ALL ABOUT Jesus & Justification Jesus WEEK ONE
Description: ALL ABOUT Jesus Justification Jesus WEEK ONE WHAT DOES THE REFORMATION BRING TO MIND? Reform Overthrow of Catholic oppression (Marxist) Source of modernity (general historians) Rise of Naziism (Shirer, et al.) Luther stories? the
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slide1. ALL ABOUT Jesus & Justification<br>
slide2. Jesus WEEK ONE<br>
slide3. WHAT DOES “THE REFORMATION” BRING TO MIND? Reform Overthrow of “Catholic oppression” (Marxist)
Source of modernity (general historians)
Rise of Naziism (Shirer, et al.)
Luther stories? … the thunderstorm
The solas?<br>
slide4. Connected to the solas: scriptura, gratia, fide, Christus
Jesus: if it’s truly Christian, it must be Christocentric
Justification: if it’s truly Christocentric, then salvation flows entirely from Him (grace, faith)
The Bible: if it’s the authentic Jesus, it’s biblical Our Approach<br>
slide5. Jesus<br>
slide6. IN THE MIDDLE AGES Some Reformation caricatures are false:
Everyone went to church.
The laity were all terrified of damnation.
The clergy were all hypocrites.
Everything was about Mary, not Christ.
No attention was given to grace or faith.
Christ and His gracious work were not ignored.
But ... they were more peripheral than central. Hardly Forgotten<br>
slide7. Churchly control of grace — the ecclesial dispensary of grace
Sacramentalist centrality … with only indirect connection to Christ or to faith
“You must prepare yourself for God’s grace.”
Thus the temptation to indulgence LESS THAN CENTRAL Christ<br>
slide8. FROM TETZEL An Indulgence<br>
slide9. Who is named in the indulgence?
Who isn’t named!?
How did you get this?
The theology of indulgence is more complex than this simple statement, but what would the common person think? THE INDULGENCE Examining<br>
slide10. 95 Theses (Disputation of Doctor Martin Luther on the Power and Efficacy of Indulgences)
In the Name our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
#1. Our Lord and Master Jesus Christ, when He said Poenitentiam agite, willed that the whole life of believers should be repentance.
#62. The true treasure of the Church is the Most Holy Gospel of the glory and the grace of God.
#75. To think the papal pardons so great that they could absolve a man even if he had committed an impossible sin and violated the Mother of God -- this is madness.
#76. We say, on the contrary, that the papal pardons are not able to remove the very least of venial sins, so far as its guilt is concerned.
#78. We say, on the contrary, that even the present pope, and any pope at all, has greater graces at his disposal; to wit, the Gospel, powers, gifts of healing, etc., as it is written in I. Corinthians xii. RESPONSE Luther’s<br>
slide11. A key truth about the Lutheran reform
So, affirmation of the received doctrine of the Trinity and the two natures of Christ (together with many other teachings)
Reformation’s criticism: “We have always believed this, why do you ignore it or deny it?”
“Let’s take Jesus (the second article) to heart.” NOT REVOLUTION Reform<br>
slide12. CHRIST IS ALL For Luther “If you want to interpret well and confidently, set Christ before you, for He is the man to whom it all applies, every bit of it.” ― Martin Luther (AE 35:247) Incarnation
Life and teaching of Christ
Suffering of Christ
Death
Resurrection
Ascension
Return in glory<br>
slide13. LUKE 5:27–32 Jesus? Read Luke 5:27–32.
What’s the one word message of Jesus?
What two words follow?
Is the grumblers’ description of Jesus accurate?
What do you make of Jesus’ response?
What do “Repent” and “Follow me” say about the Christian faith?<br>
slide14. CHRIST IS CENTRAL Creeds What is emphasized in the creeds?
The creeds are Scripture in summary.
The 2nd article is the most complete.
See
John 1:1–4, 16–18
2 Cor. 5:18–21
Col. 1:11–20<br>
slide15. JOHN 1 Jesus? Read John 1:1–4.
Who is this?
What has He done and how is He described?
