5. The Holiness and Justice of God

Scriptures for The Holiness and Justice of God

The Holiness and Justice of God are foundational doctrines in Christian theology, emphasizing that God is morally perfect and cannot overlook sin. God’s holiness implies His absolute purity and separateness from sin, and His justice requires that He deal righteously with all things.

Here are 8 scriptures that support the doctrine of God’s holiness and justice:

Leviticus 11:44 (KJV): “For I am the LORD your God: ye shall therefore sanctify yourselves, and ye shall be holy; for I am holy: neither shall ye defile yourselves with any manner of creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.”
- Interpretation: God calls His people to holiness because He is inherently holy. His holiness sets the standard for human behavior and righteousness.
Isaiah 6:3 (KJV): “And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory.”
- Interpretation: This vision of God’s holiness shows His absolute purity and the reverence of the heavenly hosts towards Him. His holiness is beyond human comprehension.
1 Peter 1:16 (KJV): “Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.”
- Interpretation: This reinforces God’s command for His people to live holy lives, reflecting His own holiness in their actions.
Romans 2:6-8 (KJV): “Who will render to every man according to his deeds: To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life: But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath.”
- Interpretation: This passage highlights God’s justice, as He will judge each person according to their deeds—rewarding those who do good and punishing those who do evil.
Psalm 11:7 (KJV): “For the righteous LORD loveth righteousness; his countenance doth behold the upright.”
- Interpretation: God’s justice is based on His love for righteousness. He will always act justly and fairly, rewarding righteousness and punishing sin.
Deuteronomy 32:4 (KJV): “He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he.”
- Interpretation: God’s ways are perfectly just and righteous, reflecting His holiness and His commitment to justice in all matters.
Revelation 15:4 (KJV): “Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest.”
- Interpretation: This scripture shows that God’s holiness is recognized universally, and His judgments are evident, reinforcing His justice in dealing with humanity.
Jeremiah 9:24 (KJV): “But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD.”
- Interpretation: God delights in justice and righteousness, which further supports His holy and just nature.

Scriptures Against The Holiness and Justice of God

While the majority of Christian thought upholds the holiness and justice of God, some scriptures might seem to present challenges or tensions with this doctrine, particularly in the context of God’s mercy and grace.

Romans 3:25-26 (KJV): “Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.”
- Interpretation: This passage speaks of God justifying sinners through faith in Jesus Christ, highlighting God’s mercy rather than immediate justice.
Ephesians 2:4-5 (KJV): “But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ (by grace ye are saved);”
- Interpretation: This emphasizes God’s mercy, possibly suggesting that His mercy might appear to override strict justice.
2 Peter 3:9 (KJV): “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”
- Interpretation: God’s patience and desire for all to repent can seem to suggest that God is willing to delay justice in order to show mercy.
Romans 5:8 (KJV): “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”
- Interpretation: This verse underscores God’s love and mercy, showing that He acts with love rather than immediately enforcing justice.
Psalm 145:8 (KJV): “The LORD is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy.”
- Interpretation: This emphasizes God’s compassion and mercy, which can seem in contrast to the execution of justice.
Jonah 4:2 (KJV): “And he prayed unto the LORD, and said, I pray thee, O LORD, was not this my saying, when I was yet in my country? Therefore I fled before unto Tarshish: for I knew that thou art a gracious God, and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repentest thee of the evil.”
- Interpretation: Jonah reflects on God’s mercy toward Nineveh, showing that God’s justice is tempered by His willingness to relent from judgment.
Matthew 5:39 (KJV): “But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.”
- Interpretation: Jesus teaches non-resistance to evil, which can be seen as emphasizing mercy and forgiveness over justice.
Luke 6:36 (KJV): “Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.”
- Interpretation: This emphasizes God’s mercy, calling believers to reflect that mercy, which may seem to challenge a strict view of justice.

Denominational Views of the holiness and justice of God

1. Roman Catholic Church

View:
The Roman Catholic Church holds that God’s holiness is expressed in the sanctification of believers through the sacraments, and God’s justice is fulfilled in the atoning work of Christ, which is applied through the sacramental system. Salvation is achieved through both faith and works (e.g., the seven sacraments).

