three times in 2:16 as well as in 2:17; 3:8, 11, 24; 5:4. It occurs fifteen times in Romans.a “Justify” frequently carries a forensic sense, as in Rom 2:13, where the verb refers to God’s verdict at the judgment. Similarly, those “justified” in Rom 5:9 will be spared God’s wrath at the judgment. The believer need not fear the Last Day since the future verdict is already assured when a person is justified. In Rom 8:33 God “justifies” in the face of those who would dare lodge charges. The forensic,
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