Lesson Plan for Senior Secondary School 1 (SS 1)

Subject: Christian Religious Studies (CRS)

Term: First Term

Week: Week 6

Instructional Materials:

• The Holy Bible

Reference Materials:

• Scheme of Work
• Online Information
• Textbooks
• Workbooks
• 9 Year Basic Education Curriculum

Previous Knowledge:

The pupils have previous knowledge of Love for One Another.

Topic:

Justification by Faith

Biblical References:

• Romans 3:23
• Galatians 3:19-21
• Romans 4:1-5
• Galatians 2:16-21
• Romans 1:16-17
• Galatians 2:19-21
• Galatians 5:22

Behavioral Objectives:

By the end of the lesson, the learners will be able to:

1. Define the meaning and need for justification (Romans 3:23; Galatians 3:19-21).
2. Explain that works and law do not justify anyone (Romans 4:1-5; Galatians 2:16-21).
3. Discuss faith in Jesus as the condition for justification (Romans 1:16-17; Romans 4:1-5).
4. List the fruits of justification (Galatians 2:19-21; Galatians 5:22).

Content:

Sub-Topic 1: Meaning and Need for Justification

(Romans 3:23; Galatians 3:19-21)

Justification refers to the act of God declaring a person righteous or guiltless. This declaration is necessary due to humanity’s sinful nature, as stated in Romans 3:23: “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” This passage establishes the need for justification since everyone has sinned.

In Galatians 3:19-21, Paul emphasizes that the law reveals sin but does not provide justification. Justification is rooted in God’s grace and is available to all through faith in Jesus Christ, not by personal efforts or adherence to the law. Thus, justification is crucial for establishing a right relationship with God.

Key Points:

• Justification means being declared innocent and is a vital aspect of the Christian faith.
• Everyone is in need of justification due to sin.

Interactive Questions and Answers:

1. What is the meaning of justification?
   • It is the act of making something right or acceptable.
2. What is the need for justification?
   • Because of our sinful nature, which separates us from God.
3. What does Paul say about justification in Romans 3:23?
   • He states that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.
4. What does Paul say about justification in Galatians 3:19-21?
   • He explains that justification comes through faith in Christ, not through obeying the law.
5. How does justification relate to our sinful nature?
   • It is the means by which we enter into a right relationship with God despite our sinful nature.

Sub-Topic 2: Works and Law Do Not Justify Anyone

(Romans 4:1-5; Galatians 2:16-21)

According to Paul, justification cannot be earned through works or adherence to the law. Instead, it is received through faith in Jesus Christ. Paul illustrates this by referencing Abraham, who was justified by faith before the law existed (Romans 4:1-5). Additionally, he points out that both David and himself were justified by faith, underscoring that no one can be justified by their works.

Key Points:

• Justification is obtained through faith, not by works.
• The law cannot save or justify anyone.

Interactive Questions and Answers:

1. What is justification?
   • The act of making something right or acceptable.
2. What does Paul say about justification in Romans 3:23?
   • He states that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.
3. What does Paul say about justification in Galatians 3:19-21?
   • Justification comes through faith in Christ, not through the law.
4. How does justification relate to our sinful nature?
   • It is a way to establish a right relationship with God despite our sin.
5. Why can’t works and law justify anyone?
   • Because justification comes from faith in Christ, not from our own efforts.

Sub-Topic 3: Faith in Jesus as a Condition for Justification

(Romans 1:16-17; Romans 4:1-5)

Paul discusses how the Jewish people sought righteousness through the law, yet they were ignorant of God’s righteousness, which is fulfilled in Christ. The blood of Jesus, shed on the cross, serves as the ultimate sacrifice for sin and the means of justification. By confessing that Jesus is Lord and believing in His resurrection, one is saved and justified before God.

Key Points:

• Justification is solely based on faith in Jesus Christ.
• It is essential to confess and believe to receive salvation.

