Justification and Judgment
Is it appropriate to use the term “justify” to describe God’s verdict at the final judgment?
This has admittedly not been common usage in Reformed theology. “Justify” has normally been reserved for the “already” of God’s verdict rather than the “not yet.”
But Paul uses “justify” to refer to the judgment in Rom 2:13, so the usage has to be legitimate.
One might wish that Paul were clearer, more precise, and didn’t use “justify” in what we might perceive is an “improper” sense.
But he did use it that way, and we’re stuck with Paul.
Peter Leithart
Peter J. Leithart is President of Theopolis Institute. He is the author of numerous books on theology, literature, and culture, including Theopolitan, Defending Constantine, and Baptized Body.
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