(a) What was Paul's exposition of the concept of justification by faith, in Romans? (b)...
(a) What was Paul's exposition of the concept of justification by faith, in Romans?
(b) Mention any four fruits to be derived from this concept.
Explanation
(a) Paul says that all men have sinned and fallen short of God's glory and it was for this reason that Jesus came into the world to restore man to his former status of union with God. It is, therefore, incumbent on man to maintain his former status of union with God. It was incumbent on man to believe and have faith in Jesus in order to become acceptable to God. This acceptance, without conditions, is what Paul termed Justification'. By being justified, our sins are passed over because of the blood shed by Jesus, so that all who believe, Jews and Gentiles alike, are redeemed. God's righteousness is therefore proven by this unconditional acceptance of erstwhile sinners.
(b) Fruits to be derived from the Concept of Justification by Faith leads to:
(i) peace with God;
(ii) sharing in the glory of God;
(iii) love of God;
(iv) expiation of sins through the blood of Jesus;
(v) freedom from the wrath of God;
(vi) reconciliation with God;
(vii) salvation / eternal life through the life of Christ;
(viii) salvation by grace not by self-effort or merit.