Maybe They Really Don’t Get It « Heidelblog

R. Scott Clark goes over Reformed theology 101 once more. He says that the Federal Vision error is the same as the Roman Catholic error, which is to confuse justification with sanctification. Justification is based on the works of Christ accomplished for us and outside of us and is therefore perfect. Sanctification is accomplished inside our hearts and souls and is progressive and imperfect, never fully arriving in this life to a point of perfection. We do strive for perfection but only in glorification at our death do we become sinlessly perfect in ourselves.

The focus of the medieval (and Roman) doctrine of justification is the Spirit’s work in us, by which he creates condign merit, i.e., merit that meets the terms of justice, which God must recognize. In the medieval and Roman system the ground of acceptance with God is Spirit-wrought sanctity within us by grace and cooperation with grace.

So, when the Westminster assembly confessed that the ground of justification is outside of us (iustitia aliena) it was standing with Luther and Calvin and the Protestants over against the medieval church and Trent. This is exactly what is meant by the words of WCF 11.1

by accounting and accepting their persons as righteous; not for anything wrought in them, or done by them, but for Christ’s sake alone….

To read the rest of Dr. Clark's article click here:

Maybe They Really Don’t Get It « Heidelblog