The seven controverted areas taken up by the declaration are 1) sin and human passivity in receiving justification; 2) interior renewal, that is, the way God not only declares persons justified but also makes them righteous,
independent of human cooperation; 3) justification by faith alone; 4) the justified person as sinner; 5) law and gospel; 6) the assurance of salvation; and 7) the good works of the justified person.