In the Bible, justification is forensic not ethical.

While the gift of God’s grace enables man to ethically choose what is right over what is wrong rather than conferring a substance upon man, like the Roman Catholic position. That does not mean that justification is an ethical act of God, for if it was he would be bound to condemn all for falling short. However; in His divine sovereignty and providence, God has chosen to forensically declare, as judge and ruler of all, some righteous while simultaneously condemning the guilty. Looking at the Old Testament in Deuteronomy 25:1; we see specifically during the time the Mosiac covenant and the giving of the law, God commands the Israelites to bring their disputes before judges to forensically declare the innocent and the guilty. Then in Proverbs 17:14-15, we see the wisdom of Lord applied to dispute with an enemy again leads to an acquittal or condemnation. Finally, looking at the New Testament in Romans 8:33-34; Paul specifically connects God’s justifying act of the chosen in Christ to the charge given that comes from a dispute. When seen in the full light of Scripture we can easily trace justification back to the enmity between God and the human race, and the need for a declarative act to acquit man of his guilt before a righteous God. The forensic nature of justification provides that acquittal passively to the believer, while the intimate relationship that results actively penetrates and convicts the believer’s heart of their own guilt. By recognizing the guilt, the believer comes before a righteous judge, seeking forgiveness and giving thanks for the promise of life instead of death.

The relationship between justification, union with Christ and sanctification.

From the reformed perspective the relationship between justification, union with Christ and sanctification is more simultaneous than linearly represented on a timeline. Justification is God’s declarative act, external from the believer to acquit their sin and impute Christ’s righteousness upon them by covenanting with the believer and entering into a relationship that promises life. That relationship is best seen as union with Christ, which literally gives the believer life. This is not an ordinary life, but one that is transformative of the mind and a renewal of the will to seek and worship God above anything else. Union with Christ offers the believer an everlasting hope and a secured promise of eternally life based on the justifying act of God’s declarative righteousness. At the same time that righteousness and everlasting life are offered to the believer, so they are changed, purified and made holy by the sanctifying power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus Christ chooses to tabernacle within the heart and mind of the believer, changing them forever from sin to righteousness as he becomes sin for us. Justification, union with Christ and sanctification all come to us instantly the moment the believer is saved. Each will be fully realized upon the resurrection and glorification of the body, but each are also fully promised and granted to the believer in the salvific gift of God’s grace.

The relationship between regeneration, external call and effectual call.

Regeneration, the external call and the effectual call are tightly bound together, but are not identical. While not identified with one another as equals there is a clear relationship between them all that is woven into the life of the Christian. Each is essential for salvation, therefore each play a distinct role in the salvation of a believer. The external call to hear the Gospel is freely given to all and is mandated by the church to liberally preach the Gospel, for without the preaching none would hear and without hearing none would believe (Romans 10:14). In the midst of the external call, the one who hears will be effectually called to the Lord. While election has taken place eternally, it must be realized within history and the life of the believer. All who are effectually called will come to saving knowledge of the Lord, therefore effectual calling precedes regeneration. Regeneration is the origin of a new spiritual life within the believer which confirms their effectual call and demonstrates their obedience to the external call of the Gospel of grace by faith in Jesus Christ.

Mid-Term - Identify

1. Title of Book 3 of Calvin's Institutes

The way in which we receive the grace of Christ: the benefits that come to us and the effects that follow

2. Historia salutis, ordo salutis

a) Redemption accomplished through the once and for all acts of Christ.
b) Redemption applied through union with Christ.

3. Hoekema’s pentagon (draw it)

4. Broader and narrower use the word “regeneration”

a) Total renewal of person in Christ that generally encompasses gift of new life and sanctification.
b) Origin of life that focuses upon the moment that one becomes a Christian.

5. External call and particular call

a) The verbal call heard by all who hear the Gospel proclaimed and witness the acts of God in creation.
b) The inner call heard only by those who have been elect to seek the Kingdom of God.

6. “Inner man,” “outer man”

a) The internally renewed, justified and sanctified self who enjoys the benefits of being in Christ at present.
b) The outward wasting away body that endures the effects of sin, the fall and the curse which groans with creation longing for the day of resurrection.

7. notitia, assensus, fiducia

a) Knowledge that is necessary for salvation.
b) Assent that is belief and application of salvation.
c) Faith that is total entrustment to Christ for salvation.

8. forensic justification

The declarative act of God, as judge, that acquits sin on the basis of Christ’s righteousness, not our own, as a holy and perfect judgment.

9. ground of justification

Not man’s righteousness obtained by the law nor man’s faith, but Christ’s own righteousness obtained by obedience to the Father, death upon the cross and resurrection as firstfruit.

10. “alien righteousness”

Not man’s righteousness obtained by the law, but righteousness of and from God, conferred upon man by grace through faith in Jesus Christ.