Gerðir kirkjuþings - 1995, Side 108

(6) This is not a new, independent presentation alongside the dialogue reports to date,
nor does it replace them. Instead it refers to these diaiogue reports and is based on
them in every respect - as the appendix of sources shows - and appropriates their
arguments.
(7) Like the diaiogues themselves, this Joint Declaration rests on the conviction tJiat
overcoming the controversial questions between the churches and the doctrinal con-
demnations which liave so far existed neither takes the condemnations lightly nor
disavows the history and tradition of one’s own church. On the contrary, this declara-
tion rests on the conviction that our churches are in a historical process guided by God
in which they gain new insights. E>evelopments take place wliich not only make it
possible, but also require them to examine the divisive questions and mutual condem-
nations of the past and see them in a new light.
1. Biblical Message of Justification
(8) 'God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes
in him may not perish but may have eternal life' (Jn 3.T6). The Holy Scripture, and
especiaUy the Pauline letters, states this, the good news of the gospel, in different
ways: "for freedom Christ has set us free' (Gal 5:1-13; cf. Rom 6:7), 'be reconciled to
God' (2 Cor 5:18-21; cf. Rom 5:11), 'peace with God' (Rom 5:1), 'new creation'
(2 Cor 5:17), being 'alive to God in Christ Jesus' (Rom 6:11,23), or as being 'sancti-
fied in Christ Jesus' (1 Cor 1:2; 1:31; 2 Cor 1:1).
(9) Paul sets forth 'the gospel conceming his [God’s] Son' in a special way as the
message of the 'righteousness of God' or 'justification' (cf. Rom l,3f,15-17), for
therein the other dimensions of Christ’s saving work have their roots. The right-
eousness of God is reckoned to all who like Abraham trust God’s promise in obedient
faith. As God’s gift and God’s power, justifícation is ours in Christ Jesus 'whom God
put forward as a sacrifice of atonement by his blood, effective through faith' (Rom
3:25). Jesus is our Lord 'who was handed over to death for our trespasses and was
raised for our justification' (Rom 4:25). 'For by grace you have been saved through
faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God - not the result of works'
(Eph 2:8f).
(10) Justification thus means the forgiveness of sins (cf. Rom 3:25; Acts 13:39), libera-
tion from the power of sin and death and from the yoke of the law (cf. Rom 5:12-21).
It means acceptance into communion with God: already now, but then fully in God’s
coming kingdom (Rom 5:1-2). To those thus justified God gives the Holy Spirit (Rom
8:10) through baptism (1 Cor 6:11). All this is from God alone, for Christ’s sake, by
grace, through faith.
(11) The justifled live by faith, working through love (Gal 5:6) and they bring forth the
fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:22f). But since powers and desires from within and without
assail them (Rom 8:38f; Gal 5:16-21), believers must constantly hear God’s promises
proclaimed, participate in Christ’s body and blood, and be exhorted to live righteously.
The good news remains: 'there is ... now no condemnation for those who are in Christ
Jesus' (Rom 8:1), and in whom Christ lives (Gal 2:20).
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