ABSTRACT OF SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY. No doctrine of Scripture is
more important than that of justification. It involves the whole
method of the salvation of sinners. It is vitally connected with
all other fundamental doctrines. A correct conception of it
cannot exist when other truths are ignored, or only partially
received. The opinions held upon this point control in great
part the theological views in general of all Christian
individuals and parties. The importance of a correct knowledge
of what God has taught on this subject cannot therefore be
exaggerated. The discussion of this doctrine will be best
presented by a definition of the word Justification, accompanied
by proof of the several statements involved in that definition.
Justification is a judicial act of God, by which, on account of
the meritorious work of Christ, imputed to a sinner and received
by him through that faith which vitally unites him to his
substitute and Saviour, God declares that sinner to be free from
the demands of the law, and entitl