What does He possess?
Read John 1:16–18.
What have we received from Him?
What comes only through Jesus and none other?
How can mere mortals know God?<br>
slide16. Jesus? 2 COR. 5:18–21 Read 2 Cor. 5:18–21.
How does this parallel the message of John 1?
What does “reconciliation” imply?
Who is Christ and what has He done?
What is the purpose of His work?
What is the result of our reconciliation?<br>
slide17. Jesus? COL. 1:11–20 Read Col. 1:11–20.
Who is “doing the verbs” here?
What has God done?
By whom has God acted?
How is Christ described?
What is the culmination of His work?<br>
slide19. Jesus WEEK TWO Justification &<br>
slide20. Introduction Justified?
How do we use the language today?
Business, finance, courts …
Self-justification — an inherent trait — includes claims based on status, purpose, and morality
What happens when something is “unjustified”?
Being justified demands answers: By whom? In what matter? On what basis?<br>
slide21. Budget JUSTIFICATION Each item identified in the budget should have an explanation
What will the item be needed for?
Make sure you articulate specific equipment you want to acquire
Specify the identified uses of contracted services<br>
slide22. Justification Justification is everyday language because people seek legitimacy.
But, it is also vital for biblical understanding, striking the heart of the relationship between God and humanity. (Jargon alert!)
How can I justify my life to God? How is any human being justified in God’s judgment?<br>
slide23. Centrality Justification “is the central and most important teaching of the Christian faith.”
Read John 3:16 and Rom. 3:21–25a.
What do these passages have in common?
Note that when we speak about justification, as a teaching, we are talking about our relationship with God — and how salvation takes place.<br>
slide24. Justified
By Faith<br>
slide25. Justification is the article of faith “on which the church stands or falls.”
Read 1 Cor. 1:22–24. What is preached?
Read 1 Cor. 2:2. Why is this Paul’s determination?
See also Luke 2:11; Eph. 2:4-7; 2 Tim. 1:8–9.
Justification is no more and no less than the message that salvation for the world comes through Christ — so it is a gift received by faith. Centrality<br>
slide26. Luke 7:36–50<br>
slide27. Read Luke 7:36–50.
Outline the story.
What disturbs Simon?
What brings the woman to Jesus?
What do you think she had heard about him?
What does Jesus say to Simon … and to her?
How/why/on what basis is this sinful woman justified before Jesus? Justification WITHOUT THE TERM<br>
slide28. Outline OF KEY REFORMATION EVENTS Timeline
1517 – 95 Theses protesting indulgences
1519 – Luther debates authority in the church
1520 – Luther is told to recant (3 works)
1521 – Diet of Worms, excommunication
1522 – Anabaptists; New Testament published
1525 – The Bondage of the Will; Tyndale
1529 – Luther’s Catechisms & Marburg Colloquy
1530 – Torgau Articles and Augsburg Confession<br>
slide29. Justification AND THE REFORMATION The Augsburg Confession (1530)
Result of reactions to Luther’s writing
Written to restore unity
Declares the catholicity (universality) of the Lutheran confessors – in the mainstream
Denies the heresies charged against the Lutheran confessors
Lists the abuses the confessors are correcting<br>
slide30. Also they teach that men cannot be justified before God by their strength, merits, or works, but are freely justified for Christ’s sake, through faith, when they believe that they are received into favor, and that their sins are forgiven for Christ’s sake, who, by His death, has made satisfaction for our sins. This faith God imputes for righteousness in His sight. Rom. 3 and 4.
Augsburg Confession, IV of Justification<br>
slide31. Definition (THEOLOGICAL) Justification denotes a verdict: “not guilty”
Read Rom. 3:21–25a. What two key truths appear?
Justification and forgiveness (pardon) overlap
Justification is typically used of individuals
Read Rom. 4:2–8.
“We first want to show that faith alone makes a righteous person out of an unrighteous one, that is, it alone receives the forgiveness of sins.” Ap IV, 72<br>
slide32. The Nature OF JUSTIFICATION What happens when the sinner is justified?
