Doctrine of Justification
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Here is a balance of truth: It is justification by Grace through the means of faith; the faith of Christ and our faith in Christ. Thus, we can say that justification which is by faith of Jesus Christ is unto all and upon all them that believe are truly justified by his grace.
Romans 4:16 Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all,
Galatians 2:16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.
Romans 3:22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:
Romans 3:28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.
Galatians 3:24 Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.
Romans 4:16 Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all,
Galatians 2:16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.
Romans 3:22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:
Romans 3:28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.
Galatians 3:24 Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.
Notice Romans gives Abraham as an example before his circumcision takes place, thus Paul can use him as an example to the uncircumcision (Gentiles) of faith alone that justifies a man. However, in James he is addressing the twelve tribes in a different dispensation where faith plus works justifies a man to be saved through the tribulation period when they will be scattered abroad. Eternal salvation is not the issue, but being saved through a horrific tribulation into the Lord's physical kingdom on earth. When James uses Abraham, it is after his circumcision and Abraham demonstrates his faith through works using the example of sacrificing his son Isaac. Abraham, the father of us all, is being used as a dual type to the circumcision and uncircumcision.
James 2:24, "Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only."
Paul never states that works must follow faith in order to justify a man. Contrary, he gives us an example of a man who's works are burned because they did not abide the judgment fire, yet he himself was saved. See 1 Corinthians 2.
Does God need to see our works in order to justify a man's eternal salvation? I thought the moment the Spirit enters a man, that's what justifies him? I believe that the faith that saved me was not my own but the faith of Christ. Christ did all the work I need to be justified. Should we go on to good works? Absolutely, but not for justifications sake, but to serve our Savior.
James 2:24, "Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only."
Paul never states that works must follow faith in order to justify a man. Contrary, he gives us an example of a man who's works are burned because they did not abide the judgment fire, yet he himself was saved. See 1 Corinthians 2.
Does God need to see our works in order to justify a man's eternal salvation? I thought the moment the Spirit enters a man, that's what justifies him? I believe that the faith that saved me was not my own but the faith of Christ. Christ did all the work I need to be justified. Should we go on to good works? Absolutely, but not for justifications sake, but to serve our Savior.
Is James telling us we need to justify ourselves before God or man? James uses the example of Abraham. Was Abraham justified before God or man?
Genesis 22:12, "And he said, Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any thing unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me."
James is telling his audience that justification comes from works and faith, not just faith only. Paul never instructs the body of Christ that works justifies a believer.
Genesis 22:12, "And he said, Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any thing unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me."
James is telling his audience that justification comes from works and faith, not just faith only. Paul never instructs the body of Christ that works justifies a believer.
There is only one way we can be justified,and is the end result of our salvation,and that is to allow the Spirit to lead you,for if not,then love,faith,grace,justification,and salvation,have no meaning,no meaning whatsoever.
Led by the Holy Spirit is the only thing that will give us justification,for if not we are doing it of the flesh.
Rom 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
Rom 8:2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.
Rom 8:3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:
Rom 8:4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
Rom 8:5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.
Rom 8:6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
Rom 8:7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
Rom 8:8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
Rom 8:9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
Gal 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
Gal 5:23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
Led by the Holy Spirit is the only thing that will give us justification,for if not we are doing it of the flesh.
Rom 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
Rom 8:2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.
Rom 8:3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:
Rom 8:4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
Rom 8:5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.
Rom 8:6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
Rom 8:7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
Rom 8:8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
Rom 8:9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
Gal 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
Gal 5:23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
What you gave is in any typical commentary trying to mesh James with Paul. You're not being hones with the text. Paul let's us know the faith that justifies a believer is not even our own faith, but the faith of Christ.
Galatians 2:16, "Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified."
The faith that James is talking about is one's individual faith. James is taking you back to OT times. Why? Because James' audience are the twelve tribes scattered abroad during the tribulation where one must have faith plus work their way through to be saved into the Millennium.
