Luther’s teaching: justification is
the imputation of the righteousness of
Christ; no previous disposition is necessary to
justification; a mere
ignoring by God of our sin and no longer holding our sin
against us;
called justification
“snow covered dung.”
Biblical argument:
1
Corinthians 6:11 That is what some of you used to be;
but now you have had yourselves washed, you were sanctified,
you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ
and in the
Spirit of our God.
Church’s teaching: justification is
the supernatural sanctification and renewal
of the person who thus becomes holy and pleasing to God;
the
sinner is made holy, restored to God’s friendship, in the
state
of grace.