Doctrine of Justification

There are five key concepts every Protestant should grasp if they are to understanding the reformer’s (and the Bible’s) doctrine of justification.

1. Christian is simul iustus et peccator.
   

   However, to the man who does not work but trusts God who justifies the wicked, his faith is credited as righteousness. (Romans 4:5)

2. Our right standing with God is based on an alien righteousness.

   In his days Judah will be saved and Israel will live in safety. This is the name by which he will be called: The LORD Our Righteousness. (Jeremiah 23:6)
   

3. The righteousness of Christ is ours by imputation, not by impartation.
   

   God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. (2 Corinthians 5:21)

4. We are justified by faith alone.
   

   For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from observing the law. (Romans 3:28)
   
   He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, (Titus 3:5)
   
   He then brought them out and asked, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" They replied, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved - you and your household." (Acts 16:30-31)

5. Faith is only an instrumental cause in our salvation.