Shaping Today’s Generation’s Concept on Justification by Faith:  An Exegetical Study on Psalms 32

Jaylord Hernando

doi:10.35974/isc.v11i7.3531

Authors

Jaylord Hernando Adventist University of the Philippines- College of Theology

https://doi.org/10.35974/isc.v11i7.3531

Keywords:

Maskil, Justification by Faith, Transgression, Testimony, Righteousness

Abstract

This study addresses the prevalent struggle among students in understanding and living out the concept of justification by faith. While much of the discourse on justification by faith stems from Pauline epistles, this paper explores its presence in the book of Psalms, specifically Psalm 32. Through a biblical-exegetical analysis, the study investigates how Psalm 32 implicitly conveys the theme of justification by faith. The research begins by considering the context, genre, analysis, and theological implications of the pericope. The methodology involves examining the first five verses of the Psalm where the Psalmist’s testimony of forgiveness and righteousness unfolds. The analysis of Hebrew terms such as “blessed” (אַשְׁרֵ֥י/asheriy), “transgression” (פֶּ֗שַׁע/pesha), “sin” (חֲטָאָֽה/hattah), and “iniquity” (עָוֹ֑ן/avon) that signifies wholeness and totality of sin can attain “forgiveness” (נְֽשׂוּי/nesuy), his sin can be “covered” (/כְּס֣וּי kesuy), and imputes [righteousness] (יַחְשֹׁ֬ב/yahsob) to the believing sinners which offer a detailed threefold forgiveness from sin as a result of true repentance and divine grace. It highlights the comprehensive nature of God’s forgiveness and the total transformation it brings to the believer’s life. With that, by linking scriptural insights with contemporary issues of justification, this study provides valuable implications for theological education, aiming to enhance the understanding of justification and encourage righteous living among students. It underscores the need for doctrinal clarity and experiential faith, proposing that a proper grasp of justification by faith is essential for personal spiritual growth and moral integrity in today’s context. Thus, the study aims to uncover how the Psalmist’s experience with God’s grace can inform and shape the understanding of justification by faith among students today. Ultimately, this paper seeks to bridge the gap in biblical exegesis on Psalms and its relevance to its contemporary struggles with righteousness and faith.

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