Justification | ACBC Exam Question #13

 “Justification by faith alone.” Discuss the meaning of this phrase.

            Because of our sin problem (Romans 3:23) we all need to be justified, or we will face eternity in hell for our sins.  To justify means; “to declare innocent or guiltless; absolve; acquit.”¹ Religions of our world tell us to do more good than bad, and we will be able to attain heaven.  The Bible however clearly states that; “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.” (Galatians 2:16).  Christ took our sin on Himself at the cross, paying for our sin, and if we will accept that free gift by faith (Romans 6:23) we will be forgiven, and assured of eternal life in heaven with Him when He returns or our lives end in death. 

             There is nothing we can do humanly by effort of any kind to gain justification.  No amount of good works, financial donations, church attendance, sacrifice or any other effort on our part would ever allow us to be free from sin, and appear righteous before God.  “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.” (Ephesians 2:8, 9)  Faith requires that we believe, have full confidence in, and rely completely upon something or someone.  When it comes to our personal salvation our faith must be exclusively on what Christ did for us in order for our salvation to be genuine.  We cannot add any other requirements, being a true Christian is by faith alone in Christ alone.

            The doctrine of justification by faith is so central in counseling because it makes clear that our standing before God is not dependent upon our performance, but simply faith, believing that He loves us, has redeemed us, made us His own, and that will never, ever change.  “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ“(Romans 5:1).  What awesome hope and assurance.  From that basis we then urge believers to realize their position in Christ and live out the reality that;   “…we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:10)  Works flow out of our salvation as thanksgiving to God, proof of the faith we have, not ever the source of salvation.

¹ www.dictionary.com