Justification by Faith: The Book of Romans - Research Paper Example

? Justification By Faith, The Book of Romans s s Justification by Faith: The Book of Romans When Martin Luther pinned his 95 indictments on the door of the church in Wittenberg in October 1517, his intention was to only remind the authority that the forgiveness of sins was God’s responsibility alone and that no man had such a capacity. Little did he know that his statement would trigger a movement that later came to be know the protestant church, a church whose view went against some Catholic fundamental believes. One of his main theses emphasized strongly that people’s remission of sins and justification happens by faith alone, not by good works or paying any amount towards it. The just shall live by faith. The Dominican Monk in charge of the Wittenberg Cathedral, Tetzel, had introduced a shameful doctrine of paying for the forgiveness of sins. He saw this as a powerful strategy towards the construction of a church building. After reading Romans, Luther saw this doctrine, amongst others which he came to reject later, as falsified1. His act ignited a fire in Europe that saw the birth of the Protestant church, which up to today is in constant doctrinal conflict with the Catholics. One of the subjects which draw a lot of argument is the subject of Justification by Faith. Both theologians, philosophers, clergy men and average Christians alike have engaged in this century’s old debate about the nature of justification. Inasmuch as both agree that there is an immortal justification of the mortal soul, the means to this justification seems to draw a significant difference between Catholics and Protestants. Some hold that believes that are justified by faith alone while the rest strongly believe that justification happens due to faith and good works alone. From this, it is clear that both sides agree that faith is essential for justification, with the role of good works in justification being a subject of great deliberations. Several scholars have written about this pertinent argument. Most of them, (Sprout 2010, Stearms 1852 et. al) have agreed that these arguments do not stream from the eminent nature of the two words, but rather from their meaning. One group sees justification as being made right with God; the initial step towards Christian living, whereas the other group sees justification as a continuing process, a day by day activity until we reach our final destiny. This paper will attempt to shade some light on the topic of justification by faith as handled by the Apostle Paul in his epistle to the Romans. This Book is the longest Pauline epistle, besides being referred to as the most important theological legacy in history of Christianity. Most scholars have described the Book as Paul’s masterpiece. Wright, N (…) calls it “neither a systematic theology nor summary of Pauls’ lifework, but his master piece, which dwarfs most of his other works, an Alpine peak towering over hills and villages.” The epistle is believed to have been authored by Paul himself when he was in Corinth, probably when he was about to live the city to Jerusalem. There are few objections to this, stating that the letter was authored by his secretary, Tertius, under his direct instruction. Most scholars have agreed that the Books written between 55-56 A.D or 56-57 A.D., a time when Paul was about to leave Corinth for Jerusalem2. However, some scholars have disputed these dates, giving 58 or 55 as possible dates. Ludemann (…) argues that the epistle was written in early 51 or 52. Paul was addressing the church in Rome, which was made up of both Jews and Gentiles. The larger Roman population was Jewish; hence they were able to influence a substantial number of Gentile converts. While scholars are in most cases able to determine the style of most New Testament Books, the Book of Romans has proved a challenge to most. They have been unable to agree on whether the Book is a just a letter or an epistle. Deismann (1927) states that a letter is more non-literary, being a communication between two people who are separated. Its contents are intended only for a specific person or group of people. On the other hand, an epistle is in literary form, being intended for the public rather than an individual or group of individuals. Besides, some scholars have described it as a theological treatise, dealing mainly with the facts and arguments about the subject of Christianity3. Paul uses a style common in his time called diatribe, where he often focuses on only one part of the audience, either the Jewish members or the Gentiles and sometimes focuses on the whole church. This epistle served as his introduction to them since he had not visited the Roman church prior to its composition. From the mode of his salutation, it is probable that the church in Rome was made of up to five households. He had planned to visit Rome earlier, but his intention hindered when he was arrested in Jerusalem. He indeed went to Rome later, as a prisoner. Just like most of his other epistles, the book of Romans was written to proclaim the doctrine of Christ and inspire the believers. Since he himself