(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.

Answer Details

(a) Paul's exposition of justification by faith in Romans (Romans 3-5)

In his letter to the Romans, Paul set out to show how a sinner can be put right with God. His teaching on justification by faith may be explained as follows:

• All have sinned: Paul first showed that both Jews and Gentiles are under the power of sin, for "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." No one is righteous, not even one.
• The law cannot justify: Through the law comes the knowledge of sin, but no human being is justified in God's sight by works of the law. The law reveals sin but has no power to save.
• Justification is by God's grace through faith: A person is justified (declared righteous, put right with God) not by his own works but freely by God's grace, as a gift, through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus. God put Christ forward as an expiation (a sacrifice of atonement) by his blood, to be received by faith.
• The example of Abraham: Paul argued that Abraham was justified not by works but by faith; "Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness." This happened before circumcision and before the law, so Abraham is the father of all who believe, both Jew and Gentile.
• Faith, not works, so that boasting is excluded: Since justification is by faith and not by works, no one can boast; it is entirely of grace, that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to all who share Abraham's faith.
• The blessings that follow: Being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, access into grace, and we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.

(b) Four fruits derived from justification by faith

• Peace with God: "Being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ."
• Access to God's grace: Through Christ we have obtained access into the grace in which we stand.
• Hope of sharing the glory of God: The believer rejoices in the hope of eternal glory.
• Reconciliation with God and freedom from condemnation: The sinner is reconciled to God, forgiven, and no longer under the guilt and penalty of sin.

(Other acceptable fruits: joy even in suffering, which produces endurance, character and hope; and the love of God poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit.)