Introduction
The Doctrine of Justification can be subdivided into two aspects: actual justification and declarative justification. The doctrine, to be understood rightly, must emphasize both of these aspects. Though distinct in their nature and function, the two aspects are interrelated and dependant upon one another for the ultimate act of justification to be complete.
Actual Justification
Actual justification is the act whereby God makes a person righteous (just). It primarily functions in three ways. First, it removes the sinner’s guilt by imputing Christ’s righteousness to the sinner (Rom. 4:6; 6:4, 11; 1Cor. 1:30; 2 Cor. 5:21). Secondly, it removes the sinner’s condemnation by the issuing of forgiveness (Colossians 2:14; Ps. 32:1; Rom. 8:33). Thirdly, actual justification removes our estrangement as enemies of God by reconciling us through the blood of Christ (Rom. 5:8-11).
Declarative Justification
Declarative justification is the act whereby God declares a sinner to be positionally justified. This is also sometimes known as forensic justification, as it relates to the Law. This aspect deals strictly with our position before God, not our experience. Concerning our position before the throne, we are declared to be just. God will then not lay a charge against His elect, since it is He who justifies (Rom. 8:33). It is this declaration of God which gives us legal standing before the holy and just Judge of all the earth (Rom. 2:2, Gen. 18:25, Rev. 4:2).
Their Relationship
These two aspects are contingent upon each other, and occur virtually simultaneously. You cannot separate these acts and classify them in separate places in the ordo salutis. Through our union with Jesus Christ (Rom. 6:3-11; 7:1-4) we partake of His righteousness. We become one with Christ, through His death and resurrection, and we inherit His righteousness as our own. For this reason God is able to truthfully declare us righteous and therefore justified.
In order for God to declare one to be just, that one must be so in actuality, for all of God’s judgments are according to truth (Rom. 2:2). When one becomes just in Christ at that same time God declares him just, accepting him as the righteousness of God (Rom. 6:11; 2 Cor. 5:21). A considerable amount of time does lapse between these events; they are seen as one act of justification.
As the relationship of justification to faith is concerned justification is not the grounds of faith, nor is faith not the grounds of justification. Rather faith is the instrumental cause of justification. Faith is the means by which justification is effected through. We are justified through faith not because of faith.
The Stability of Your Experience
Justification, being a tenet of the Christian faith, is primary to one’s stability because the doctrine rightly interpreted defines one’s position before God and means through which they are to rightly interpret that position. We are positionally righteous and just before God through the means of faith. Our faithfulness does not justify us, nor does our righteous works. We are justified by faith alone. This must be grasped and believed for healthy relationship with God.
Filed under: Soteriology - (The Study of Salvation)
