Christianity 2D

Question 1

Definition of Justification:

Answer 1

Justification means being made righteous in the sight of God, often linked with the belief that Christians are saved from sins at the day of judgment.

Question 2

Christ’s Crucifixion and Salvation:

Answer 2

Christians believe that Christ’s crucifixion, death, and resurrection serve as a ransom for the sins of humanity. Through this sacrifice, sins are forgiven, and believers have the promise of eternal life.

Question 3

Medieval Catholic Beliefs on Justification

Answer 3

In the Middle Ages, Catholics believed that justification or salvation was linked with baptism and penance. Baptism began the process of making an individual righteous by removing original sin, while penance, including confession to a priest and performing acts of contrition, was seen as necessary for forgiveness of sins and eventual entry into heaven. Purgatory was believed to be a place of temporary suffering where souls completed penance for sins before entering heaven.

Question 4

Right

Answer 4

Romans 1:17 - “For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: ‘The righteous will live by faith.’”

Question 5

Just

Answer 5

Romans 5:1 - “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Question 6

Know

Answer 6

Galatians 2:16 - “know that a person is not justified by the works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ.”

Question 7

Grace:

Answer 7

Ephesians 2:8-9 - “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.”

Question 8

Latin term for by faith alone

Answer 8

Sola fide

Question 9

Biblical basis for Luther’s belief in justification by faith alone

Answer 9

Right: Romans 1:17Just: Romans 5:1Know: Galatians 2:16Grace: Ephesians 2:8-9

Question 10

Contradiction between the Epistle of James and St. Paul’s teachings

Answer 10

James asserts that a person is justified by works, while Paul emphasizes justification by faith alone.

Question 11

Definition of indulgence, who encouraged their sale, and why Luther rejected them

Answer 11

Indulgence: Document granting remission from penance for sins, encouraged by Johann Tetzel, rejected by Luther due to belief in salvation by faith and personal relationship with God.

Question 12

Aspects beyond faith for getting to heaven

Answer 12

Good Works: Demonstrating faith through actions aligned with God’s will.Repentance: Acknowledging and turning away from sin as part of the salvation process.

Question 13

Reason for the Council of Trent

Answer 13

Response to the Protestant Reformation’s doctrinal and disciplinary challenges.

Question 14

Main questions discussed at the Council of Trent regarding justification

Answer 14

Is justification solely the gift of God?What is the relationship between faith and good works?How do the sacraments relate to justification?Can people have assurance of their justification, and can they earn it through works?

Question 15

Two phases of justification according to the Council of Trent

Answer 15

Phase 1: Righteousness mediated through baptism as God’s gift of grace.Phase 2: Righteousness increased through participation in the Eucharist, penance, and the performance of good works.

Question 16

Council of Trent’s Assertion

Answer 16

“By his good works, the justified man acquires a claim to supernatural reward from God.”

Question 17

Protestant Response

Answer 17

Good works do not merit grace; salvation is a gift from God, unmerited and received by faith alone.

Question 18

Council of Trent’s Assertion

Answer 18

“To those who work well unto the end, life eternal is a recompense to their good works and merit.”

Question 19

Protestant Response

Answer 19

Eternal life is the gift of God (Romans 6:23), available now to those who believe (John 5:24); the only work necessary for salvation is to believe (John 6:29).

Question 20

Protestant Claim

Answer 20

Christian believers work not to receive salvation but because they have already received it; good works are not necessary for salvation but are the inevitable result of salvation.

Question 21

E.P. Sanders’ Theory

Answer 21

Paul’s ideas about salvation developed within Judaism’s framework of covenantal nomism, where obedience to God’s commandments maintained one’s status in the covenant.

Question 22

Paul’s Solution and Problem

Answer 22

Solution: In Jesus, God acted to save the world. Problem: The world is in need of salvation, but the Mosaic Law was not the only means of salvation.

Question 23

Critique of the Mosaic Law

Answer 23

The problem with the Mosaic Law was not its inability to make people righteous, but that it gave the wrong kind of righteousness, excluding Gentiles and fostering ethnic pride among Jews.

Question 24

Sanders’ Critique of Luther

Answer 24

Luther’s rejection of the law in favor of sola fide (justification by faith alone) misinterprets Paul, as Paul was not against the law but sought a new covenant in Jesus

Question 25

Critique of Sanders’ Theory

Answer 25

Uses non-biblical, rabbinic sources to override biblical teaching.Explains away contradictory evidence of Jewish belief in righteousness by works.Fails to address the problem of self-righteousness among those strictly adhering to God’s commandments.