Justification & Adoption

Soteriology 4: Justification & Adoption

What takes place once an elect sinner, is called, regenerated and repening of sin he/she turns to Christ?

THE SINNER RECEIVES A FORENSIC DECLARATION OF NOT-GUILTY BUT “JUSTIFIED” AND THE JUDGE GIVES HIM A NEW FAMILY AND IDENTITY (ADOPTION)

1. JUSTIFICATION

a.) A Divine, Forensic and Instantanous Act: sins are forgiven and the sinner is declared “righteous” before God

b.) Justification is possible only on the basis of imputed righteousness
Pr 17:15 He justifies the wicked and condemns the righteous both are an abomination to the Lord.”

c.) Justification is only possible through FAITH ALONE.
Faith is the instrument by which the sinner is declared righteous, on the basis of the righteousness of Christ Ga 2:16 & Rom 3:25-26; 5:1

What is the meaning of James 2 about faith and works?

a) --- Justify is not always “forensic” --- it can mean “proof”
b) -- Justify is not always “forensic” -- it can mean “veredict”

2. ADOPTION
   Grudem, “Adoption is an act of God through which He makes us to become members of His family.” (Ibíd. Pg.323).

Conclusion of Justification
a) Justification is of the essence of the doctrine of the Gospel but indispensable for the redeemed sinner to stand before God
 
b) The consequences of sin are inescapable both to believers and unbelievers Ga 6:9-10 – we will reap what we sow – and to the believer. It also brings God's corrective (not punitive) discipline (Heb 12:5-11)

c) However the justified sinner's standing before God is unchangeable. “You are complete in Him” Col 2:9