The Good News of Salvation in Jesus Christ

Studies in Paul’s Epistle to the Romans

Lesson 6 : Excursus: What is Sin? What is Justification?

WHAT IS SIN?  –  Scriptural Proof texts:  (1)  Sin referred to as a state of being  (2)  The source of our external sin actions is said to be within  (3)  This inner source (sin) is an influence which controls our being  –  We conclude sin to be the lack of conformity to the moral law of God, either in act, disposition, or state  –  WHAT IS JUSTIFICATION?  –  BASIC DEFINITION  –  it does not always refer to salvation:  (1)  Man Justifying Himself  (2)  Wisdom is Justified  (3)  God is Justified  (4)  Man is Justified by his Works  –  SPECIFIC DEFINITION: JUSTIFICATION IN RELATION TO SALVATION:  (1)  Justification is a forensic term  (2)  Justification has its foundation in the sacrificial death of Christ  (3)  Justification is declarative function only  (4)  Justification is instantaneous, complete and final  (5)  Justification involves both the removal of punishment and the restoration to favor  –  Elements of Justification: (1) Remission of punishment and (2) Restoration to favor