James 2:18, "Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works."
James and Paul are talking about two different things. Luther had such a tough time with James because he didn't want to explain away the text, but wanted to be honest with it.
Galatians 2:16, "Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified."
The faith that James is talking about is one's individual faith. James is taking you back to OT times. Why? Because James' audience are the twelve tribes scattered abroad during the tribulation where one must have faith plus work their way through to be saved into the Millennium.
James 2:18, "Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works."
James and Paul are talking about two different things. Luther had such a tough time with James because he didn't want to explain away the text, but wanted to be honest with it.
Christ's death on the cross justifies the believer. What man must do to be justified is believe. No amount of works that follow justifies the believer.
Galatians 2:16, "Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified."
Galatians 2:16, "Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified."
The just shall live by faith.
This phrase is used 4 times in Scripture:
Habbakuk 2:4
Romans 1:17
Galatians 3:11
Hebrews 10:38
Habakkuk 2:1-4 I will stand upon my watch, and set me upon the tower, and will watch to see what he will say unto me, and what I shall answer when I am reproved. And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry. Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith.
Habakkuk set himself to watch. He waited to see what would be spoken to him after he cried to the Lord as shown in chapter 1. His concern was that salvation was being withheld; he cried unto the Lord and asked how long shall I cry, and thou wilt not hear! even cry out unto thee of violence, and thou wilt not save! (Hab 1:2).
The Lord answered and told Habakkuk He would work a work ... which ye will not believe, though it be told you (Hab 1:5). The Lord told Habakkuk He would raise up the Chaldeans and they were terrible and dreadful (Hab 1:7), they shall come all for violence (Hab 1:9).
Habakkuk replied in Hab 1:12-17 and then in Hab 2:1, Habakkuk set himself to hear from the Lord.
And the Lord answered him and told him the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry (Hab 2:3). The "it" in this verse is really a "He" and the "He" is the Lord Jesus Christ. That is what Habakkuk and all the prophets and people before and after Habakkuk were waiting for --- Messiah.
Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith (Hab 2:4).
This verse describes two types of people:
those who are not upright and who reject Messiah;
and those who live by faith in Messiah.
Romans 1:16-17 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
The righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith. It is faith which brings us to righteousness and it is faith which continues to keep us justified before God.
It is not that works bring us to faith and then we're justified.
Nor is it faith that brings us to righteousness and then works which justifies us.
It is faith which justifies, and our justification is sustained by faith.
Galatians 3:10-11 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them. But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.
Even if we were to continue in all things written in the book of the law and we were able to keep the law perfectly, our keeping the law would not result in our being justified. Our justification rests entirely in faith, not in the works of the law.
Hebrews 10:35-39 Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.
We live by faith in God's promises and we patiently wait for ultimate fulfillment of those promises.
To draw back would exhibit a lack of faith.
To patiently endure without wavering exhibits complete trust and faith in God Who has promised that our Lord and Savior will come, and will not tarry.
Therefore, we wait yet a little while even if that little while comes after our life on this earth has come to its end. We do the will of God and we surely shall receive the promise.
We, in our day and time, are in the same situation as Habakkuk. While he waited for the first coming of Messiah, we await the return of Messiah. If we continue reading in Hebrews, we get to chapter 11 and read of those who by faith lived their lives and obtained a good report through faith (Heb 11:39). We are then assured God provided some better thing for us (Heb 11:40) and that better thing for us is shown to be Jesus the author (beginning) and finisher (end) of our faith (Heb 12:2) and we are to consider Him that endured such contradiction of sinners against Himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds (Heb 12:3).
So the encouragement is that we begin in faith (Rom 1:17), we continue in faith (Gal 3:11), and we finish in faith (Heb 10:38).
This phrase is used 4 times in Scripture:
Habbakuk 2:4
Romans 1:17
Galatians 3:11
Hebrews 10:38
Habakkuk 2:1-4 I will stand upon my watch, and set me upon the tower, and will watch to see what he will say unto me, and what I shall answer when I am reproved. And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry. Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith.
