This is a study of what the Bible has to say about justification, along with reflections as to how this teaching ought to work out in a variety of contexts around the world. It covers the various parts of the Bible and topics such as Christian living, social justice and other religions. The work of fourteen international scholars and edited by D A Carson, this is the fourth volume in the WEF Theological Commission’s Faith and Church Study Unit series.
“That, in short, is what the Bible is all about: God pursuing sinful human beings to bring them into a right relationship with himself, both for their good and for his own glory.” (Page 13)
“widest possible angle, the most fundamental question: How shall anyone be right with God?” (Page 13)
“In Hebrew, however, a man’s ‘righteousness’ is seen in the context of the verdict that could be pronounced upon him: his being ‘in the right’ as over against an accusation.” (Page 22)
“A further difference in the connotation of the Hebrew terms appears in the use of the verb haṣdîq, ‘to justify’.20 This term always means ‘to declare to be in the right’, and therefore to acquit or vindicate. It never means to punish or condemn.” (Pages 22–23)
“Justification carries with it the assurance of deliverance from the wrath to come (Rom. 5:9f.; cf. 1 Thes. 1:10; 5:9). For the believer the last judgment has been anticipated and the verdict of acquittal already pronounced (Rom. 8:30–34).” (Page 90)