God doesn’t count his sins against him, but gives the sinner credit for Christ’s righteousness.
Read Phil. 3:8–9. What makes everything else look like rubbish?
“Our righteousness before God consists in this, that God forgives us our sins by sheer grace. . . and reckons to us the righteousness of Christ’s obedience and that, because of this righteousness, we are accepted by God into grace and regarded as righteous. FC Ep III, 4<br>
slide33. What happens when the sinner is justified?
Justification means all our sins are forgiven.
Luke 7:47–48 — the woman’s many sins are all forgiven!
Only the Trinity — the true God — justifies.
Note who is doing everything for sinners in 1 Cor. 6:9–11. The Nature OF JUSTIFICATION (continued)<br>
slide35. Jesus WEEK THREE Justification &<br>
slide36. Setting THE STAGE Read Rom. 3:9–26.
In a world of good guys and bad guys, why does Paul (quoting Psalm 14) say that “no one is righteous”?
What is the only true source of righteousness?
How does it become ours?<br>
slide37. The Need FOR JUSTIFICATION Adam’s sin is “imputed” (jargon!) to all and Christ’s righteousness is also imputed to all.
What does Ps. 51:5 tell us?
How about Rom. 5:12–15?
Why is it helpful to think of Christ as the “second Adam”?<br>
slide38. The Need As poor sinners we are all condemned.
Read Gal. 3:10. What’s the standard for human sinlessness?
Rom. 6:23 simply states the dilemma for sinners, and our only hope.
Only Christ propitiates (jargon!).
Read 1 John 4:10; Heb. 9:22.
Luther: “He who does not know he has a propitious Father does not know God.” FOR JUSTIFICATION (continued)<br>
slide39. God’s grace in Christ is justification’s only source.
John 1:16-17 and Eph. 1:7
God’s “justifying grace” is His undeserved love, which gave His Son to be our Savior.
Rom. 3:24 and Titus 2:11
God’s grace is universal — for all the world.
1 Tim. 2:4 The Basis OF JUSTIFICATION<br>
slide40. Justification is based on Christ’s obedience.
1 Peter 2:21–24
Christ’s death provided sacrificial atonement.
Is. 53:5–7
Christ’s perfect obedience propitiated God’s wrath.
John 1:29 and 1 John 2:2 The Basis FOR JUSTIFICATION (continued)<br>
slide41. The Universal FINISHED RESULTS OF CHRIST’S WORK OF OBEDIENCE All the world is redeemed, forgiven and reconciled because of Christ’s death and resurrection.
2 Cor. 5:18–19 and Rom. 5:19
God’s wrath is stilled; Satan (all evil) is defeated.
1 Thess. 1:10 and Col. 2:14–15
In Christ, righteousness and forgiveness are won and sinners are reckoned as righteousness.
Heb. 10:12<br>
slide42. Further DEFINITION (JARGON!) So objective [general] justification is forgiveness Christ won for all (2 Cor. 5:19–21).
His work is an objective reality — salvation and forgiveness for the world is accomplished, independent of any other human action or merit.
And subjective [individual] justification is this same forgiveness as it is received through faith by individuals (Gal. 2:16; Titus 3:3–7).
The individual “subject” is justified, born again.<br>
slide43. Justification FROM TWO STANDPOINTS From God toward humanity (objective): God is just, yet He is also gracious. He has declared the forgiveness of sins for all the world, for the sake of Christ. This is the Gospel truth! (Objective factuality, believed or not.)
From humanity toward God (subjective): Gifts may be given and not received. Promises may be made and not believed. But God’s promise is received by those who believe.<br>
slide44. Jesus WEEK FOUR Justification &<br>
slide46. Setting THE STAGE Read Rom. 4:16–5:2.
What does Abraham illustrate?
How do promise and faith relate?
Who alone makes promises that are always true?<br>
slide47. Another LOOK AT ABRAHAM & FAITH Read James 2:14–26.
What does Abraham illustrate for James?
How do faith and works relate?
Who alone makes promises that are always true?
