Understanding the Problem of Justification: Why Sinners Cannot Be Justified

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. The Importance of Justification
3. The Definition of Justification
4. The Problem of Justification
5. The Basics of Theological Studies
   • 5.1 Bibliology: The Doctrine of the Bible
   • 5.2 Theology: The Doctrine of God
   • 5.3 Christology: The Doctrine of Christ
   • 5.4 Pneumatology: The Doctrine of the Holy Spirit
   • 5.5 Anthropology: The Doctrine of Man
   • 5.6 Hamartiology: The Doctrine of Sin
   • 5.7 Soteriology: The Doctrine of Salvation
   • 5.8 Ecclesiology: The Doctrine of the Church
   • 5.9 Angelology: The Doctrine of Angels
   • 5.10 Demonology: The Doctrine of Devils
   • 5.11 Eschatology: The Doctrine of End Times
6. The Importance and Problem of Justification
   • 6.1 Understanding the Problem
   • 6.2 The Definition of Justification
7. The Means and Contents of Justification
   • 7.1 The Means of Justification
   • 7.2 The Contents of Justification
8. Justification by Faith Alone
   • 8.1 The Role of Works in Justification
   • 8.2 The Role of Faith in Justification
9. The Results of Justification
   • 9.1 Peace with God
   • 9.2 Access to God's Grace
   • 9.3 Rejoicing in Tribulations
10. The Summary of Justification
    • 10.1 Judicial Justification
    • 10.2 Meritorious Justification
    • 10.3 Mediated Justification
11. How to be Justified
    • 11.1 Humbling Yourself as a Sinner
    • 11.2 Pleading to God for Salvation

The Importance of Justification

Justification is a crucial concept in theological studies as it forms the basis of our understanding of salvation. It is the act by which God declares a sinner to be righteous, thereby reconciling them to Himself. The importance of justification lies in its role in resolving the problem of sin and ensuring that believers can have peace with God.

The Definition of Justification

To truly understand the significance of justification, we must first examine its definition. Justification is not the same as pardon or forgiveness of sins, as many erroneously assume. Rather, it is the act of declaring a person to be righteous, regardless of their sin. This declaration is made possible through the atoning work of Jesus Christ, who lived a justified life on behalf of sinful humanity.

The Problem of Justification

The problem arises when we consider the contradiction between a righteous God justifying wicked sinners. How can a holy judge justify unrighteous individuals without compromising His own justice? This theological dilemma calls for a deeper understanding of the term "justification," its operation, and its significance. To grasp the importance and meaning of justification, we must go back to the basics of theological studies and explore relevant doctrines such as bibliology, theology, christology, and more. By understanding these foundational principles, we can better comprehend the complexity of justification.

The Basics of Theological Studies

Theological studies encompass various branches, each focusing on a specific aspect of our faith. It is crucial to delve into these branches to understand how they contribute to our understanding of justification.

5.1 Bibliology: The Doctrine of the Bible

Bibliology deals with the study of the Bible, its inspiration, authority, and application in our lives. By examining biblical texts, we gain insights into God's plan for salvation, including the concept of justification.

5.2 Theology: The Doctrine of God

Theology explores the nature and attributes of God, deepening our understanding of His character and His role in our justification. By studying theology, we can grasp the significance of God's involvement in declaring sinners to be righteous.

5.3 Christology: The Doctrine of Christ

Christology focuses on the person and work of Jesus Christ. Through Christ's redemptive sacrifice, we can be justified and reconciled to God. Understanding Christ's role in our justification is vital to comprehending its importance.

5.4 Pneumatology: The Doctrine of the Holy Spirit

Pneumatology examines the nature and work of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in our justification, convicting us of sin and empowering us to live a justified life. Exploring pneumatology enhances our understanding of the means and effects of justification.

5.5 Anthropology: The Doctrine of Man

Anthropology focuses on the study of humanity, particularly our sinful nature and need for justification. By understanding our fallen state, we can appreciate the significance of God's justifying act in our lives.

5.6 Hamartiology: The Doctrine of Sin

Hamartiology explores the nature, origin, and consequences of sin. It sheds light on the problem that justification addresses and highlights the need for a solution to reconcile sinful humanity with a righteous God.

5.7 Soteriology: The Doctrine of Salvation

Soteriology deals with the study of salvation, including justification. By delving into this branch, we can gain a comprehensive understanding of the theological significance and practical implications of justification.

5.8 Ecclesiology: The Doctrine of the Church

Ecclesiology focuses on the nature, purpose, and organization of the church. The church plays a vital role in proclaiming and embodying the message of justification, making it essential to explore its role in our spiritual journey.

5.9 Angelology: The Doctrine of Angels

Angelology examines the nature, origins, and roles of angels in the divine plan. While not directly tied to justification, understanding angelology provides a holistic view of the spiritual realm and its impact on our justification.

5.10 Demonology: The Doctrine of Devils

Demonology explores the study of evil spirits and their influence on humanity. While not directly related to justification, an understanding of demonology helps us comprehend the spiritual warfare surrounding our justification and the need for God's intervention.

