Definition
The doctrine of justification concerns God’s gracious judicial verdict in advance of the day of judgment, pronouncing guilty sinners, who turn in self-despairing trust to Jesus Christ, forgiven, acquitted of all charges and declared morally upright in God’s sight.
Summary
Before God’s law humans stand condemned and there is no way they can put themselves right with God. In the gospel God reveals his way of putting sinners right with himself. Jesus, the Son of God, became the sinner’s representative and substitute. As God’s obedient servant, he lived a righteous life and died the atoning death of the cross. Justification is one of the key components of God’s saving work. It concerns the “great exchange” where both the sins of his people were put to Christ’s account and he paid the price, and also the righteousness of Christ’s obedience to the Father in life and death was put to their account. It is by faith alone in Christ alone that sinners are justified. There is no substance to the many objections made to this doctrine but the benefits that result from this gospel truth are enormous and the implications significant.
Course
Justification by Faith: A Biblical Theological Perspective
A 6-video Exploration of Justification, Faith, the Protestant Reformation, and Competing Soteriological Views
Video
Justification and Sanctification: What’s the Problem?
Bryan Chapell, Kevin DeYoung, and Rick Phillips explore the tricky and controversial connection between justification and sanctification.
Podcasts
Articles
Modern Medieval Protestants: Why We (Still) Need the Doctrine of Justification
So many Protestants—even evangelicals for whom ‘penance’ is alien—relate to God in much the same way as a medieval person did.
5 Books You Should Read on Justification by Faith Alone
How can I be right with God? That’s one of the most important questions you could ever ask.
Two Pastoral Thoughts on Justification and Sanctification
Without justification, sanctification is fruitless. Without sanctification, justification is pointless.
Book Reviews
Yes, Justification Still Matters
This is an excellent treatment on the doctrine of justification. I hope the remaining volumes in the series are as good.
The Righteousness of God: A Lexical Examination of the Covenant-Faithfulness Interpretation
The gauntlet has been thrown down. Those who defend the covenant-faithfulness view of God’s righteousness must reckon with and refute Irons.
Saved by ‘Allegiance’ Alone? On a New Attempt to Revise the Reformation
We’re saved by grace alone through faith alone on account of the work of Christ alone to the glory of God alone. And, of course, we derive these truths from Scripture alone.
The Righteousness of God: A Lexical Examination of the Covenant-Faithfulness Interpretation
The gauntlet has been thrown down. Those who defend the covenant-faithfulness view of God’s righteousness must reckon with and refute Irons.
Defending Substitution
Simon Gathercole demonstrates that substitution is integral to Paul’s theology of the atonement.
Justification Reconsidered
Clarity, sound reasoning, and fairness mark this work on justification. On top of that, it is simply enjoyable to read.
Justification: Five Views
There are few doctrines since the 16th century that have caused more debate than justification.
Justification
It does not seem that ‘Justification’ will advance the discussion or benefit Wright’s esteem at present or long term.