How does faith respond when God speaks?<br>
slide48. Faith: THE APPROPRIATION OF CHRIST’S RIGHTEOUSNESS Justification’s essentials are
God’s grace
Christ’s merit
Faith
The only essential and necessary elements of justification are the grace of God, the merit of Christ, and the faith that receives this grace and merit in the gospel’s promise, through which Christ’s righteousness is reckoned to us. From this we obtain the forgiveness of sins, reconciliation with God, our adoption as children, and the inheritance of eternal life. FC SD III, 25<br>
slide49. Justifying faith is faith in Christ.
Phil. 3:8–10
Righteousness is imputed to individuals.
Acts 10:43 and Rom. 5:1–2
Individuals can be justified only through faith.
John 1:12 and Gal. 3:22
Faith comes by hearing ... The Word of Christ.
Rom. 10:17 Faith: THE APPROPRIATION OF CHRIST’S RIGHTEOUSNESS (cont.)<br>
slide51. Faith is the ear that hears God’s promise, the hand that receives God’s gift.
Luke 8:8; Rom. 4:16 and 10:17
Forgiveness “cannot be received in any other way than by faith alone, since a promise cannot be received in any other way than by faith alone.” Ap IV, 84
Justification is through faith, without works.
Eph. 2:8–9
But faith inevitably bears fruit, that is, good works.
Eph. 2:8–10 Faith: THE APPROPRIATION OF CHRIST’S RIGHTEOUSNESS (cont.)<br>
slide52. Faith isn’t self-chosen, but the Holy Spirit’s gift.
1 Cor. 6:11 and 12:3
Justifying faith is not my good work, but God’s.
John 3:16; Rom. 4:5
Faith bears fruit — but that’s not why it justifies .
Rom. 3:28
I’m not justified because I’m contrite. (jargon)
Acts 13:38–39; Eph. 2:8–9 Faith: THE APPROPRIATION OF CHRIST’S RIGHTEOUSNESS (cont.)<br>
slide53. So…….
Justification by anything other than faith dishonors Christ and obscures the Gospel.
Gal. 2:21 and 5:4
Faith, through which we are justified, is a gift.
John 6:44; Rom. 11:6; and Phil. 1:29 Faith: THE APPROPRIATION OF CHRIST’S RIGHTEOUSNESS (cont.)<br>
slide54. Unbelief: THE REJECTION OF CHRIST’S RIGHTEOUSNESS The world is justified in Christ, the impenitent stand condemned.
Luke 18:10–14
Faith doesn’t cause justification, but without faith we are lost since unbelief rejects the gift.
John 3:36
2 Tim. 2:11–13<br>
slide55. How Does JUSTIFICATION GET TO ME? The world and Church need God’s Word of Law and Gospel to be proclaimed and rightly distinguished. The Law brings contrition; the Gospel salvation.
Rom. 2:1–4; 3:9–19; Gal. 3:10–14; 2 Tim. 2:15
Christ’s justification is for all, delivered through the Gospel and sacraments, in which Christ comes to us.
1 John 2:2; 1 Tim. 2:4; Matt. 28:18–20; Rom. 10:6–8
The Holy Spirit uses the Gospel message of Christ’s atoning work for sinners to work saving faith.
Col. 1:5–6; Ps. 32:5; 1 Tim. 1:15; Rom. 1:16; 1 Cor. 2:2; 2 Cor. 11:4<br>
slide56. Gospel, ABSOLUTION AND CERTAINTY The pastor’s absolution is simply the Gospel as it is announced to one or to many, and it is not dependent on the pastor’s character.
Luke 24:47, Acts 1:8, John 20:23, Rom. 10:17, 1 Cor. 1:21–24
Salvation (forgiveness) is certain entirely because of God’s promise, not me (my experiences or works or great faith). We cling to Christ and His Gospel alone.
