Osiandrianism – Then & Now: Justification Through Christ Dwelling in Us

Abstract

John F. Brug analyzes the historical and theological errors of Andreas Osiander, who taught that justification is based on Christ’s indwelling righteousness rather than God’s forensic verdict. Brug contrasts Osiander’s view—which blends justification with sanctification and aligns with Roman Catholic doctrine—with the biblical and Lutheran teaching that justification is a complete, external declaration of forgiveness based solely on Christ’s merit. He reviews Osiander’s life, the controversy his views sparked, and the unified rejection of his doctrine by Lutheran theologians and the Formula of Concord. Brug also critiques modern Osiandrian tendencies in Catholic–Lutheran and Lutheran–Orthodox dialogues, especially the work of Tuomo Mannermaa, warning against ecumenical compromises that obscure the distinction between justification and sanctification. He concludes that any teaching which makes internal righteousness a cause of forgiveness undermines the Gospel and must be firmly opposed. Generated by Microsoft Copilot (GPT-4).