Habakkuk set himself to watch. He waited to see what would be spoken to him after he cried to the Lord as shown in chapter 1. His concern was that salvation was being withheld; he cried unto the Lord and asked how long shall I cry, and thou wilt not hear! even cry out unto thee of violence, and thou wilt not save! (Hab 1:2).
The Lord answered and told Habakkuk He would work a work ... which ye will not believe, though it be told you (Hab 1:5). The Lord told Habakkuk He would raise up the Chaldeans and they were terrible and dreadful (Hab 1:7), they shall come all for violence (Hab 1:9).
Habakkuk replied in Hab 1:12-17 and then in Hab 2:1, Habakkuk set himself to hear from the Lord.
And the Lord answered him and told him the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry (Hab 2:3). The "it" in this verse is really a "He" and the "He" is the Lord Jesus Christ. That is what Habakkuk and all the prophets and people before and after Habakkuk were waiting for --- Messiah.
Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith (Hab 2:4).
This verse describes two types of people:
those who are not upright and who reject Messiah;
and those who live by faith in Messiah.
Romans 1:16-17 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
The righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith. It is faith which brings us to righteousness and it is faith which continues to keep us justified before God.
It is not that works bring us to faith and then we're justified.
Nor is it faith that brings us to righteousness and then works which justifies us.
It is faith which justifies, and our justification is sustained by faith.
Galatians 3:10-11 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them. But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.
Even if we were to continue in all things written in the book of the law and we were able to keep the law perfectly, our keeping the law would not result in our being justified. Our justification rests entirely in faith, not in the works of the law.
Hebrews 10:35-39 Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.
We live by faith in God's promises and we patiently wait for ultimate fulfillment of those promises.
To draw back would exhibit a lack of faith.
To patiently endure without wavering exhibits complete trust and faith in God Who has promised that our Lord and Savior will come, and will not tarry.
Therefore, we wait yet a little while even if that little while comes after our life on this earth has come to its end. We do the will of God and we surely shall receive the promise.
We, in our day and time, are in the same situation as Habakkuk. While he waited for the first coming of Messiah, we await the return of Messiah. If we continue reading in Hebrews, we get to chapter 11 and read of those who by faith lived their lives and obtained a good report through faith (Heb 11:39). We are then assured God provided some better thing for us (Heb 11:40) and that better thing for us is shown to be Jesus the author (beginning) and finisher (end) of our faith (Heb 12:2) and we are to consider Him that endured such contradiction of sinners against Himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds (Heb 12:3).
So the encouragement is that we begin in faith (Rom 1:17), we continue in faith (Gal 3:11), and we finish in faith (Heb 10:38).
Notice that Paul, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, leaves out the word "his." The OT saint lived by his individual faith that must be justified by his works, his obedience to whatever God had given him to obey whether it was the law, building an ark, or sacrificing your son.
The NT believer is justified by the faith of Christ, not one's individual faith. Christ has done all the work needed for justification. The moment one believes the gospel, Christ's faith is imputed to that person, justifying him. Christ's faith was not even available to the OT saint. See Galatians 3:
22 But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.
23 But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed.
24 Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.
25 But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.
hmm... The KJV says faith of Christ, yet the NAS reads - nevertheless knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the Law but through faith in Christ Jesus, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, so that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the Law; since by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified. The NKJV, ESV and the NIV all read "faith in Christ."
It sounds like you are trying to make this out to be more complicated than it really is.
James' concern is to SHOW the reality of the faith professed by the individual (James 2:18) and demonstrate that the faith claimed (James 2:14) by the individual is genuine.
When James and Paul write about saving faith, they're not contradicting each other--they are just looking at faith from different perspectives. Paul is looking a faith from above--from the divine perspective. God knows the quality of a person's faith without having to see the results. James, on the other hand, is looking at faith from the ground level--from the human perspective. We cannot see the heart, as God can, but we can see the results in the life of a person who claims to have faith.