John 10:28, Rom. 8:37–39, 2 Cor. 1:19–20, Gal 6:14–15, 1 John 3:20 and 5:9–10<br>
slide57. Justification — A GIFT DECLARED IN THE SACRED SCRIPTURES, GOD’S WORD By grace alone
for Christ’s sake alone
through faith alone. This saving Gospel is made known for all generations in the Scriptures — which alone are God’s inspired, inerrant Word.<br>
slide2. Jesus WEEK ONE<br>
slide3. WHAT DOES “THE REFORMATION” BRING TO MIND? Reform Overthrow of “Catholic oppression” (Marxist)
Source of modernity (general historians)
Rise of Naziism (Shirer, et al.)
Luther stories? … the thunderstorm
The solas?<br>
slide4. Connected to the solas: scriptura, gratia, fide, Christus
Jesus: if it’s truly Christian, it must be Christocentric
Justification: if it’s truly Christocentric, then salvation flows entirely from Him (grace, faith)
The Bible: if it’s the authentic Jesus, it’s biblical Our Approach<br>
slide5. Jesus<br>
slide6. IN THE MIDDLE AGES Some Reformation caricatures are false:
Everyone went to church.
The laity were all terrified of damnation.
The clergy were all hypocrites.
Everything was about Mary, not Christ.
No attention was given to grace or faith.
Christ and His gracious work were not ignored.
But ... they were more peripheral than central. Hardly Forgotten<br>
slide7. Churchly control of grace — the ecclesial dispensary of grace
Sacramentalist centrality … with only indirect connection to Christ or to faith
“You must prepare yourself for God’s grace.”
Thus the temptation to indulgence LESS THAN CENTRAL Christ<br>
slide8. FROM TETZEL An Indulgence<br>
slide9. Who is named in the indulgence?
Who isn’t named!?
How did you get this?
The theology of indulgence is more complex than this simple statement, but what would the common person think? THE INDULGENCE Examining<br>
slide10. 95 Theses (Disputation of Doctor Martin Luther on the Power and Efficacy of Indulgences)
In the Name our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
#1. Our Lord and Master Jesus Christ, when He said Poenitentiam agite, willed that the whole life of believers should be repentance.
#62. The true treasure of the Church is the Most Holy Gospel of the glory and the grace of God.
#75. To think the papal pardons so great that they could absolve a man even if he had committed an impossible sin and violated the Mother of God -- this is madness.
#76. We say, on the contrary, that the papal pardons are not able to remove the very least of venial sins, so far as its guilt is concerned.
#78. We say, on the contrary, that even the present pope, and any pope at all, has greater graces at his disposal; to wit, the Gospel, powers, gifts of healing, etc., as it is written in I. Corinthians xii. RESPONSE Luther’s<br>
slide11. A key truth about the Lutheran reform
So, affirmation of the received doctrine of the Trinity and the two natures of Christ (together with many other teachings)
Reformation’s criticism: “We have always believed this, why do you ignore it or deny it?”
“Let’s take Jesus (the second article) to heart.” NOT REVOLUTION Reform<br>
slide12. CHRIST IS ALL For Luther “If you want to interpret well and confidently, set Christ before you, for He is the man to whom it all applies, every bit of it.” ― Martin Luther (AE 35:247) Incarnation
Life and teaching of Christ
Suffering of Christ
Death
Resurrection
Ascension
Return in glory<br>
slide13. LUKE 5:27–32 Jesus? Read Luke 5:27–32.
What’s the one word message of Jesus?
What two words follow?
Is the grumblers’ description of Jesus accurate?
What do you make of Jesus’ response?
What do “Repent” and “Follow me” say about the Christian faith?<br>
slide14. CHRIST IS CENTRAL Creeds What is emphasized in the creeds?
The creeds are Scripture in summary.
The 2nd article is the most complete.
See
John 1:1–4, 16–18
2 Cor. 5:18–21
Col. 1:11–20<br>
slide15. JOHN 1 Jesus? Read John 1:1–4.
Who is this?
What has He done and how is He described?
What does He possess?
Read John 1:16–18.
What have we received from Him?
What comes only through Jesus and none other?
How can mere mortals know God?<br>
slide16. Jesus? 2 COR. 5:18–21 Read 2 Cor. 5:18–21.
