rettferdiggjørelse

Rettferdiggjørelse, in theology, refers to the process by which a person is declared righteous in the sight of God. This concept is central to many Christian denominations, particularly those stemming from the Protestant Reformation. The term originates from the Latin "iustificare," meaning to make just or to declare just.

Theologians generally distinguish between the initial act of justification and a continuous process of sanctification. Justification is often understood as a legal declaration by God, where a sinner is pardoned and accounted as righteous, not because of their own merits, but through faith in Jesus Christ and his atoning sacrifice. This imputed righteousness is seen as God's gift.

Different theological traditions have varying interpretations of how justification occurs. In many Protestant views, justification is solely by grace through faith (sola gratia, sola fide). This means that human works and deeds do not contribute to one's standing before God. The righteousness of Christ is credited to the believer.

In contrast, some traditions, including Roman Catholicism, understand justification as a process that begins with God's grace and is then cooperated with by human free will through faith, good works, and participation in sacraments. While grace initiates and enables, human actions are seen as playing a role in the ongoing state of justification.

The debate over justification has historically been a significant point of divergence between various Christian denominations, influencing their understanding of salvation, the role of the church, and the nature of Christian life.