Luther had previously been steeped into Catholicism and struggled with James chapter 2 and called it an "epistle of straw." Certain people (especially works salvationists) stumble over James chapter 2 and unfortunately, many false religions and cults use James 2:14-24 to try and promote salvation by works.
It sounds like you are trying to make this out to be more complicated than it really is.
James' concern is to SHOW the reality of the faith professed by the individual (James 2:18) and demonstrate that the faith claimed (James 2:14) by the individual is genuine.
When James and Paul write about saving faith, they're not contradicting each other--they are just looking at faith from different perspectives. Paul is looking a faith from above--from the divine perspective. God knows the quality of a person's faith without having to see the results. James, on the other hand, is looking at faith from the ground level--from the human perspective. We cannot see the heart, as God can, but we can see the results in the life of a person who claims to have faith.
Luther had previously been steeped into Catholicism and struggled with James chapter 2 and called it an "epistle of straw." Certain people (especially works salvationists) stumble over James chapter 2 and unfortunately, many false religions and cults use James 2:14-24 to try and promote salvation by works.
Yes, Paul, when he uses the term "justified," refers to the legal (judicial) act of God by which He accounts the believer as righteous (Romans 3:24; 4:2-3; 5:1). James, however is using the term to describe those who would show the genuineness of their faith by the works that they do.
James is not using the word "justified" to mean "accounted as righteous" but is "shown to be righteous." James is discussing the proof of faith (says-claims to have faith but has no works/I will show you my faith by my works - James 2:14-18), not the initial act of being accounted as righteous with God (Romans 4:2-3). Works bear out the justification that already came by faith.
James is not using the word "justified" to mean "accounted as righteous" but is "shown to be righteous." James is discussing the proof of faith (says-claims to have faith but has no works/I will show you my faith by my works - James 2:14-18), not the initial act of being accounted as righteous with God (Romans 4:2-3). Works bear out the justification that already came by faith.
In James 2:23-24,where I highlighted In red [you see then]
That means,that what was said before [you see then] Is Informative to understanding how justified by works Is meant.
We both know GOD Is not the author of confusion and he wouldn't tell Paul one thing and then tell James another,so then for a person to say that works would be required for salvation would be implying that GOD Is the author of confusion.
Pual said no one Is justified by works.
James said [you see then]how a man Is justified by works.
In order for those two apostles to be In order,their writing,Inspired by GOD would have to harmonize.
Would you agree?
That means,that what was said before [you see then] Is Informative to understanding how justified by works Is meant.
We both know GOD Is not the author of confusion and he wouldn't tell Paul one thing and then tell James another,so then for a person to say that works would be required for salvation would be implying that GOD Is the author of confusion.
Pual said no one Is justified by works.
James said [you see then]how a man Is justified by works.
In order for those two apostles to be In order,their writing,Inspired by GOD would have to harmonize.
Would you agree?
For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,not a result of works, so that no one may boast. (Eph 2:8-9)
Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.( Romans 5:1)
We are justified by faith, and this very faith is a gift (grace).....
Article 23: The Justification of Sinners
And....................
Chapter 11. Of Justification.
I. Those whom God effectually calleth, He also freely justifieth;(a) not by infusing righteousness into them, but by pardoning their sins, and by accounting and accepting their persons as righteous, not for anything wrought in them, or done by them, but for Christ’s sake alone; nor by imputing faith itself, the act of believing, or any other evangelical obedience to them, as their righteousness, but by imputing the obedience and satisfaction of Christ unto them,(b) they receiving and resting on Him and His righteousness by faith; which faith they have not of themselves, it is the gift of God.(c)
(a) Rom. 8:30; Rom. 3:24.