Interactive Questions and Answers:

1. What does Paul say about justification in Galatians 3:19-21?
   • Justification comes through faith in Christ, not through obeying the law.
2. What are the fruits of justification?
   • Includes peace with God, reconciliation, joy, love, and salvation.
3. How does justification relate to our sinful nature?
   • It reconciles us with God, despite our sinful nature.
4. Why can’t works and law justify anyone?
   • Justification is through faith, not our works.
5. What is the role of faith in justification?
   • Faith in Christ is essential for receiving justification and salvation.

Sub-Topic 4: The Fruits of Justification

(Galatians 2:19-21; Galatians 5:22)

The fruits of justification reflect the transformation in a believer’s life and include:

1. Peace with God: A justified individual is no longer under condemnation (Romans 5:1).
2. Working in God’s Vineyard: Justified believers engage in ministry and service empowered by the Holy Spirit.
3. Reconciliation with God: Justification restores our relationship with God.
4. Indwelling of God’s Spirit: The Holy Spirit resides in believers, guiding and empowering them.
5. Enduring Spirit: A justified person develops a character marked by resilience and goodness.
6. Joy: Believers rejoice in the hope of sharing God’s glory.
7. Love: The love of Christ compels believers to love others.
8. Salvation: Justification assures believers of eternal life.

Interactive Questions and Answers:

1. What does Paul say about justification in Galatians 3:19-21?
   • It comes through faith in Christ, not through the law.
2. What are the fruits of justification?
   • Peace, joy, love, reconciliation with God, and the presence of the Holy Spirit.
3. How does justification relate to our sinful nature?
   • It allows us to enter a right relationship with God.
4. Why can’t works and law justify anyone?
   • Justification is based on faith in Christ.
5. What is the role of faith in justification?
   • Faith is the means through which we receive God’s grace and justification.

General Evaluation:

1. From Paul’s letter to the Romans, explain the term ‘Justification’.
2. Identify the fruits of justification.
3. State the conditions for justification.
4. Can man receive justification as far as the righteousness of the law is concerned? Discuss.
5. What role does faith play in the lives of Christians today?

Weekend Assignment:

1. Justification is (a) ability to keep the law, (b) having good character, (c) forgiveness of sin, (d) declaring the guilty guiltless on account of faith.
2. Justification is meant for (a) the Jews, (b) gentiles, (c) those that keep the law, (d) everyone.
3. The following are fruits of justification except (a) peace, (b) hope, (c) humility, (d) hatred.
4. What are the conditions for justification? (a) Praying regularly, (b) giving alms, (c) rejoicing in the Lord and paying homage, (d) repentance and faith in God.
5. One of these is not a condition for justification (a) faith in the death and resurrection of Jesus, (b) strict observance of the law, (c) accepting Christ as Lord and personal Savior, (d) living an exemplary life.
6. Justification is by (a) work, (b) law, (c) faith, (d) character.
7. The following are true about justification except that it is a free gift from God.
8. Justification cannot be received through (a) works of the law, (b) good character, (c) keeping the law, (d) faith.
9. Justification comes through (a) Christ’s work on the cross, (b) our work, (c) keeping the law, (d) by grace.
10. The following are true about justification except that it is necessary for salvation.

Essay Questions:

1. What does justification mean?
2. Discuss the process of justification.
3. Explain the relevance of justification in the life of a believer.

Evaluation Questions:

1. Justification means (a) being declared guilty, (b) being declared innocent, (c) being condemned, (d) being punished.
2. According to Romans 3:23, all have sinned and fall short of the (a) law of Moses, (b) glory of God, (c) teachings of Jesus, (d) commandments.
3. Justification comes through (a) faith in Jesus Christ, (b) good deeds, (c) keeping the law, (d) religious rituals.
4. Abraham was justified by (a) works, (b) faith, (c) the law, (d) tradition.
5. The fruits of justification include (a) guilt, (b) peace with God, (c) condemnation, (d) despair.
6. Justification is necessary for (a) earning salvation, (b) pleasing men, (c) a right relationship with God, (d) performing rituals.
7. The law reveals (a) righteousness, (b) sin, (c) peace, (d) justification.
8. Faith in Jesus results in (a) punishment, (b) salvation, (c) confusion, (d) loss of hope.
9. Justification cannot be obtained through (a) faith, (b) grace, (c) the law, (d) mercy.
10. The ultimate sacrifice for sin is (a) our works, (b) the blood of Jesus, (c) following the law, (d) traditions of men.
11. The condition for justification is (a) attending church regularly, (b) faith in Jesus, (c) performing good works, (d) being baptized.
12. The letter to the Romans explains justification as (a) a burden, (b) a process, (c) a free gift, (d) a requirement.
13. The Holy Spirit empowers justified believers to (a) sin more, (b) live in guilt, (c) bear fruit, (d) isolate themselves.
14. One of the key results of justification is (a) despair, (b) fear, (c) joy, (d) doubt.
15. Justification is by (a) grace through faith, (b) adherence to the law, (c) our own efforts, (d) good character.

Class Activity Discussion:

1. What is justification?
   Justification is the act of God declaring a sinner to be righteous on the basis of faith in Jesus Christ.
2. Why is justification necessary?
   Justification is necessary because all humans have sinned and fall short of God’s glory, which creates a need for a right relationship with Him.
3. How do works relate to justification?
   Works cannot justify anyone; justification is by faith alone and not by works of the law.
4. What does the Bible say about the condition for justification?
   The Bible teaches that faith in Jesus Christ is the sole condition for justification (Romans 1:16-17).
5. What are the fruits of justification?
   The fruits of justification include peace with God, joy, love, and the presence of the Holy Spirit in a believer’s life.
6. How does one receive justification?
   One receives justification by confessing Jesus as Lord and believing in His resurrection from the dead.
7. Is justification a one-time event or a process?
   Justification is a one-time event that occurs at the moment of faith in Christ, although the believer’s journey continues with sanctification.
8. What role does faith play in justification?
   Faith is the means through which we receive God’s grace and justification; it is essential for salvation.
9. Can someone be justified by the law?
   No, the law cannot justify anyone; justification comes through faith in Jesus Christ.
10. What does it mean to be justified by grace?
    Being justified by grace means that it is a free gift from God, not something we can earn or deserve.
11. How does justification affect a believer’s relationship with God?
    Justification restores a believer’s relationship with God, allowing them to be seen as righteous in His eyes.
12. What is the difference between justification and sanctification?
    Justification is being declared righteous by God, while sanctification is the ongoing process of becoming more like Christ in character.
13. What is the significance of Romans 4:1-5 in understanding justification?
    Romans 4:1-5 illustrates that Abraham was justified by faith before the law, highlighting that justification is based on faith, not works.
14. How does justification lead to a transformed life?
    Justification results in the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, who empowers believers to live out their faith and bear fruit for God’s kingdom.
15. What is the ultimate assurance of justification?
    The ultimate assurance of justification is the believer’s hope of eternal life and reconciliation with God.

Evaluation:

1. Explain the concept of justification in your own words.
2. Discuss how Romans 3:23 supports the need for justification.
3. What is the relationship between faith and works in terms of justification?
4. How does Galatians 2:16 emphasize the importance of faith in Jesus?
5. Describe the fruits of justification and their impact on a believer’s life.
6. How does the law reveal the need for justification?
7. In what way did Abraham serve as an example of justification by faith?
8. What role does grace play in the doctrine of justification?
9. How does justification provide peace and assurance to believers?
10. Discuss the implications of being justified in the life of a Christian.

Conclusion:

Today’s lesson focused on the essential Christian doctrine of justification by faith. Justification is a gift of grace that believers receive through faith in Jesus Christ. It emphasizes the importance of a relationship with God that is not based on works but on faith. Understanding justification is crucial for every believer’s spiritual journey.