Jonathan Edwards on Justification
Forensic — righteousness imputed, not infused
It is evident that the subject of justification is looked upon as destitute of any righteousness in himself, by that expression, it is counted or imputed to him for righteousness.
THE POSITION
Justification is a judge's verdict, not a change wrought in the person: God "is pleased, in his dealings with the sinner, so to regard one that has no righteousness, that the consequence shall be the same as if he had." It is more than pardon — it includes a title to the reward of life, a positive as well as a negative righteousness. And faith justifies not as a virtue or a work but as it unites the soul to Christ, so that the benefit follows from the union rather than being paid for the believing.
5 However, to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the wicked, his faith is credited as righteousness.
18 OTHERS HOLD THIS
ABOUT THIS FIGURE
New England pastor, revival theologian and philosopher of the First Great Awakening, dismissed from his Northampton pulpit in 1750 over who may come to the Lord's Table. This entry rests on Freedom of the Will (1754), Original Sin (1758), Religious Affections (1746), An Humble Inquiry (1749), Distinguishing Marks (1741), Some Thoughts on the Revival (1742), An Humble Attempt (1747) and A History of the Work of Redemption, read in the Hickman edition.
Cite this page
"Jonathan Edwards on Justification", Examined Doctrine, July 2026 edition, https://examineddoctrine.com/position/edwards/justification (archived at https://examineddoctrine.com/editions/2026-07/position/edwards/justification).