Divine Lexicon

Term

Justification from Eternity

The theological view that the forgiveness of sins is completely stored up in Christ and precedes faith, being received by faith alone.

Filed underHistorical TheologySoteriology

Definition

In the theology of Herman Bavinck, the forgiveness of sins does not come into being by faith and is not acquired by our activities, but it is completely stored up in Christ, precedes faith, and is received and apprehended by faith alone.

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Narrower than

Sources

  1. 1.Reformed Dogmatics. 218Original citation: Bavinck, Herman. Reformed Dogmatics. Vol. 4, Holy Spirit, Church, and New Creation. Edited by John Bolt. Translated by John Vriend. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2008, 218.

Last revised August 14, 2026