(b) Rom. 4:5, 6, 7, 8; II Cor. 5:19, 21; Rom. 3:22, 24, 25, 27, 28; Tit. 3:5, 7; Eph. 1:7; Jer. 23:6; I Cor. 1:30, 31; Rom. 5:17, 18, 19.
(c) Acts 10:43; Gal. 2:16; Phil. 3:19; Acts 13:38, 39; Eph. 2:7, 8.
II. Faith, thus receiving and resting on Christ and His righteousness, is the alone instrument of justification;(d) yet is it not alone in the person justified, but is ever accompanied with all other saving graces, and is no dead faith, but worketh by love.(e)
(d) John 1:12; Rom. 3:28; Rom. 5:1.
(e) Jam. 2:17, 22, 26; Gal. 5:6.
III. Christ, by His obedience and death, did fully discharge the debt of all those that are thus justified, and did make a proper, real, and full satisfaction to His Father’s justice in their behalf.(f) Yet, inasmuch as He was given by the Father for them;(g) and His obedience and satisfaction accepted in their stead;(h) and both freely, not for anything in them; their justification is only of free grace;(i) that both the exact justice, and rich grace of God, might be glorified in the justification of sinners.(k)
(f) Rom. 5:8, 9, 10, 19; I Tim. 2:5, 6; Heb. 10:10, 14; Dan. 9:24, 26; Isa. 53:4, 5, 6, 10, 11, 12.
(g) Rom. 8:32.
(h) II Cor. 5:21; Matt. 3:17; Eph. 5:2.
(i) Rom. 3:24; Eph. 1:7.
(k) Rom. 3:26; Eph. 2:7.
IV. God did, from all eternity, decree to justify all the elect,(l) and Christ did, in the fulness of time, die for their sins, and rise again for their justification (m) nevertheless, they are not justified, until the Holy Spirit doth, in due time, actually apply Christ unto them.
(l) Gal. 3:8; I Pet. 1:2, 19, 20; Rom. 8:30.
(m) Gal. 4:4; I Tim. 2:6; Rom. 4:25.
Col. 1:21, 22; Gal. 2:16; Tit. 3:3, 4, 5, 6, 7.
V. God doth continue to forgive the sins of those that are justified(o) and although they can never fall from the state of justification;(p) yet they may, by their sins, fall under God’s fatherly displeasure, and not have the light of His countenance restored unto them, until they humble themselves, confess their sins, beg pardon, and renew their faith and repentance.(q)
(o) Matt. 6:12; I John 1:7, 9; I John 2:1, 2.
(p) Luke 22:32; John 10:28; Heb. 10:14.
(q) Ps. 89:31, 32, 33; Ps. 51:7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12; Ps. 32:5; Matt. 26:75; I Cor. 11:30, 32; Luke 1:20.
VI. The justification of believers under the old testament was, in all these respects, one and the same with the justification of believers under the new testament.(r)
(r) Gal. 3:9, 13, 14; Rom. 4:22, 23, 24; Heb. 13:8.
Westminster confession of faith 1646.
Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.( Romans 5:1)
We are justified by faith, and this very faith is a gift (grace).....
Article 23: The Justification of Sinners
- We believe that our blessedness lies in the forgiveness of our sins because of Jesus Christ, and that in it our righteousness before God is contained, as David and Paul teach us when they declare that man blessed to whom God grants righteousness apart from works. And the same apostle says that we are justified “freely” or “by grace” through redemption in Jesus Christ. And therefore we cling to this foundation, which is firm forever, giving all glory to God, humbling ourselves, and recognizing ourselves as we are; not claiming a thing for ourselves or our merits and leaning and resting on the sole obedience of Christ crucified, which is ours when we believe in him.