How does this parallel the message of John 1?
What does “reconciliation” imply?
Who is Christ and what has He done?
What is the purpose of His work?
What is the result of our reconciliation?<br>
slide17. Jesus? COL. 1:11–20 Read Col. 1:11–20.
Who is “doing the verbs” here?
What has God done?
By whom has God acted?
How is Christ described?
What is the culmination of His work?<br>
slide19. Jesus WEEK TWO Justification &<br>
slide20. Introduction Justified?
How do we use the language today?
Business, finance, courts …
Self-justification — an inherent trait — includes claims based on status, purpose, and morality
What happens when something is “unjustified”?
Being justified demands answers: By whom? In what matter? On what basis?<br>
slide21. Budget JUSTIFICATION Each item identified in the budget should have an explanation
What will the item be needed for?
Make sure you articulate specific equipment you want to acquire
Specify the identified uses of contracted services<br>
slide22. Justification Justification is everyday language because people seek legitimacy.
But, it is also vital for biblical understanding, striking the heart of the relationship between God and humanity. (Jargon alert!)
How can I justify my life to God? How is any human being justified in God’s judgment?<br>
slide23. Centrality Justification “is the central and most important teaching of the Christian faith.”
Read John 3:16 and Rom. 3:21–25a.
What do these passages have in common?
Note that when we speak about justification, as a teaching, we are talking about our relationship with God — and how salvation takes place.<br>
slide24. Justified
By Faith<br>
slide25. Justification is the article of faith “on which the church stands or falls.”
Read 1 Cor. 1:22–24. What is preached?
Read 1 Cor. 2:2. Why is this Paul’s determination?
See also Luke 2:11; Eph. 2:4-7; 2 Tim. 1:8–9.
Justification is no more and no less than the message that salvation for the world comes through Christ — so it is a gift received by faith. Centrality<br>
slide26. Luke 7:36–50<br>
slide27. Read Luke 7:36–50.
Outline the story.
What disturbs Simon?
What brings the woman to Jesus?
What do you think she had heard about him?
What does Jesus say to Simon … and to her?
How/why/on what basis is this sinful woman justified before Jesus? Justification WITHOUT THE TERM<br>
slide28. Outline OF KEY REFORMATION EVENTS Timeline
1517 – 95 Theses protesting indulgences
1519 – Luther debates authority in the church
1520 – Luther is told to recant (3 works)
1521 – Diet of Worms, excommunication
1522 – Anabaptists; New Testament published
1525 – The Bondage of the Will; Tyndale
1529 – Luther’s Catechisms & Marburg Colloquy
1530 – Torgau Articles and Augsburg Confession<br>
slide29. Justification AND THE REFORMATION The Augsburg Confession (1530)
Result of reactions to Luther’s writing
Written to restore unity
Declares the catholicity (universality) of the Lutheran confessors – in the mainstream
Denies the heresies charged against the Lutheran confessors
Lists the abuses the confessors are correcting<br>
slide30. Also they teach that men cannot be justified before God by their strength, merits, or works, but are freely justified for Christ’s sake, through faith, when they believe that they are received into favor, and that their sins are forgiven for Christ’s sake, who, by His death, has made satisfaction for our sins. This faith God imputes for righteousness in His sight. Rom. 3 and 4.
Augsburg Confession, IV of Justification<br>
slide31. Definition (THEOLOGICAL) Justification denotes a verdict: “not guilty”
Read Rom. 3:21–25a. What two key truths appear?
Justification and forgiveness (pardon) overlap
Justification is typically used of individuals
Read Rom. 4:2–8.
“We first want to show that faith alone makes a righteous person out of an unrighteous one, that is, it alone receives the forgiveness of sins.” Ap IV, 72<br>
slide32. The Nature OF JUSTIFICATION What happens when the sinner is justified?
God doesn’t count his sins against him, but gives the sinner credit for Christ’s righteousness.
Read Phil. 3:8–9. What makes everything else look like rubbish?