was a Roman citizen, it is expected that he had a distinct passion for his fellow Roman believers (Romans 1:8-9). The Book of Romans could be categorized as a doctrinal epistle due to its emphasis on the statements of faith and controversial beliefs of that age, some of which have continued to live to today. The overall subject tackled in the book is undoubtedly Justification. The Book can be divided into 4 sections namely the need for justification (Romans 1-3), the provision of justification (Romans 4- 8), the vindication of justification (Romans 9-11) and the practice of justification (Romans 12-15). In his opening remarks, he condemns men for sinfulness and expresses his desire to preach in Rome. Paul is unhesitant to declare that he is not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God unto Salvation (Romans 1:16). In the first chapters, Paul describes the Power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and its role in the justification of men. He declares that he longs to visit Rome so as to influence his fellow Roman citizens with the Gospel of Christ4. He also reminds them about the coming wrath of God on mankind. Paul is also very sensitive to his audience, who by this time were a growing church. Whenever he reprimands them, he gives them a positive encouragement. Paul argues that God cannot be unjust just because our righteous acts bring out more of His righteousness. He notes that both the Jews and Gentiles are under the Power of sin (Romans 3:9). He draws several Old Testament scriptures to advance his argument that no one can be declared justified before God by the law, or the works of his hands. He argues that God’s righteousness has been made known by His prophets. This righteousness cannot hence be achieved by works but by faith (Romans 3:27-28). By pointing again to several scriptures in the Old Testament, Paul develops his argument about the justification by faith. In chapters 4 through 8 Paul describes how justification has been provided. He states the importance of being justification as receiving peace from God. The only reason for boasting is the fact that one has received the hope of glory in Jesus Christ. In chapter 5 Paul artistically portrays how God has loved us, by giving His son to die for us. He points out that the justification by Jesus’ blood saves us from God’s wrath. Throughout the Book, Paul uses examples from everyday life, reminding the Romans that the human nature is limited. Paul also uses complex illustrations to explain a simple point. He then breaks down the illustration to fit into the new church’s capacity to understand. In chapter 7, when he is demonstrating how his mind is a slave to God’s law, but a slave to the law of sin in the sinful nature, he gives a detailed explanation on why the law is not sinful5. He concludes the section by stating that “there is therefore no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus”. (Romans 8:1). He urges the Romans to move forth with confidence for the creation awaits their manifestation as the sons of God. Nothing will separate them from the justification of God. From Chapter 9 Paul reminds the Romans that God’s plan about Israel was still intact. Pointing back to the story of Abraham, he argues that Israel was not justified by God because of its natural descent from Abraham, but because of the promise God gave. He illustrates this by giving the example of Esau, who besides being a descendant of Abraham, did not receive the promise. He drives yet another argument to support his view about justification; the Gentiles have received justification by faith while Israel, who pursued, missed it because they sought it with works. Paul is also fast to state that God has not rejected his people Israel. In Romans 11:11, he refers back to Elijah, and states that God has also stored up a remnant for Himself in this age. He states that even though Israel fell, it did not fall beyond recovery, but the reason for that was that salvation could come to the gentiles. This would in turn make Israel envious and bring them to salvation. He reminds the gentiles that now that they have become grafted among the Israelites, they should not boast about it. Even if some branches were broken off for them to be grafted in, they should realize that these were broken off for their unrighteousness, and that the gentiles are grafted in for their faith. The final chapters of the book are exhortations to the Romans to present themselves holy before God. He urges them to be humble n their walk with God and to tolerate one another, for no one can stand without the other. He gives a classic of the human body to explain the importance of every Christian in the Christian ministry. He also narrates the nature of love and the importance of submission to authorities. He also urges them to bear with those whose faith is weak, without quarreling. Chapter 16 contains a list of people to whom Paul salutes. As Paul was font of recommending people to his audience, the Book of Romans was no different. He gives a recommendation of Phoebe, a deacon who probably carried the letter to the Romans. He also makes mention of the friends on his side