Articles

Paul’s Doctrine of Justification: Ecclesiology or Soteriology? by Aaron O’Kelley
Articles , New Testament / September 27, 2016

JBTS 1.1 Article 1 Aaron O’Kelley serves as a Pastor at Cornerstone Community Church in Jackson, TN and as Director of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Jackson Extension Abstract: The new perspective on Paul places the doctrine of justification primarily in the category of ecclesiology, as a declaration of covenant membership that is common to Jews and Gentiles alike. However, Paul’s use of key terms in the realm of “righteousness” terminology, as well as the phrase “works of the law” indicates that Paul’s doctrine of justification belongs in the category of soteriology, referring primarily to the standing of individuals before God. Nevertheless, this traditional Protestant understanding of justification has significant implications for the doctrine of the church, which the new perspective has rightly pointed out. Key terms: new perspective on Paul, justification, righteousness, works of the law, soteriology, ecclesiology. Share this on: FacebookTwitterLinkedin