Scriptural Basis:

Romans 3:24-25 (KJV): “Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God.”
Ephesians 2:8-9 (KJV): “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”

Arguments For:

God’s justice is fully realized in Christ’s atoning sacrifice, which brings about the forgiveness of sins. The sacraments, especially baptism, penance, and the Eucharist, are channels through which God’s grace is applied, enabling believers to grow in holiness.
1 John 1:9 (KJV): “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

Arguments Against:

Ephesians 2:8-9 (KJV) emphasizes that salvation is by grace alone, and not of works. Some critics argue that the Catholic emphasis on sacraments and good works compromises the sufficiency of Christ’s atonement.
Galatians 2:16 (KJV): “Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.”

Interpretation:

Roman Catholics teach that God’s justice is revealed in the atonement of Christ, and holiness is experienced through the process of sanctification in the Church, facilitated by the sacraments.

Summary:

For: Emphasizes God’s justice through Christ’s atonement and the ongoing process of sanctification through the sacraments.
Against: The sacramental system and emphasis on works may be seen as detracting from the sufficiency of Christ’s atonement.

2. Eastern Orthodox Church

View:
The Eastern Orthodox Church emphasizes God’s holiness through the process of theosis (becoming one with God’s divine nature). Justice is expressed in the restoration of humanity to its original state of holiness, which is accomplished through the incarnation, death, and resurrection of Christ.

Scriptural Basis:

2 Peter 1:4 (KJV): “Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.”
John 17:21 (KJV): “That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.”

Arguments For:

Theosis teaches that God’s justice is not just a legal act of punishment, but a restorative act that brings sinners into union with God, making them partakers of His holiness.
Romans 8:29 (KJV): “For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.”

Arguments Against:

Some Protestant critics argue that the idea of theosis goes beyond the New Testament’s teaching of being justified and sanctified by faith alone and implies an overemphasis on human participation in salvation.
Ephesians 2:8-9 (KJV): “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”

Interpretation:

The Orthodox Church teaches that holiness and justice are experienced through theosis, a transformative process in which believers are gradually made partakers of God’s divine nature, fulfilling the ultimate purpose of salvation.

Summary:

For: Emphasizes holiness through theosis, a transformative union with God, and justice as a restorative work of Christ.
Against: Critics argue that theosis adds human effort to salvation, potentially undermining the centrality of faith in salvation.

3. Evangelical

View:
Evangelicals affirm that God’s holiness is revealed in His perfect character, and justice is satisfied through Christ’s atonement. Salvation is by grace alone through faith alone, and the believer’s life is to be marked by holiness as a response to God’s grace.

Scriptural Basis:

Romans 5:9 (KJV): “Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.”
Romans 3:28 (KJV): “Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.”

Arguments For:

Evangelicals teach that God’s justice is fully satisfied through Christ’s sacrificial death and holiness is imparted to the believer through the Holy Spirit’s work, enabling the believer to live a righteous life.
Titus 2:11-12 (KJV): “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world.”

Arguments Against:

Critics argue that evangelicalism sometimes downplays the importance of good works or sanctification as part of the Christian life, focusing too much on justification without the necessary fruits of a holy life.
James 2:26 (KJV): “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.”

Interpretation:

Evangelicals affirm God’s holiness in His character and justice through Christ’s atonement, but also emphasize the believer’s responsibility to live in accordance with God’s will.

Summary:

For: Emphasizes salvation by grace alone and the imputed righteousness of Christ. Holiness is pursued through the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit.
Against: Possible underemphasis on sanctification and the necessity of good works in the Christian life.

4. Protestant (General)

View:
General Protestants hold to salvation by faith alone, emphasizing that God’s holiness and justice were both satisfied through the atoning work of Christ. Christians are called to live holy lives as a reflection of God’s nature and as a response to His grace.

Scriptural Basis:

2 Corinthians 5:21 (KJV): “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.”
Romans 5:1 (KJV): “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Arguments For:

Protestantism teaches that God’s justice is satisfied in Christ’s sacrifice, and that holiness is achieved through living by faith and obedience to God’s Word, empowered by the Holy Spirit.
Romans 8:4 (KJV): “That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.”

Arguments Against:

Critics argue that some Protestant branches can place too much emphasis on faith alone, possibly neglecting the significance of living a holy life and engaging in good works.
James 2:17 (KJV): “Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.”

Interpretation:

General Protestants believe God’s holiness is revealed in the righteousness of Christ, justice is satisfied in His atoning death, and the believer is called to live a holy life in response.

