Justification by faith

What it is: Justification is understood as a gracious act of God by which the repentant sinner is forgiven and accepted through faith in Christ.

How the tradition understands it: Salvation is divine gift, not autonomous achievement, and inaugurates a new life of discipleship.

Basis and context: This teaching unites the Nazarene tradition with classical Protestantism and with Wesleyanism.

Debates and variations: The Nazarene differential appears more in the later sanctification than in the basic affirmation of justification by faith.

Supportive

Articles of Faith of the Church of the Nazarene

nazarene,articles-of-faith,confession,doctrine

Official doctrinal synthesis of the denomination.

Reference: Articles of Faith present in the Manual of the Church of the Nazarene.
Content: Summarize doctrines on God, Scripture, sin, salvation, sanctification, sacraments, church, and future hope.
Use in debate: The main confessional basis of the Nazarene tradition.

Ephesians 2:8-10

nazarene,bible,grace,discipleship

Salvation by grace oriented to good works.

Reference: Ephesians 2:8-10.
Content: The text articulates grace, faith, and life transformed in good works.
Use in debate: Important for salvation, discipleship, and practical holiness.

John Wesley, The Scripture Way of Salvation

nazarene,wesley,salvation,sanctification

Central Wesleyan sermon on salvation and sanctification.

Reference: John Wesley, sermon The Scripture Way of Salvation.
Content: Relates repentance, faith, justification, and sanctification in coherent spiritual sequence.
Use in debate: Important source for Nazarene theological heritage.