Chapter Eight. Concluding Remarks: What Is The Lutheran Doctrine Of Justification?

Abstract

Sixteenth-century Lutheranism had a number of ways to define justification. This conclusory chapter constructs five basic models of justification and assesses their compatibility. In doing so this study responds to the question of what the evangelical doctrine of justification is and suggests how it might function both in the spirituality of the church and in ecumenical practice. The models discussed here are as follows: Faith is participation in Christ and His merit; Faith is the renewal of the faculties of the soul by the Holy Spirit; Faith is connection with Christ's divine nature; Faith is a causal effect of the Holy Spirit; and Faith is participation in the person of Christ and His merit, which is effected by the Spirit. These five models form the basis of the formulations of Formula of Concord (FC). In conclusion, the doctrine of justification strenuously denies the meritorious nature of human deeds and love.Keywords: christology; doctrine of justification; Formula of Concord( FC); Holy Spirit; justifying faith; models of justification; sixteenth-century Lutheranism