David Bernard

Classical Orthodox View

The Gospel is defined as identifying with the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus by “obeying” Acts 2:38

The Gospel is Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection on our behalf to graciously reconcile us to God through faith.

Justifying Faith = Obedience of believer

Justifying Faith = Believing in the obedience of Christ

Justification is dependent upon what we do by repenting, being baptized and receiving the Spirit

Justification is dependent only on what  God does when He graciously reckons righteous those who trust in Christ.

Justification is equated with all of salvation. Regeneration, sanctification, et. al. are placed in justification

Justification is integral part of salvation but it does not encompass all of salvation.

Justification is confused with regeneration. Justifying faith enables the sinner to be born again, which means to obey Acts 2:38.

Regeneration is distinct but not separate from justification. Regeneration creates the faith of justification.

Justification and sanctification treated as the same work.

Justification is distinct but not separate from sanctification. Justification is God imputing righteousness. Sanctification is the Holy Spirit making the believer righteous.

Justification is a process

Justification is an event with perpetual effect upon the Christian life.

Justification is a progressive salvation experience. Uses language of experience.

Justification is a final verdict of God that a believer in Christ has right standing with God. Uses language of righteousness & relationship.

Justification is fractured or divided into distinct, subsequent acts or experiences.

Justification is undivided and consists of the single act of God counting the believer righteous.

Justification is by different instances of “faiths”

Justification comes through one act of faith in the finished work of Christ.

Justification requires different kinds of faith. Initial faith = proper knowledge of the Gospel and Acts 2:38. Second kind of faith = obedience of Acts 2:38.

Only one kind of faith is necessary to affect justification. Faith consists of knowledge, assent, and trust.

Faith of justification is the means by which man appropriates God’s grace. This comes by yielding, obeying and allowing God to work in us.

The Holy Spirit applies the work of Christ by creating faith in us which unites us to Christ and all his benefits.

To be justified one must fully repent, be water-baptized in Jesus’ Name, and be Spirit-baptized evidenced by speaking with tongues.

Justification occurs when God declares righteous the one who believes in Christ alone.

Acts 2:38 steps are the works of God by which He accomplishes salvation in us.

Justification is the work of God by which He accomplishes salvation outside of us, but for us.

Imputation is where God imparts or infuses righteousness through the Baptism and subsequent work of the Spirit.

Imputation is where God credits or counts Christ’s righteousness to the one who trusts in Christ.