciliation. Diverting to the heart of the novel, Gorman creates eight themes, or “Paul’s big ideas”, that are evident throughout Pauline texts. The eight “big ideas” Gorman presents surround God, Christ, us, and the bonds that exist between one another. The first four of these focuses on Paul’s ideology of the imminent end and the role Jesus plays in the transition. The first of these describes the phrase “In the fullness of time”. According to Gorman, “the event of Jesus Christ was God’s perfectly timed means of effecting the transition from this age to the age to come” (pg. 59). This age to come occurs on a timeline that encompasses (i.) the death and resurrection of Jesus, (ii.) the current overlap of the ages, and ends with (iii.) the new age to come in all its glory. The next theme, described as “The Gospel of God” shows how the law could not deliver people from the power of Sin, and so, by means of God’s grace and love, reconciliation is made possible. We are reconciled through the death and resurrection of Christ, which introduces the next theme: “Even Death on a Cross”. Not only is Christ’s death...
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...He tells the Jews that, “you are separated from Christ, you who are trying to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace” (Gal. 5:4); with this, those who follow the laws instead of having faith, fall off the path to God. The laws are misleading the Jews by not having faith in Jesus Christ. Faith and trust is worth more than any action. The act of circumcision doesn’t bring us faith as, “for in Christ Jesus, neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love” (Gal. 5:6). Jesus Christ wants his people to have faith and not perform actions that fulfill a promise for God. No other acts are worth for receiving salvation. In conclusion, Paul’s message to the Jews is to have faith and trust in Jesus Christ. Paul demonstrates to the Jews that with faith and trust it can bring salvation; that there’s no such acts that bring freedom and salvation. We must have trust in God, he brings us promises for us to have faith in. Following laws brings people apart from Jesus Christ as there’s no faith. Paul hopes for the Jews that they’ll understand his views of the important of faith and trust to able to have...
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...Paul: Sin and Salvation Paul’s views on the life of Jesus Is unique to the rest of the new testament writers. And although, Paul (once Saul) persecuted Jesus when he was alive, in the end, would be commissioned by Jesus himself. ”Paul an apostle—sent neither by human commission nor from human authorities, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead—2and all the members of God’s family* who are with me.” (Galatians 1:1-2 NSRV). In fact, Paul was the first writer of the New Testament and his many letters give us much insight on how educated and cultured he was. He seems to be well versed in Greek, Roman and Jewish traditions, and his letters carefully and methodically use key terms and phrases to capture the hearts of each of those audiences. Paul is quite proficient at amalgamating opposing schools of thought, in order to create a bridge for the belief in Jesus, as the Christ and salvation for the world. A great example of Paul’s ability to unit different bodies of knowledge to create solidarity, can be read in Romans chapter 2 verse 14 “When Gentiles, who do not possess the law, do instinctively what the law requires, these, though not having the law, are a law to themselves.” (Romans 2:14). Here Paul is addressing the cream of the crop, in Greek thought concerning sin. Greek philosophy during that time (and for many contemporary philosophers today), concerning sin, was that man has the critical intrinsic mental faculties that enable rational...
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...Biblical Christian Worldview: One Man’s insight to Romans 1-8 A Paper Presented to Professor Kraeger of Liberty University Lynchburg, VA In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for Introduction to the New Testament BIBL 110-B32 By Ken Kramer February 8, 2014 INTRODUCTION The epistle Romans was authored by the apostle Paul while in Corinth in AD 56-57 and has been called “the most profound work in existence”.The book of Romans was also dubbed the “purest Gospel” by Martin Luther. Paul wrote the epistle because he felt he needed to establish the Roman believers in their faith and doctrine. In Romans Paul teaches us many crucial aspects of the Christian life. Let’s explore what we can learn from Romans 1-8 about how we should view the natural world, our human identity, our human relationships, and culture. I believe Paul needed to show them, and in turn us, how utterly lost and hopeless they were in order for them to truly understand the magnificent grace of God as displayed in the Gospel. The awesome and incredible design of nature alone delivers a clear and unmistakable message about God’s person and Power. Romans declares that the wrath of God is revealed against all godlessness and wickedness of people, and that what can be known about God is plain to them, because God made it plain to them, and that since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities (His eternal power and divine nature) have been clearly seen, being understood from what...
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...be conformed to the likeness of his Son,” it is obvious that this comment leaves individuals with unanswered questions. [1].What does Paul mean by the expression of “God foreknew?” How do we fathom the election of the “predestined” individuals who are saved and sanctified? And, how are we to understand God and his “foreknowledge” of our eternal security without knowing what it means to be righteous or “conformed to the likeness of his Son?” (Romans 8:29). It is my desire that as I proceed in the explanation of sanctification, that anyone who reads my excerpt will be able to understand the importance of what it means to be “conformed” to Christ. In knowing the role of the Spirit and our sonship as children of God, there will be no questions as to how this is obtained. [2]. In addition, eternal security and the establishment of faith will be one that...
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