Gerðir kirkjuþings - 1995, Qupperneq 109

2. The Ecumenical Problematic of the Doctrine of Justification
(12) In the 16th œntury the interpretation of the biblical message of justification led to
mutual doctrinal condemnations between the Catholic Church and the churches of the
Reformation, and thus it contributed to division in the Western Church. A common
tmderstanding of justification is therefore indispensable to overcoming that division.
By tflWing over relevant insights of recent biblical studies, and drawing on modem
investigations of the history of theology and dogma, the post-Vatican II ecumenical
diaiogue has developed a basic consensxis in relation to the doctrine of justifícation. In
the light of such a common understanding one must reexamine the doctrinal condem-
nations of the 16th century, asking to what extent they apply to the partner today.
3. The Common Understanding of Justification
(13) The good news proclaimed in Scripture along with the theological conversations of
recent decades shape the understanding of justification as Lutherans and Catholics
now present it. The basic principles of their understanding are in agreeement, and
their positions on particular points of doctrine are compatible.
(14) Together we confess: "It is solely by grace and by faith in Christ’s saving work
and not because of any merit in us that we are accepted by God and receive the Holy
Spirit who renews our hearts and equips us for and calls us to good works'7.
(15) All people are called by God to respond in faith to God’s justifying action in
Christ, whereby alone they are both declared and made righteous. They are to make
their own what is proclaimed and imparted to them in word and sacrament in the
community of believers. This faith is itself God’s gift through the Holy Spirit who
works through word and sacrament and who, at the same time, leads believers into
that renewal of life which is brought to completion in etemal life.
(16) We also share the conviction that the biblical message of justifícation directs us in
a special way towards the heart of the New Testament witness to God's saving action
in Christ: it tells us that as sinners we live only from God’s mercy which forgives us
and makes us a new creation and which we only have bestowed on us and receive in
faith, but - in any form whatever - can never eam.
(17) Therefore the doctrine of justifícation, which takes up this message and expiicates
it, is more than just one part of the totality of Christian doctrine. It has a comprehen-
sive critical and normative function also in that it constantly focuses the whole teach-
7 "AIl Under One Christ," 14, in Growth in Agreement, 241-247.
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