“Our righteousness before God consists in this, that God forgives us our sins by sheer grace. . . and reckons to us the righteousness of Christ’s obedience and that, because of this righteousness, we are accepted by God into grace and regarded as righteous. FC Ep III, 4<br>
slide33. What happens when the sinner is justified?
Justification means all our sins are forgiven.
Luke 7:47–48 — the woman’s many sins are all forgiven!
Only the Trinity — the true God — justifies.
Note who is doing everything for sinners in 1 Cor. 6:9–11. The Nature OF JUSTIFICATION (continued)<br>
slide35. Jesus WEEK THREE Justification &<br>
slide36. Setting THE STAGE Read Rom. 3:9–26.
In a world of good guys and bad guys, why does Paul (quoting Psalm 14) say that “no one is righteous”?
What is the only true source of righteousness?
How does it become ours?<br>
slide37. The Need FOR JUSTIFICATION Adam’s sin is “imputed” (jargon!) to all and Christ’s righteousness is also imputed to all.
What does Ps. 51:5 tell us?
How about Rom. 5:12–15?
Why is it helpful to think of Christ as the “second Adam”?<br>
slide38. The Need As poor sinners we are all condemned.
Read Gal. 3:10. What’s the standard for human sinlessness?
Rom. 6:23 simply states the dilemma for sinners, and our only hope.
Only Christ propitiates (jargon!).
Read 1 John 4:10; Heb. 9:22.
Luther: “He who does not know he has a propitious Father does not know God.” FOR JUSTIFICATION (continued)<br>
slide39. God’s grace in Christ is justification’s only source.
John 1:16-17 and Eph. 1:7
God’s “justifying grace” is His undeserved love, which gave His Son to be our Savior.
Rom. 3:24 and Titus 2:11
God’s grace is universal — for all the world.
1 Tim. 2:4 The Basis OF JUSTIFICATION<br>
slide40. Justification is based on Christ’s obedience.
1 Peter 2:21–24
Christ’s death provided sacrificial atonement.
Is. 53:5–7
Christ’s perfect obedience propitiated God’s wrath.
John 1:29 and 1 John 2:2 The Basis FOR JUSTIFICATION (continued)<br>
slide41. The Universal FINISHED RESULTS OF CHRIST’S WORK OF OBEDIENCE All the world is redeemed, forgiven and reconciled because of Christ’s death and resurrection.
2 Cor. 5:18–19 and Rom. 5:19
God’s wrath is stilled; Satan (all evil) is defeated.
1 Thess. 1:10 and Col. 2:14–15
In Christ, righteousness and forgiveness are won and sinners are reckoned as righteousness.
Heb. 10:12<br>
slide42. Further DEFINITION (JARGON!) So objective [general] justification is forgiveness Christ won for all (2 Cor. 5:19–21).
His work is an objective reality — salvation and forgiveness for the world is accomplished, independent of any other human action or merit.
And subjective [individual] justification is this same forgiveness as it is received through faith by individuals (Gal. 2:16; Titus 3:3–7).
The individual “subject” is justified, born again.<br>
slide43. Justification FROM TWO STANDPOINTS From God toward humanity (objective): God is just, yet He is also gracious. He has declared the forgiveness of sins for all the world, for the sake of Christ. This is the Gospel truth! (Objective factuality, believed or not.)
From humanity toward God (subjective): Gifts may be given and not received. Promises may be made and not believed. But God’s promise is received by those who believe.<br>
slide44. Jesus WEEK FOUR Justification &<br>
slide46. Setting THE STAGE Read Rom. 4:16–5:2.
What does Abraham illustrate?
How do promise and faith relate?
Who alone makes promises that are always true?<br>
slide47. Another LOOK AT ABRAHAM & FAITH Read James 2:14–26.
What does Abraham illustrate for James?
How do faith and works relate?
Who alone makes promises that are always true?