Summary:

For: Focus on salvation by faith alone, with an emphasis on living a holy life through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit.
Against: Potential downplaying of the role of good works in Christian living.

5. Baptist (Southern Baptist, Independent Baptist, etc.)

View:
Baptists emphasize salvation by grace alone through faith, and God’s justice is satisfied through Christ’s atonement. They place a strong emphasis on personal holiness, the necessity of repentance, and living according to God’s will.

Scriptural Basis:

John 3:16 (KJV): “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
Romans 6:22 (KJV): “But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.”

Arguments For:

Baptists assert that God’s justice is fulfilled in Christ’s death and that Christians are to live holy lives in response to God’s grace. Holiness is part of the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit.
2 Corinthians 5:21 (KJV): “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.”

Arguments Against:

Some might argue that Baptist doctrines can overly stress individual salvation and fail to give enough attention to corporate holiness within the Church.
1 Corinthians 12:27 (KJV): “Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.”

Interpretation:

Baptists uphold God’s justice through Christ’s atonement, and holiness is a result of sanctification through the Holy Spirit.

Summary:

For: Strong emphasis on faith and holiness as the natural response to God’s justice and grace.
Against: Possible underemphasis on corporate sanctification and the role of the Church.

6. Methodist (United Methodist, AME, etc.)

View:
Methodists emphasize the holiness of God and the justice of God through sanctification. The process of justification is seen as a one-time event, but sanctification (or the pursuit of holiness) is an ongoing process. This process involves the believer’s cooperation with the Holy Spirit to live in holiness, reflecting God’s justice.

Scriptural Basis:

Hebrews 12:14 (KJV): “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.”
1 Thessalonians 4:3 (KJV): “For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication.”

Arguments For:

Methodists emphasize the holiness of God as essential for salvation, with justice being fulfilled in the ongoing sanctification process. They also stress the free will of the believer in cooperating with the Holy Spirit for holiness.
2 Corinthians 7:1 (KJV): “Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.”

Arguments Against:

Critics argue that Methodist emphasis on cooperation in sanctification may undermine the doctrine of grace and make salvation appear to depend on human effort.
Romans 11:6 (KJV): “And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.”

Interpretation:

Methodists hold that sanctification is a second work of grace that reflects God’s holiness and is central to the Christian life. Justice is not only seen in Christ’s atonement but also in the believer’s transformation into God’s likeness.

Summary:

For: Emphasizes holiness as an ongoing work of the Holy Spirit and justice as a restorative process.
Against: Potential overemphasis on human effort in the sanctification process.

7. Lutheran (Missouri Synod, ELCA, etc.)

View:
Lutherans believe that God’s holiness is revealed through His perfect nature, and justice is satisfied in Christ’s atoning work. They teach justification by faith alone and emphasize sanctification as a result of faith and the work of the Holy Spirit. The sacraments (particularly Baptism and the Eucharist) are also essential to receiving God’s grace.

Scriptural Basis:

Romans 3:28 (KJV): “Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.”
1 Peter 1:16 (KJV): “Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.”

Arguments For:

Lutherans emphasize that justice is fully satisfied in Christ’s death, and holiness is imparted through the work of the Holy Spirit. The believer is justified by faith, but sanctification follows as the natural outgrowth of that faith.
Romans 6:22 (KJV): “But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.”

Arguments Against:

Some critics argue that Lutheran doctrines of the sacraments might give too much importance to external rites, which could detract from the centrality of faith alone in salvation.
Ephesians 2:8-9 (KJV): “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”

Interpretation:

Lutherans teach that holiness is the result of being justified by faith, with the Holy Spirit working in the believer to produce sanctification. Justice is satisfied in Christ’s atonement, and this leads to personal holiness.

Summary:

For: Strong emphasis on justification by faith alone, with holiness as a work of the Holy Spirit.
Against: Some critics believe there is an overemphasis on the sacraments in the salvation process.

8. Pentecostal (Assemblies of God, UPCI, etc.)

View:
Pentecostals emphasize the holiness of God and the importance of sanctification. Justice is fulfilled in Christ’s atoning work, but Pentecostals emphasize the ongoing experience of the baptism in the Holy Spirit, which empowers believers to live holy lives.

Scriptural Basis:

1 Peter 1:16 (KJV): “Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.”
Acts 1:8 (KJV): “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”

Arguments For:

Pentecostals teach that God’s justice is satisfied in Christ’s sacrifice and that the baptism in the Holy Spirit empowers believers to live a holy life. The experience of speaking in tongues and other gifts is a sign of this holiness and empowerment.
Romans 6:19 (KJV): “I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.”

