Required reading
Dogmatic Theology Vol 2 by William G.T. Shedd (Available from Amazon or here) - Read Chapter V 'Justification'.
My summary
Today's chapter is on justification.
After defining justification, Shedd notes the following particulars:
(i) faith is the instrumental, not the procuring or meritorious cause of justification;
(ii) the justification of a sinner is solely by Christ's satisfaction;
(iii) the justification of a sinner is instantaneous and complete;
(iv) the justification of a sinner is an all comprehending act of God;
(v) the justification of a sinner includes a title to eternal life, as well as deliverance from condemnation;
(vi) justification is a means to an end.
What grabbed me
I enjoyed the closing paragraph: 'Justification is a means to an end. Men are justified in order that they may be sanctified ; not sanctified in order that they may be justified. Redemption does not stop with justification. Rom. 8 : 30, "Whom he justified, them he also glorified." John 8: 11, "Neither do I condemn thee [i.e., I pardon thee] ; go and sin no more." Pardon is in order to future resistance and victory over sin. The sense of forgiveness is accompanied with a hatred of sin, and hunger after righteousness. If the latter be wanting, the former is spurious. An unpardoned man could not be sanctified, because remorse and fear of retribution would prevent straggle with sin. David prays first for forgiveness in order that he may obey in future. Ps. 51:7, 13, "Purge [atone} me with hyssop ; hide thy face from my sins; then will I teach tramigresBors thy ways.'''
We must hunger for holiness, not just justification.
Next week's reading
Read Chapter VI 'Sanctification'.
Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
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