- That is enough to cover all our sins and to make us confident, freeing the conscience from the fear, dread, and terror of God’s approach, without doing what our first father, Adam, did, who trembled as he tried to cover himself with fig leaves.In fact, if we had to appear before God relying– no matter how little– on ourselves or some other creature, then, alas, we would be swallowed up.Therefore everyone must say with David: “Lord, do not enter into judgment with your servants, for before you no living person shall be justified.” Ps. 32:1; Rom. 4:6 Rom. 3:24 Ps. 143:2 (Belgic confession of faith 1561)
And....................
Chapter 11. Of Justification.
I. Those whom God effectually calleth, He also freely justifieth;(a) not by infusing righteousness into them, but by pardoning their sins, and by accounting and accepting their persons as righteous, not for anything wrought in them, or done by them, but for Christ’s sake alone; nor by imputing faith itself, the act of believing, or any other evangelical obedience to them, as their righteousness, but by imputing the obedience and satisfaction of Christ unto them,(b) they receiving and resting on Him and His righteousness by faith; which faith they have not of themselves, it is the gift of God.(c)
(a) Rom. 8:30; Rom. 3:24.
(b) Rom. 4:5, 6, 7, 8; II Cor. 5:19, 21; Rom. 3:22, 24, 25, 27, 28; Tit. 3:5, 7; Eph. 1:7; Jer. 23:6; I Cor. 1:30, 31; Rom. 5:17, 18, 19.
(c) Acts 10:43; Gal. 2:16; Phil. 3:19; Acts 13:38, 39; Eph. 2:7, 8.
II. Faith, thus receiving and resting on Christ and His righteousness, is the alone instrument of justification;(d) yet is it not alone in the person justified, but is ever accompanied with all other saving graces, and is no dead faith, but worketh by love.(e)
(d) John 1:12; Rom. 3:28; Rom. 5:1.
(e) Jam. 2:17, 22, 26; Gal. 5:6.
III. Christ, by His obedience and death, did fully discharge the debt of all those that are thus justified, and did make a proper, real, and full satisfaction to His Father’s justice in their behalf.(f) Yet, inasmuch as He was given by the Father for them;(g) and His obedience and satisfaction accepted in their stead;(h) and both freely, not for anything in them; their justification is only of free grace;(i) that both the exact justice, and rich grace of God, might be glorified in the justification of sinners.(k)
(f) Rom. 5:8, 9, 10, 19; I Tim. 2:5, 6; Heb. 10:10, 14; Dan. 9:24, 26; Isa. 53:4, 5, 6, 10, 11, 12.
(g) Rom. 8:32.
(h) II Cor. 5:21; Matt. 3:17; Eph. 5:2.
(i) Rom. 3:24; Eph. 1:7.
(k) Rom. 3:26; Eph. 2:7.
IV. God did, from all eternity, decree to justify all the elect,(l) and Christ did, in the fulness of time, die for their sins, and rise again for their justification (m) nevertheless, they are not justified, until the Holy Spirit doth, in due time, actually apply Christ unto them.
(l) Gal. 3:8; I Pet. 1:2, 19, 20; Rom. 8:30.
(m) Gal. 4:4; I Tim. 2:6; Rom. 4:25.
Col. 1:21, 22; Gal. 2:16; Tit. 3:3, 4, 5, 6, 7.V. God doth continue to forgive the sins of those that are justified(o) and although they can never fall from the state of justification;(p) yet they may, by their sins, fall under God’s fatherly displeasure, and not have the light of His countenance restored unto them, until they humble themselves, confess their sins, beg pardon, and renew their faith and repentance.(q)
(o) Matt. 6:12; I John 1:7, 9; I John 2:1, 2.
(p) Luke 22:32; John 10:28; Heb. 10:14.
(q) Ps. 89:31, 32, 33; Ps. 51:7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12; Ps. 32:5; Matt. 26:75; I Cor. 11:30, 32; Luke 1:20.
VI. The justification of believers under the old testament was, in all these respects, one and the same with the justification of believers under the new testament.(r)
(r) Gal. 3:9, 13, 14; Rom. 4:22, 23, 24; Heb. 13:8.
Westminster confession of faith 1646.