CHAIN REFERENCE - Justification
This lesson will teach you how to use a chain reference in a Study Bible for an inductive Bible
doctrinal study--so you can learn for yourself:
 WHAT the Bible teaches about a particular doctrine and
 HOW to formulate its teaching logically so that you can both learn and teach others the
truth of the Word of God.
We’ll be using the New Scofield Study Bible. It is important for you to know what you believe
about this important doctrine as the result of your own inductive study of the Word of God. Four
steps are involved in the process:
Step 1. Gathering Raw Data. Lay out a document in the following format using either your
computer or an 8 1/2” x 11” piece of paper.
Reference
Teaching on Justification
Tag
Now, follow the chain of references on Justification through the New Testament to its end. In
the left hand column write the reference with which you are dealing (these are the “links” in the
chain). In the middle column list the facts that each verse teaches about justification. In the
right hand column write a single word that describes or “tags” the teaching of the verse.
Step 2. Outlining. You now have the “raw data” about Justification. It needs to be “refined.”
There are two parts to this step:
Step 2a. Coarse Outlining. Gather together under subject headings the verses that have the
same “Tag.” Lay out a document in an outline. Develop as many headings as you can. Make
sure to use every reference at least once.
Step 2b. Fine Outlining. Organize your headings and subheadings into logical order. You
now have a logical outline of what the Bible teaches about the doctrine of Justification.
Step 3. Presenting the Doctrine. Following your outline write a brief and concise summary of
what the Bible teaches about Justification. Your summary should be something like an article
that would appear in a Bible Dictionary or Study Bible. It should be drawn exclusively from
your own inductive study of the chain references. Cite Scriptural references when necessary
Step 4. Comparison and Evaluation. You are not the first to undertake a study of the Bible’s
teaching on Justification. You need to compare what you have found with what others have
found. Since you have done your own work, you are now in a position to evaluate the thoughts
of others objectively. On what points do you agree or disagree? What evidence supports their
position? What evidence supports yours? What evidence argues against their position? What
evidence argues against yours?
Joseph Short and James Flohr
Intro to Inductive
Bible
Study
Adapted from BIBL 350 Scofield
Bible Drill
# 2 by
Dr. Paul Fink
Fine Outline of Justification
I.
The Source of Justification – God – Rom. 8:30, 33
II.
The Means of Justification
III.
A.
Christ’s sacrifice is the means of justification – Acts 13:37-39
B.
Grace is God’s means of justification – Rom. 3:24
C.
Works are not a means of justification – Gal. 2:16
D.
Faith is a means of justification – Gal. 2:16
The Results of Justification
A.
We are declared blameless – Acts 13:39
B.
We are saved from God’s wrath – Rom. 5:9
C.
We are given eternal life – Titus 3:7
Lesson Preparation Hint
Use examples your audience can easily understand. Source, Means and Result may seem
too theoretical. But if you liken justification to a late-night trip to Wal-Mart, your
audience may just understand your modern day parable.
Think of justification like a friend driving you to Wal-Mart 30 minutes before curfew.
Your friend symbolizes God, the source of justification. He owns the car. It’s up to him
if he wants to drive you. The car symbolizes the means, God’s grace in sending Christ
and the exercise of your faith. The car is the only way you can get to Wal-Mart and back
before the curfew. Your safe arrival at Wal-Mart symbolizes the results of justification.
Joseph Short and James Flohr
Intro to Inductive Bible Study