5.11 Eschatology: The Doctrine of End Times

Eschatology deals with the study of the end times and the final judgment. Understanding eschatology enhances our appreciation for the ultimate fulfillment of God's justification and the restoration of His creation.

The Importance and Problem of Justification

Understanding the importance of justification requires addressing the problem it resolves. Many Christians fail to grasp the critical nature of justification as they overlook its definition and the context in which it operates.

6.1 Understanding the Problem

To comprehend the significance of justification, we must first acknowledge the problem it addresses. The problem lies in the contradiction between a righteous and just God justifying wicked sinners. Jumping to the assumption that justification means pardon or forgiveness without studying its true definition and meaning leads to a shallow understanding of its importance.

6.2 The Definition of Justification

Justification means to be declared righteous. It does not equate to pardon or forgiveness of sins alone. When God justifies us, He declares us to be righteous despite our sin. This act is made possible through the atoning work of Jesus Christ, who lived a justified life and made it possible for us to be declared righteous.

The Means and Contents of Justification

Justification operates through specific means and contains significant elements that contribute to its effectiveness in reconciling sinners with God. It is vital to explore both the means and contents of justification to comprehend its depth and significance.

7.1 The Means of Justification

The means of justification involve the necessary components for its operation. Key factors include God, who authorizes justification, and His grace, which serves as the source. Additionally, the blood of Jesus Christ acts as the cause of our justification, removing guilt and punishment. The recognition of justification is achieved through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, solidifying its validity and allowing us access to God's grace.

7.2 The Contents of Justification

The contents of justification encompass the forgiveness of sins, the removal of guilt and punishment, and the declaration of righteousness. Through justification, our sins are pardoned and cleared, granting us peace with God and access to His grace. This process is made possible through our faith in Jesus Christ and the imputation of His righteousness.

Justification by Faith Alone

Justification by faith alone is an essential aspect of our salvation, as it signifies our reliance on God's grace and the finished work of Jesus Christ. It is important to understand the role of works in justification and the significance of faith as the means through which we receive justification.

8.1 The Role of Works in Justification

Works play no part in our justification. The Bible clearly states that salvation is not achieved through works, as no one can be justified by the works of the law. Justification is a gift freely given to believers by God's grace and received through faith.

8.2 The Role of Faith in Justification

Faith is the means through which we receive justification. By placing our faith in Jesus Christ, we acknowledge His atoning sacrifice and trust in His righteousness. It is through this act of faith that we are declared righteous and reconciled to God.

The Results of Justification

Justification yields significant results in the lives of believers, transforming their relationship with God and providing them with assurance and hope. It is essential to grasp the outcomes of justification to appreciate its impact on our lives.

9.1 Peace with God

Through justification, believers experience peace with God. They are reconciled to Him, and the enmity caused by sin is removed. This peace brings about a deep sense of security, knowing that they stand justified before a righteous God.

9.2 Access to God's Grace

Justification provides believers with access to God's grace. They can approach Him confidently, knowing that His unmerited favor is readily available. This access grants them the privilege of experiencing God's love, forgiveness, and empowerment in their lives.

9.3 Rejoicing in Tribulations

Believers find the ability to rejoice even in times of tribulation through justification. They understand that hardships and trials work to build patience and character. Rather than despairing, they have hope and trust in God's faithfulness to bring good out of every situation.

The Summary of Justification

Justification can be summarized as a judicial, meritorious, and mediated act that reconciles sinners to God. It involves God's judicial declaration of righteousness, merited by the atoning work of Jesus Christ, and mediated through faith.

10.1 Judicial Justification

Justification is a judicial act in which God, as the Judge, declares sinners to be righteous. Through this act, God pardons their sins and welcomes them into a restored relationship with Him.

10.2 Meritorious Justification

Justification is merited by the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ. His work on the cross paid the penalty for sin, making it possible for sinners to be declared righteous and forgiven.

10.3 Mediated Justification

Justification is mediated through faith. Sinners must humbly approach God, acknowledging their need for salvation and placing their trust in Jesus Christ. Through faith, sinners are justified and receive the gift of eternal life.

How to be Justified

To be justified, sinners must humble themselves, recognize their need for salvation, and plead to God for mercy and forgiveness. Through this act of humility and faith, sinners are justified and declare themselves wholly dependent on God's grace and mercy.

11.1 Humbling Yourself as a Sinner

To experience justification, sinners must acknowledge their sinful nature and humble themselves before God. Recognizing their inability to save themselves, they come before God with contrite hearts, seeking His forgiveness and mercy.

11.2 Pleading to God for Salvation

Sinners can be justified by pleading to God for salvation. Through sincere prayer and a genuine desire to be reconciled to God, sinners can receive His free gift of justification. This act of faith and surrender allows God to declare them righteous through the sacrificial work of Jesus Christ.

Conclusion

Justification is a foundational doctrine in Christianity, providing believers with the assurance of being declared righteous before a holy God. By understanding the importance and process of justification, we can fully appreciate the depth of God's love and grace in our lives. Through the means of justification, the contents it encompasses, and the results it brings forth, we can experience the peace, access to God's grace, and joy that come through being justified by faith in Jesus Christ.