Grace And Justification

Does the Catholic Church teach that justification is by grace? For 500 years the answer to this question has divided Protestants and Catholics. Many Evangelicals and surprisingly most Catholics believe that the Catholic Church teaches justification by unaided human works. Isn't it past time that both Evangelicals and Catholics investigate whether or not this 500-year-old answer is true? Steve Wood presents a unique ecumenical perspective on several of the contentious doctrines relating to justification (such as works, merit, & infusion) by viewing them through the lens of our adoption by God the Father. He also encourages a simple, yet profound, way to grasp the priority of grace taught throughout the Catechism of the Catholic Church that many unfortunately miss. Readers will learn: The seven main points of difference between Protestants and Catholics on justification listed in an easy-to-understand one-page summary Why it's so easy for Protestants and Catholics to misunderstand each other An amazing view of grace in light of this year's 500th anniversary of the Reformation The surprising way Catholics interpret Romans and Galatians What is the New Perspective on St. Paul and how this teaching is transforming beliefs on justification How many media reports on recent ecumenical documents on justification are misleading How C.S. Lewis uncovered an often ignored aspect of salvation by grace "This is an amazingly accessible presentation of Catholic beliefs about justification and grace. Steve Wood writes with both clarity and charity." -FRANCIS J. BECKWITH, Professor of Philosophy and Church-State Studies, Baylor University "In Grace and Justification, Steve Wood offers a clear, biblical, faithful - and peaceful - guide for addressing common misunderstandings that evangelicals have about Catholic teaching on salvation. But cradle Catholics will find it just as useful for brushing up on the basics. It's simply the best primer I've read. Anyone who reads it - evangelical or Catholic - will be better for having done so." -SCOTT HAHN, Ph.D., Chair of Biblical Theology and the New Evangelization at Franciscan University of Steubenville, and founder of the Saint Paul Center for Biblical Theology "This fine book by Steve Wood is certainly one of the clearest, most readable examinations on the topic of justification I have ever read. It's crucial to get justification right - for ourselves and for our families - since the consequences are eternal." -MARCUS GRODI, author, TV & radio host, and President of the Coming Home Network

A positive, redemptive-historical treatment of justification using a biblical theological framework. Justification reorients us to Gods purpose for us in creation: that we should live freely, yet in absolute dependence on him.

Much has been written of late about what the apostle Paul really meant when he spoke of justification by faith, not the works of the law. This short study by Stephen Westerholm carefully examines proposals on the subject by Krister Stendahl, E. P. Sanders, Heikki Raisanen, N. T. Wright, James D. G. Dunn, and Douglas A. Campbell. In doing so, Westerholm notes weaknesses in traditional understandings that have provoked the more recent proposals, but he also points out areas in which the latter fail to do justice to the apostle. Readers of this book will gain not only a better grasp of the ongoing theological debate about justification but also a more nuanced overall understanding of Paul.

With the topic of justification by either the church or by God such an issue in the time of the reformation it is not surprising that some writers still find issue with it today. This book outlines a puritan view that justification puts you in a state of righteousness before God and that only God can make this change in the life and continued life of the believer.

Over 3 million copies sold! Essential reading for Catholics of all walks of life. Here it is - the first new Catechism of the Catholic Church in more than 400 years, a complete summary of what Catholics around the world commonly believe. The Catechism draws on the Bible, the Mass, the Sacraments, Church tradition and teaching, and the lives of saints. It comes with a complete index, footnotes and cross-references for a fuller understanding of every subject. The word catechism means "instruction" - this book will serve as the standard for all future catechisms. Using the tradition of explaining what the Church believes (the Creed), what she celebrates (the Sacraments), what she lives (the Commandments), and what she prays (the Lord's Prayer), the Catechism of the Catholic Church offers challenges for believers and answers for all those interested in learning about the mystery of the Catholic faith. The Catechism of the Catholic Church is a positive, coherent and contemporary map for our spiritual journey toward transformation.

This volume is the first of a two-part work that evaluates the teaching of justification by faith from the early church to modern times in light of the Scriptures and the ministry of Watchman Nee and Witness Lee. Part 1 begins with a thorough presentation of the evaluative standard by which the authors will measure the teachings of the various Christian traditions. Then, following a historical overview of justification by faith in the major traditions, they proceed to give a detailed assessment of the doctrine as taught in the patristic era, in the medieval era, and by Martin Luther at the inception of the Protestant Reformation. The volume aims to point out the shortcomings and contributions of the first 1,500 years of the church’s teaching on justification by faith and to offer a fresh understanding of this foundational truth of the Christian faith.

A brief but thorough look at the Christian doctrine of justification by grace through faith.