Issues, Etc. Responding to Roman Catholic Teaching, Part 4: Justification – Bryan Wolfmueller, 5/11/26 (1312)
May 11, 2026
Bryan Wolfmueller, pastor and Rome Examined publisher, explains why justification sparked the Reformation. He contrasts Trent’s account with Lutheran forensic language. He discusses Rome’s process view, purgatory’s role, law versus gospel distinctions, and Chemnitz’s critique of Trent. Short, theological, and focused on major controversies around justification.
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Trent Turned Justification Into Faith And Works
- Council of Trent anathematized a caricature of Lutheranism and simultaneously folded works into justification itself, making justification 'faith and works' rather than 'faith then works'.
- Wolfmueller explains Trent condemns a straw man then adds infused works to the justificatory calculus.
Rome Presents Justification As A Lifelong Infused Process
- For Roman Catholic theology at Trent, justification is a lifelong infused process tied to merits and purgatory, not a once-for-all forensic declaration.
- Wolfmueller contrasts that with Lutheran emphasis on forensic declaration and assurance.
Faith Alone Means Faith Alone ForJustification
- 'Faith alone' distinguishes justification's object: faith alone justifies while faith necessarily produces Spirit, love, and works that follow justification.
- Wolfmueller stresses Lutherans distinguish, not separate, law/gospel and faith/works for pastoral comfort.
