Rom - Lesson 14

Question 1

Give two related meanings of “forensic” justification.

Answer 1

1. To declare something judicially, or forensically righteous
2. To declare a human being judicially, or forensically righteous based on the imputation of Christ’s righteousness
   a. Most mean this meaning when they use the term “forensic.”

Question 2

Did the Reformation view faith as the instrument or merit of one’s salvation? Briefly explain.

Answer 2

Faith Alone in response to the Catholic view of faith and works. Imputed instrument by another’s merit.

Formula of Concord 3: We unanimously believe, teach, and confess that Christ is truly our righteousness … and that Faith alone is the means and instrument whereby we lay hold on Christ the Savior….

Question 3

What is the relationship between the righteousness of God on the one hand, and Christ, faith, gift-grace on the other in Rom 3:21-26?

Answer 3

Grace is ultimate cause, Christ is the basis, Faith is the instrument.

Question 4

In what sense is the New Perspective on Paul really two new perspectives? (Reading Cara - ch. 1)

Answer 4

1. The first is related to 2nd Temple Judaism
2. Second is related to Paul’s theology of Justification

Question 5

What is Dunn/Wright’s view of final justification? (Reading Cara - ch. 1)

Answer 5

Final justification is partially by works, albeit works produced by the Holy Spirit.

Question 6

Define Sanders’ Covenantal Nomism. (Reading Cara - ch. 2)

Answer 6

1. Second Temple Judaism was not works righteousness oriented.
2. Second Temple Judaism had a soteriological ‘pattern of religion’ so that one entered into teh covenant by election/grace and one stayed in the covenant by obedience to the law.
   Obedience, however, should not be considered merit or works righteousness - per Sanders.
3. Getting in and staying in.

Question 7

Explain Cara’s view that the admission of the Gentiles into the Jewish covenant and admission of Jews to the Qumran community shows that Sanders has exaggerated that “getting in” the covenant is solely by grace in Second Temple Judaism. (Reading Cara - ch. 2)

Answer 7

1. Gentiles were not born into the covenant.
2. The Qumram community had requirements for ethnic Jews to enter into their community.
3. These “getting in” entrance requirements tend to match the “staying in” requirements.