who have assisted him in his ministry. When the apostle Paul wrote this epistle to the Romans, he intended to put it clear that all people would gain justification if they believed in God. He emphasized that Salvation was only achievable through the gospel of Jesus Christ. His opening remarks in Romans 1:16-17 state “For I am not ashamed of the gospel: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek6. For therein is revealed a righteousness of God from faith unto faith: as it is written, But the righteous shall live by faith.” He then proceeds to show that all men are in need of justification. He gives reasons as to why both the Jews and the Gentiles are in need of justification. Paul is very categorical on his stand about the justification by faith. In the fourth chapter, he states that Abraham’s justification happened as a result of his faith in God, but not his works. On a follow up statement he notes that if this justification had happened by works, Abraham would have a reason to boast, but not before God. It is also evident that Paul refers to several Old Testament people and events to explain the truth in this Epistle. For instance, in he cites Abraham, who believed God and it was counted to him as righteousness. He again points to Adam in his illustration about inherited sin. He also mentions Isaac, Sarah’s child of promise when referring to Christians as the children of promise of God’s grace in Jesus Christ7. He also brings to memory the journey of the Israelites and proclaims that God has not forgotten the nation. Here he illustrates that those who have the privilege of being God’s children could lose it, if they are not faithful. There have arisen several integrity issues about the book. Firstly, the final chapter of the book, Chapter 16, is more so considered to be part of Ephesians than Romans. This is because Paul mentions so many names in his greetings. Considering Paul had never been to Rome before, it is strange that he seems to know so many people. This contrasts to his stay in Ephesus, where he spent three years. It is also generally assumed that the original letter was longer than the version available today, having being shortened and copied by scribes. Moreover, it is important to note that the centuries old debate between Catholics and Protestants about justification is slowly coming to an end8. This was after several Catholic and Lutheran authorities met in 1999 and agreed to form a unitary doctrine bout justification. The doctrine embeds both Catholic and Protestant views. There have also arisen some other different views about justification from those of the two churches. The New Church’s doctrine states that man cannot justify himself, but must believe and love God with all his heart, mind and soul9. From the foregoing, we can conclude that justification by faith is the message that Paul portrays in the book of Romans. This justification is what is needed for true Christian living. It is the sole reason why Christians engage in good works; these good works are as a result of justification, not a cause of it. In a similar manner, this justification is obtained from God, by His mercy and not from the law. The law is not capable of justifying. Rather, it brings to life the power of sin in one’s life. Another observation worth noting is that there is a need to be obedient to the authorities. This is because they are God’s servants. It is possible that, by mentioning the authorities, Paul is implying that authority helps bring justification on the land. Our obligation is to obey them and be faithful in our responsibilities10. Again, we can comfortably say that the debate on justification is more so a debate about words more than a debate about its application. All views, Catholic, Protestant and the new Church speak about the same thing, only from different point of view. Therefore, rather than keep debating about the word, it would be easier of all the Christian authorities worked together to find an agreeable definition of the Word. Bibliography Alston, Family. Epistemic Justification: essays in Theory of Knowledge. Cornell: Cornell University Press. 1989. Berman, David. Berman’s Commentary on the Book of Romans: A Verse by Verse Study. Oklahoma City: Tate Publishing. 2007. Lane, Anthony. Justification by Faith in Catholic Protestant Dialogue. New York: Continuum International Publishing Group. 2006. Ludemann, Gerd. Paul: The Founder of Christianity. New York: Prometheus Books Publishers. 2002. Martin, Gibb. The Book of Romans. Edinburgh: NELSON/WORD Publishing Group. 2007. Moo, Douglas. Encountering the Book of Romans: A Theological Survey. Bloomington: Baker Academic. 2002. Rendell, Ruth. The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Romans. Edinburgh: Canongate Books. 1999. Sproul, R.C. Justified by Faith Alone. Wheaton: Crossway Press. 2010. Stearms, Jonathan. Justification by Faith: A Sermon Delivered Before the Synod of New-York and New-Jersey, in Poughkeepsie, N.Y., on Wednesday Evening, October 20, 1852. Princeton: Princeton University Press. 1852. Wright, N. T. Justification: God’s Plan and Paul’s Vision. Westmont: Intervarsity Press. 2009. Read More