Arguments Against:

Critics of Pentecostalism argue that the emphasis on speaking in tongues as a sign of the baptism in the Holy Spirit could be misunderstood as a necessary evidence of salvation, rather than as an experience of sanctification.
1 Corinthians 12:29-30 (KJV): “Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?”

Interpretation:

Pentecostals believe that holiness is both an initial experience of sanctification upon salvation and an ongoing process empowered by the Holy Spirit, with the baptism in the Holy Spirit being an essential aspect of living out a holy life.

Summary:

For: Strong emphasis on the baptism in the Holy Spirit as a means of receiving power for holy living. God’s justice is fulfilled in Christ’s sacrifice.
Against: Overemphasis on speaking in tongues as a proof of sanctification may lead to division within the Church.

9. Jehovah’s Witnesses

View:
Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that God’s holiness is expressed in His perfect nature and that His justice is shown through His judgment of sinners. They deny the traditional Christian understanding of atonement and focus on obedience to God’s will as necessary for salvation.

Scriptural Basis:

Romans 6:23 (KJV): “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
John 17:3 (KJV): “And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.”

Arguments For:

Jehovah’s Witnesses argue that God’s justice is demonstrated by the destruction of the wicked, and holiness is the standard by which believers must live in obedience to God’s commands.
Revelation 22:14 (KJV): “Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.”

Arguments Against:

Critics argue that Jehovah’s Witnesses reject the atoning work of Christ on the cross, which is central to Christian understanding of God’s justice. They also deny the full deity of Christ.
John 14:6 (KJV): “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”

Interpretation:

Jehovah’s Witnesses interpret God’s justice through His judgment, which will ultimately destroy the wicked. Holiness is viewed as obedience to God’s laws, particularly as understood through their interpretation of Scripture.

Summary:

For: Emphasis on obedience to God’s commands and judgment on the wicked.
Against: Rejection of Christ’s atonement and deity, and emphasis on works for salvation.

10. Mormonism (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – LDS)

View:
Mormonism teaches that holiness is attained through a process of obedience, baptism, and keeping the commandments of God. Justice is satisfied in part through Christ’s atonement, but they also teach that individuals must work toward their own salvation and become like God.

Scriptural Basis:

2 Nephi 2:25 (Book of Mormon): “Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy.”
Romans 8:17 (KJV): “And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.”

Arguments For:

Mormons believe that God’s justice is shown through Christ’s atonement, but individuals must live a holy life to receive the full benefits of salvation, including exaltation to godhood.
John 3:5 (KJV): “Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.”

Arguments Against:

Critics argue that Mormonism’s view of holiness and salvation through works and obedience contradicts the biblical teaching of justification by faith alone.
Ephesians 2:8-9 (KJV): “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”

Interpretation:

Mormons believe that holiness and justice are intertwined with obedience and the process of becoming like God through salvation.

Summary:

For: Works-based view of salvation and the necessity of obedience and holiness in attaining salvation and exaltation.
Against: Works and the doctrine of eternal progression undermine the biblical doctrine of grace and justification.

11. Seventh-day Adventist

View:
Seventh-day Adventists believe in justification by faith, but also emphasize sanctification as an essential part of the Christian walk. They believe that God’s holiness is exemplified through His commandments, particularly the observance of the Sabbath. Justice is seen in the final judgment, where those who have accepted Christ will be saved, while others will face judgment.

Scriptural Basis:

Romans 3:24 (KJV): “Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.”
Revelation 14:12 (KJV): “Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.”

Arguments For:

Adventists emphasize the importance of obedience to God’s commandments, particularly the Sabbath, as a sign of holiness. God’s justice is ultimately seen in the final judgment and the second coming of Christ.
Matthew 5:17 (KJV): “Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill.”

Arguments Against:

Critics argue that the emphasis on law-keeping (e.g., Sabbath observance) is problematic and may overshadow the doctrine of salvation by grace alone.
Galatians 3:24 (KJV): “Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.”

Interpretation:

Adventists hold that holiness is demonstrated by obedience to God’s commandments, and justice is revealed through the final judgment at Christ’s second coming.

Summary:

For: Emphasizes obedience to commandments as part of holiness. God’s justice is revealed in the final judgment.
Against: Overemphasis on law-keeping could obscure the centrality of grace in salvation.