How does faith respond when God speaks?<br>
slide48. Faith: THE APPROPRIATION OF CHRIST’S RIGHTEOUSNESS Justification’s essentials are
God’s grace
Christ’s merit
Faith
The only essential and necessary elements of justification are the grace of God, the merit of Christ, and the faith that receives this grace and merit in the gospel’s promise, through which Christ’s righteousness is reckoned to us. From this we obtain the forgiveness of sins, reconciliation with God, our adoption as children, and the inheritance of eternal life. FC SD III, 25<br>
slide49. Justifying faith is faith in Christ.
Phil. 3:8–10
Righteousness is imputed to individuals.
Acts 10:43 and Rom. 5:1–2
Individuals can be justified only through faith.
John 1:12 and Gal. 3:22
Faith comes by hearing ... The Word of Christ.
Rom. 10:17 Faith: THE APPROPRIATION OF CHRIST’S RIGHTEOUSNESS (cont.)<br>
slide51. Faith is the ear that hears God’s promise, the hand that receives God’s gift.
Luke 8:8; Rom. 4:16 and 10:17
Forgiveness “cannot be received in any other way than by faith alone, since a promise cannot be received in any other way than by faith alone.” Ap IV, 84
Justification is through faith, without works.
Eph. 2:8–9
But faith inevitably bears fruit, that is, good works.
Eph. 2:8–10 Faith: THE APPROPRIATION OF CHRIST’S RIGHTEOUSNESS (cont.)<br>
slide52. Faith isn’t self-chosen, but the Holy Spirit’s gift.
1 Cor. 6:11 and 12:3
Justifying faith is not my good work, but God’s.
John 3:16; Rom. 4:5
Faith bears fruit — but that’s not why it justifies .
Rom. 3:28
I’m not justified because I’m contrite. (jargon)
Acts 13:38–39; Eph. 2:8–9 Faith: THE APPROPRIATION OF CHRIST’S RIGHTEOUSNESS (cont.)<br>
slide53. So…….
Justification by anything other than faith dishonors Christ and obscures the Gospel.
Gal. 2:21 and 5:4
Faith, through which we are justified, is a gift.
John 6:44; Rom. 11:6; and Phil. 1:29 Faith: THE APPROPRIATION OF CHRIST’S RIGHTEOUSNESS (cont.)<br>
slide54. Unbelief: THE REJECTION OF CHRIST’S RIGHTEOUSNESS The world is justified in Christ, the impenitent stand condemned.
Luke 18:10–14
Faith doesn’t cause justification, but without faith we are lost since unbelief rejects the gift.
John 3:36
2 Tim. 2:11–13<br>
slide55. How Does JUSTIFICATION GET TO ME? The world and Church need God’s Word of Law and Gospel to be proclaimed and rightly distinguished. The Law brings contrition; the Gospel salvation.
Rom. 2:1–4; 3:9–19; Gal. 3:10–14; 2 Tim. 2:15
Christ’s justification is for all, delivered through the Gospel and sacraments, in which Christ comes to us.
1 John 2:2; 1 Tim. 2:4; Matt. 28:18–20; Rom. 10:6–8
The Holy Spirit uses the Gospel message of Christ’s atoning work for sinners to work saving faith.
Col. 1:5–6; Ps. 32:5; 1 Tim. 1:15; Rom. 1:16; 1 Cor. 2:2; 2 Cor. 11:4<br>
slide56. Gospel, ABSOLUTION AND CERTAINTY The pastor’s absolution is simply the Gospel as it is announced to one or to many, and it is not dependent on the pastor’s character.
Luke 24:47, Acts 1:8, John 20:23, Rom. 10:17, 1 Cor. 1:21–24
Salvation (forgiveness) is certain entirely because of God’s promise, not me (my experiences or works or great faith). We cling to Christ and His Gospel alone.
John 10:28, Rom. 8:37–39, 2 Cor. 1:19–20, Gal 6:14–15, 1 John 3:20 and 5:9–10<br>
slide57. Justification — A GIFT DECLARED IN THE SACRED SCRIPTURES, GOD’S WORD By grace alone
for Christ’s sake alone
through faith alone. This saving Gospel is made known for all generations in the Scriptures — which alone are God’s inspired, inerrant Word.<br>