Short Reflection Paper Grading Rubric (100 Points) Criteria

Short Reflection Paper Grading Rubric (100 Points) Criteria Levels of Ac

The purpose of this assignment is to show your ability to summarize a biblical doctrine and apply this doctrine to your life. This essay must be 400–600 words. The first half of the essay should be a concise summary of the biblical doctrine. The second half of the essay will contain at least 3 specific applications to life. You are required to:

• Summarize a biblical doctrine covered in Theology 202.
• Explain the biblical, historical, and theological contours of the biblical doctrine.
• Apply the biblical doctrine in 3 specific ways to your life.

Submit your Short Reflection Paper by 11:59 p.m. (ET) on Monday of Module/Week 5.

Paper For Above instruction

The following paper provides a concise yet comprehensive summary of the doctrine of justification by faith, a core biblical teaching discussed in Theology 202. It explores the biblical foundations, historical development, and theological implications of justification, and concludes with three concrete ways this doctrine impacts and transforms personal life.

Introduction

Justification by faith is a central doctrine in Christian theology that affirms believers are made right with God through faith in Jesus Christ, rather than by works of the law. This doctrine underscores God's grace and the importance of faith as the means of salvation, emphasizing that salvation is a gift from God, accessible to all who believe (Romans 3:28; Ephesians 2:8-9). This paper aims to summarize the biblical, historical, and theological contours of justification and reflect on how this doctrine influences personal faith and daily living.

Summary of the Doctrine

Biblically, justification is portrayed as God's act of declaring a sinner righteous through faith in Christ. The Apostle Paul emphasizes that justification is received through faith and not by works (Romans 5:1; Galatians 2:16). The biblical narrative demonstrates that justification is rooted in Christ's atoning sacrifice, where His righteousness is credited to believers, imputing righteousness and nullifying their guilt (2 Corinthians 5:21). This divine act is contrasted with human efforts, highlighting the sufficiency of Christ's work on the cross.

Historical and Theological Contours

The doctrine of justification has evolved through church history, notably during the Reformation, when figures like Martin Luther emphasized sola fide—faith alone—as essential for salvation. Luther argued that justification is a forensic act of God, not a process involving human merit. The Council of Trent responded with a more works-oriented view, leading to centuries of theological debate. Today, Protestant and Catholic theologians agree that justification involves divine grace, but differ on the role of human cooperation. Theologically, justification underpins the doctrines of grace and salvation, highlighting God's sovereignty and the humbling reality that humans cannot earn God's favor but receive it freely through faith.

Application to Personal Life

First, understanding justification by faith has transformed my view of salvation as a gift rather than a personal achievement. It reassures me that my standing before God is rooted solely in Christ's righteousness and not my performance, fostering humility and gratitude.

Second, this doctrine encourages me to rely more fully on God's grace in daily struggles and sins, recognizing that sanctification is a process enabled by His continuous work through faith. It prompts me to approach God with confidence, not fear, knowing I am justified and loved unconditionally.

Third, justification influences my relationships with others by cultivating humility and patience. Acknowledging that I am justified by grace alone discourages pride and promotes a compassionate attitude toward others who are also in need of God's grace.

Conclusion

In sum, justification by faith is a foundational biblical doctrine that encapsulates God's grace, Christ's atoning work, and the believer's response of faith. Its historical development highlights the ongoing theological dialogue about salvation, and its personal implications motivate a life lived in dependence on God's grace. As I continue to meditate on this doctrine, I am increasingly compelled to trust solely in Christ and extend similar grace to others.

References

• Gordon, T. (2018). Justification and the Gospel: The Force of God’s Grace. Crossway.
• Luther, M. (1520). Address to the Christian Nobility of the German Nation. Luther's Works.
• Macarthur, J. (2013). Romans: The Gospel of God. Crossway.
• Berkhof, L. (1996). Systematic Theology. Eerdmans.
• Pelikan, J. (2011). The Christian Tradition: A History of the Development of Doctrine. University of Chicago Press.
• Grudem, W. (1994). Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine. InterVarsity Press.
• McGrath, Alister. (2011). Christianity’s Dangerous Idea: The Protestant Revolution. HarperOne.
• Owen, J. (1998). Indwelling Sin. Banner of Truth Trust.
• Stott, J. (2007). The Radical Discipleship of the New Testament. IVP Academic.
• Wesley, J. (1872). Preface to the Eclectic Edition of John Wesley's Works. Wesleyan Methodist Book Room.