Conclusion:

The concept of holiness and justice is central to Christian theology, universally acknowledged across denominations as essential attributes of God’s nature. However, different denominations interpret how these divine attributes are applied in the lives of believers. In particular, holiness is often understood as a process of becoming more like God, whether through faith alone, works, sacraments, or a combination of these. Similarly, justice is acknowledged by all but explained in different ways—whether as judgment or as part of Christ’s atoning work.

Each tradition has specific beliefs regarding how holiness is attained (through grace, works, or a combination), and how justice is fulfilled (through Christ’s sacrifice, obedience to commandments, or final judgment). Differences arise primarily in relation to salvation (e.g., by faith alone or through both faith and works), the role of the law, and the nature of sanctification.

While Protestant traditions emphasize justification by faith alone, other groups like the Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, and Methodist traditions place an additional emphasis on the necessity of works or sacraments for holiness. Denominations like the Jehovah’s Witnesses and Mormons diverge in their understanding of Christ’s deity and atonement, which also affects how they approach justice.

Summary Table of Denominational Views on Holiness and Justice (with KJV References)

Denomination	View on Holiness and Justice	Scripture Basis For (KJV)	Scripture Basis Against (KJV)	Key Arguments For	Key Arguments Against
Roman Catholic	Holiness through sacraments; justice fulfilled in Christ’s atonement, cooperating with grace.	Romans 6:14 – “For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.”	Romans 3:28 – “Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.”	Grace through sacraments; justice in Christ’s sacrifice.	Critics argue works-based salvation and sacramental dependence.
Eastern Orthodox	Holiness through theosis (union with God); justice fulfilled in Christ’s atonement.	2 Peter 1:4 – “Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature…”	Romans 5:1 – “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”	Theosis as central to holiness; justice in Christ’s work.	Critics argue theosis is unbiblical and detracts from justification by faith.
Evangelical Protestant	Holiness through justification by faith; justice through Christ’s atonement.	Romans 5:1 – “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”	James 2:24 – “Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.”	Justification by faith alone; holiness through the Holy Spirit.	Concerns over neglecting sanctification and personal holiness.
Baptist (Southern, Independent, etc.)	Holiness through salvation and sanctification in Christ; justice fulfilled in Christ’s atonement.	Romans 6:23 – “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”	Romans 2:13 – “For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.”	Justification by faith; holiness as an ongoing process.	Overemphasis on individualism and neglect of communal holiness.
Methodist (United, AME, etc.)	Holiness through sanctification by grace; justice restored in Christ, believers must strive for holiness.	1 Peter 1:16 – “Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.”	Galatians 2:16 – “Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ…”	Holiness as a cooperative process; justice in sanctification.	Critics argue overemphasis on works and human effort in salvation.
Lutheran (Missouri Synod, ELCA, etc.)	Holiness as a result of justification by faith; justice fulfilled in Christ’s atonement.	Romans 3:28 – “Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.”	Galatians 5:4 – “Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.”	Justification by faith; holiness through the Holy Spirit.	Critics argue that sacramental focus diminishes grace.
Pentecostal (Assemblies of God, UPCI, etc.)	Holiness through baptism in the Holy Spirit; justice fulfilled through Christ’s atonement.	1 Peter 1:16 – “Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.”	Romans 6:23 – “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”	Empowered for holiness by the Holy Spirit; justice in Christ’s sacrifice.	Overemphasis on tongues as evidence of sanctification.
Jehovah’s Witnesses	Holiness through obedience to God’s commands; justice seen in judgment of the wicked.	Romans 6:23 – “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”	Ephesians 2:8-9 – “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God…”	Obedience to commands leads to holiness; justice in judgment.	Rejection of Christ’s full deity and atonement.
Mormonism (LDS)	Holiness through obedience and becoming like God; justice fulfilled in Christ’s atonement.	2 Nephi 2:25 (Book of Mormon) – “Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy.”	Romans 3:28 – “Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.”	Salvation and holiness through works; becoming like God.	Rejection of justification by faith alone and eternal progression.
Seventh-day Adventist	Holiness through obedience to commandments, especially the Sabbath; justice revealed in final judgment.	Romans 3:24 – “Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus…”	Romans 4:5 – “But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.”	Obedience to commandments as holiness; justice in final judgment.	Overemphasis on law-keeping, neglecting grace in salvation.