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— by Ronald R. Shea, Th.M., J.D —
 
Topics Touching the Message of Salvation
— Justification —
Curriculum Outline and Study Guide | Resurrection | Assurance | Baptism | The Bema | Calvinism | The Gospel Message & Content of Saving Faith | The Creator | Dispensationalism | Eternal Security | Evangelism & Discipleship | Expiation, Propitiation and Redemption | Faith | Fruit . .. Don't you need it? | Grace | Hebrews 10 | Hebrews 6:1-15 | Heirship and Rewards | James 2:14-26 | Jesus is God | 1st John | John MacArthur | Justification | Bilateral Contract Salvation or "Lordship Salvation" | The Market Driven Church | Perseverance of the Saints | Predestination and Free Will | Public Confession of Christ | Regeneration | Repentance | Roman Catholicism | Salvation | Sanctification | The Sheep and Goats Judgment | Silly Gospel Substitutes | "Sovereign" (Irresistible) Grace | Stewardship of the Gospel Message | The Modern "Testimony" | The Ten Commandments: Their Relationship to the Believer | Theology and Doctrine | Total Depravity and `The Bondage of the Will` | Worship Music | Appendix I: Church History from a Free Grace perspective
Status of Topics Touching the Doctrine of Salvation
Chapter 1: Introduction to Justificatoin

Introduction to Justification

The body of Greek literature generated prior to, and concurrent with the writing of the New Testament, plainly demonstrates that "justification" (from the Greek "dikiao") is a forensic decree by which a person or object is declared to be "all right" or "o.k." in the estimation of the declarant.  There is no lexical evidence whatsoever to suggest that justification is a process by which a person or object it gradually transformed to conform to the will of another.

  Therefore, when Scripture speaks of men being justified before God through faith in Jesus Christ (Romans 3:20, 24-25, 28), this does not refer to a process by which God transforms men to holiness or godliness over time.  Rather, it is a divine decree whereby men, though still sinful and subject to all manner of wickedness, are declared "not guilty" and wholly acceptable in the sight of God (Romans 5:8).

The intrinsic meaning of justification as a forensic decree (rather than a dynamic process) can be demonstrated by the use of various forms of the term "dikiao" (justify) within Scripture, even apart from extra-biblical literature (Luke 18:14; Acts 13:39).

The sole basis of justification before God is the blood of Jesus Christ, and that the sole requirement for justification before God is faith in Jesus Christ (Romans 3:24-25; 5:1, 9).  Progressive conformation to the will of God through obedience to His laws has never been, and will never be the basis of justification before God (Romans 3:28; 4:2).

When taken to its logical conclusion, the doctrine of the "perseverance of the saints" is a form of justification by works, offering a forensic declaration that someone is truly saved only after a life of good works has preceded that declaration.  This errant view of sanctification and assurance is often predicated on an errant view of the meaning and operation of "grace."


Chapter 1: Introduction to Justificatoin

 
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