Justin Martyr on Salvation and the Role of Baptism

In this post I will be excerpting the section from the holy saint Justin Martyr’s discussion with Trypho and his Jewish friends, where this blessed martyr shows that salvation comes only through ou…

Justin Martyr engages in a dialogue with Trypho and his Jewish friends, emphasizing that salvation is only achievable through Jesus Christ. He argues that baptism serves as the spiritual circumcision that the Jewish law foreshadowed. Justin acknowledges that Jewish Christians who continue to follow the Law can still attain salvation, as can those who lived righteously without knowing Christ. He stresses that the Mosaic Law was given due to the people's hard hearts and ultimately concludes that true salvation and righteousness come through faith in Christ, not merely adherence to the Law.

Salvation is exclusively through Jesus Christ.
Baptism is the spiritual circumcision alluded to by the Law.
Jewish Christians can be saved even if they keep the Law.
Righteous individuals who lived before Christ are also saved through Him.
The Law was established because of the people's hardness of heart.

What does Justin Martyr say about baptism?

Baptism is seen as the spiritual circumcision that points to the salvation offered through Jesus Christ.

Can Jewish Christians who observe the Law be saved?

Yes, Justin argues that Jewish Christians who keep the Law can still attain salvation through faith in Christ.

What does Justin believe about those who lived righteously before Christ?

He believes that those who lived according to the righteousness of the Law, even if they did not know Christ, will be saved through Him.