Theme
Justification and Salvation
To be justified is to be declared (and, in many traditions, made) righteous before God through Christ. Salvation is broader: past, present, and future.
Primary Scripture
Connections across Scripture
- Genesis 15:6 speaks of Abraham’s faith and righteousness; Luke 18:9–14 shows a repentant sinner justified by God.
- Romans and Galatians explain justification through Christ.
- Salvation is future in Rom 5:9–10 and 13:11.
Christian perspectives
Protestant traditions often emphasize justification as a forensic declaration; Catholic teaching emphasizes justification as including sanctification and inner renewal (CCC 1987–1995); Orthodox theology frames salvation chiefly as theosis (union with God), with justification as one aspect.
For further reflection
- Is justification a one-time event, a process, or both?
This page distinguishes what the text states from later theological systems; perspectives are summarized, not exhaustive.
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