1. The 'confusion' is yours and surprising so IF you have actually read Dr. Gerstner's other writings on Roman Catholicism and justification/sanctification. He loves to quote the Reformer's quip contra the RC's fallacious charge regarding this matter of justification is "Sola Fide" that opens the door to unfettered sin... "Justification is by faith alone, but not by a faith that is alone!"

2, Gerstner, myself, and the majority of the Church historically holds to "dichotomy" vs. your "trichotomy".

3. Gill's "eternal justification" is no less in error than all the other similar views of eternal justification:
Quote
Romans 4:1-8 (ASV) 1 What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather, hath found according to the flesh? 2 For if Abraham was justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not toward God. 3 For what saith the scripture? And Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned unto him for righteousness. 4 Now to him that worketh, the reward is not reckoned as of grace, but as of debt. 5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is reckoned for righteousness. 6 Even as David also pronounceth blessing upon the man, unto whom God reckoneth righteousness apart from works, 7 [saying], Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, And whose sins are covered. 8 Blessed is the man to whom, the Lord will not reckon sin.
God eternally decrees the justification of the elect, BUT they are NOT actually justified UNTIL they believe and are thus united with Christ. Justification is NOT simply the assurance of a believer that they have been justified already nope

4. Your interpretation of Rom 2:13-16 actually contradicts your "New Covenant" view. Paul teaches that those, who before Moses received the 10 Commandments, did what that law required showed that they are guilty before the "law" (10 Commandments) and shall be judged as will all mankind, by that "law" (10 Commandments) which is eternally binding and was NOT abrogated at the coming of Christ.... do not respond as this is off topic here. smile

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simul iustus et peccator

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