What Is Justification? | Stephen Westerholm

How is a person made right with a holy God? Join Kirk E. Miller and New Testament scholar Stephen Westerholm for an in-depth discussion on the vital doctrine of justification. They explore the biblical basis for justification, including primary Old and New Testament passages, key terms like "works of the law," and various interpretations, such as the New Perspective on Paul.

Learn more about this episode: https://www.logos.com/grow/live-what-is-justification?utm_campaign=show-logoslive&utm_medium=podcast&utm_source=spotify

Outline:

(00:00) Welcome

(00:29) Meet Dr. Stephen Westerholm

(01:55) What Is Justification? A Basic Definition

(04:01) Justification as a Legal Term: Acquittal vs. Condemnation

(04:49) How We’re Justified: By Grace Through Faith

(06:11) Law vs. Faith: Paul’s Contrast

(08:46) Why We Need an ‘Extraordinary’ Righteousness

(11:24) Key New Testament Passages on Justification (Romans, Philippians, Galatians)

(17:00) Is Justification Unique to Paul?

(21:30) Second Temple Judaism & ‘Covenantal Nomism’

(25:13) What Is Meant by ‘Works of the Law’?

(29:46) What Does ‘the Righteousness of God’ Mean in Paul?

(33:33) ‘Faith in Christ’ vs ‘Faithfulness of Christ’ (Pistis Christou)

(38:17) A Two-Stage Justification?

(44:25) Why Justification Still Matters?

(48:45) Wrap-Up