Justification by Works: Fate and the Gospel in the Roman Empire

Authors

Robert L. Wilken, Fordham Universtiy, New York

Publication Date

6-1-1969

Document Type

Article

Keywords

christian works, rewards, punishments, origen, aristotle, carneades, fatalism, astrology, justification, justin the martyr

Submission Type

Bible Study; Lecture; Sermon Prep

Abstract

A prominent theme in the Christian writings of the second and third centuries is that men are "rewarded and punished according to the quality of their works." It is sounded in the middle of the second century by Justin Martyr in his First Apology: "We have learned from the prophets and declare as the truth, that penalties and punishments and good rewards are given according to the quality of each man's action." A century later, Origen, in Contra Celsum, lists this belief as an article of faith alongside the resurrection and virgin birth.

Disciplines

Religious Thought, Theology and Philosophy of Religion

Scripture References in this Resource (separated by semi-colons)

Genesis 1:14;

Submission Cost

Free

Submission Audience

Laity; Ministers; Scholars

Recommended Citation

Wilken, Robert L. (1969) "Justification by Works: Fate and the Gospel in the Roman Empire," Concordia Theological Monthly: Vol. 40, Article 37.
Available at: https://scholar.csl.edu/ctm/vol40/iss1/37