The Heart of the Reformation: Unpacking Justification
At the core of the Protestant Reformation lies a crucial concept that has been subject to misinterpretation: justification. Two primary misconceptions have led to a distorted understanding of this fundamental idea. Firstly, justification is often abstracted from the person of Christ, reducing it to a mere transactional exchange of righteousness for eternal life. Secondly, some assume that justification can be achieved without transformation, leaving individuals unchanged.
Union with Christ: The Key to Transformation
The Reformers, however, never divorced justification from union with Christ. Martin Luther emphasized that through faith in Christ, we receive not only the righteousness of Christ but also Christ himself. This union brings about transformation, as we receive the Spirit who renews us in the image of Christ. In other words, if we are united with Christ and possess his righteousness, it is impossible to remain unchanged.
Responding to Criticisms
One criticism leveled against the Reformers was that preaching salvation by grace alone would eliminate motivation for holiness. John Calvin countered this argument by highlighting the transformative power of union with Christ. When we are united to Christ, we do not merely receive an abstract blessing called heaven; we receive his righteousness and his Spirit, who transforms us into his likeness.
Justification: A Doctrine of Transformation
The mainstream Reformers never taught justification as a concept that could leave individuals untransformed. Rather, they emphasized that justification is inseparable from union with Christ and the transformative work of the Spirit. As Michael Reeves notes, “Justification was never taught by the mainstream Reformers as something that could leave you untransformed.”
A Vital Truth for Today
The Reformation remains vitally important for the church today, and its relevance extends beyond historical significance. The doctrine of justification continues to unite believers who share one Lord, one faith, and one baptism. While doctrines do not save us, they inform us of how we are saved. As R.C. Sproul emphasizes, “The doctrine of justification unites those who share one Lord, one faith, one baptism. And though doctrines do not save us, they correctly inform us of how we are saved.”
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