Justification

Discussion on Calling

  • Focus on the distinction between monergism and synergism in regeneration.

Monergism

  • Derived from Greek roots: monos (one) + ergon (work).

  • Definition: Regeneration is the work of one organism (God).

  • Characteristics:

    • Conversion and regeneration entirely the work of God.

    • Humanity is spiritually dead and cannot seek God or choose salvation on its own.

    • Divine sovereignty and effectual grace emphasized in Reformed theology.

  • Role of Humans: Passive reception rather than active cooperation.

  • Key Scriptural Support:

    • Ephesians 2:8-9: "It is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast."

Synergism

  • Derived from the Greek prefix sun (with/together).

  • Definition: Cooperation between God and human beings in the work of regeneration and conversion.

  • Characteristics:

    • God initiates salvation and provides grace.

    • Humans respond to that grace, indicating a shared responsibility in regeneration.

  • Context: Specifically addresses the inception of saving faith rather than sanctification.

  • Key Elements:

    • Sufficient grace is given for humans to make a choice about faith.

    • Conversion involves human cooperation with the grace of God.

  • Example of Scriptural Support:

    • Revelation 3:20: "Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in."

    • Metaphor illustrated by a well-known painting of Christ knocking at the door, emphasizing human agency in opening the door.

Distinction of Calls

Effectual Calling

  • Distinction between outward call and inward call:

    • Outward Call: Human proclamation of the Gospel; example mediums include preaching, conversations, or scripture reading.

    • Inward Call: Effectual calling by the Spirit, illuminating the heart of the elect and instilling faith.

  • Unity of Calls:

    • Johann Heinrich Heidegger's Insight: The same word (Gospel truth) is preached by man and inscribed by the Spirit in the heart.

    • God operates through both outward and inward calling, encompassing the gift of faith.

  • Commentary from Calvin on John 17:20 emphasizes faith coming from hearing the Word through human proclamation.

Michael Horton's Perspective

  • Discomfort with the term irresistible grace:

    • Implies conflict between God's action and human agency.

    • Instead of coercion, God's grace changes the heart's current.

    • Emphasizes God's grace acts effectively, aligning with the heart's transformation.

Regeneration and Response

  • Definition of Regeneration: A supernatural act of God where new divine life is infused into a spiritually dead person, referenced as an act from incorruptible seed.

  • Follow-up Action: Conversion and repentance entail responding to the new life God imparts.

  • Distinction:

    • Regeneration (initial faith) vs. Repentance (active human response).

    • Metanoia (Greek for repentance): Implies a change of direction, representing an active choice to turn from sin toward holiness.

Justification

Definition and Importance

  • Central question addressed: How am I right with God?

  • Martin Luther’s Quote:

    • Acknowledgement of being deserving of death and hell, but confidence in Jesus Christ who provides satisfaction and makes believers righteous.

Aspects of Justification

  • Pauline Question: How does God demonstrate His faithfulness?

  • Augustinian Question: How does a sinner become righteous?

  • Lutheran Question: What is the nature of Gospel proclamation?

Contemporary Debates

Justification in Relation to Biblical Terms

  • Ongoing discussions regarding dykaios (just/righteous) and its biblical context compared to 16th-century debates, questioning if Luther conflated Jewish interpretations of the law with his theology.

  • Examination of Covenantal Nomism: Engrafting into God’s people through grace with the expectation of maintaining fidelity through works of the law.

Subjective vs. Objective Genitive Debate

  • Analysis of Galatians 2:16: Difference between faith in Christ (our belief) and the faithfulness of Christ (His actions).

    • Subjective Genitive: Christ's faith as the basis of salvation shifts focus away from faith alone.

    • Objective Genitive: Faith in Christ maintains the emphasis on salvation coming through human faith.

Practical Implications and Nature of Justification

  • Questions posed:

    1. Is justification participatory (requiring human action) or solely forensic/legal?

    2. Does justification solely remove the penalty of sin or also impart positive credit from Christ?

    3. Is justification a process of renewal or merely a legal declaration?

    4. Is it based solely on Christ's merit, or do other merits contribute?

Reading Activity on Justification

  • Two texts representing different views on justification: Text One (Westminster Confession of Faith) and Text Two (Council of Trent).

  • Key Points:

    • Both stress God's action in justification but differ in human involvement and the nature of the transformation associated with justification.

    • Discussion on overlapping beliefs about sanctification in relation to justification.

  • Instruction for students: Familiarize with both texts, understand their central arguments, and compare perspectives.

Conclusion and Upcoming Discussion

  • Future sessions planned to review historical developments in justification and its implications across different theological traditions.