Introduction
The importance of faith
We consider the central doctrine of Justification today.
WHAT JUSTIFICATION IS NOT
It is not "making" the sinner righteous.
This is a common and fatal mistake.
- Many think they do so by balancing their good deeds against their bad ones.
ILLUSTRATION: a pair of scales
- Religious persons suppose they can be justified by zeal in religious duties:
ILLUSTRATION: "It all helps"
- The confusion over the word "Justification" and its apparent meaning.
- The R.C. position needs to be understood.
WHY WE NEED TO BE JUSTIFIED
- God is perfect and requires perfection of us.
God created us perfect - one sin is fatal.
- God is just and must punish sin.
APPLICATION: What does "justice" mean? (Explain)
- The Moral Law can condemn, but not pardon, any man's sin.
ILLUSTRATED by examples.
- We are eternally lost if we appear at the Judgement Seat with no righteousness.
ILLUSTRATION: See the man with no wedding-garment (See James 2:10)).
WHAT IS MEANT BY "JUSTIFICATION BY FAITH ALONE"
- This is a frequent NT emphasis - TEXT - and other texts: Romans 3:28; Galatians 2:16, Philippians 3:9.
OBSERVE: There is strong emphasis on "faith" here.
- The meaning is that Christ has done all that is necessary for our justification:
- His perfect life fulfilled the Law for us.
- His blood atoned for every sin.
- So: Christ is our righteousness.
- The Moral Law is satisfied by Christ.
- God's requirement for perfection is met.
APPLICATION: Do you believe this?
A SERIOUS OBJECTION ANSWERED
- Some have said: "But a man might 'believe' and go on in a wicked life".
- Answer: If they do, they are not justified but self-deceived.
- Explain: God has arranged all aspects of our salvation perfectly:
- "faith" springs from a new birth
- new birth gives us a love for God
- when we love God we obey Him
- this is where good works come in (See James 2:14f)
OBSERVE: "It is finished" shows we cannot add to Christ's perfect work.
CONCLUSION
3 aspects of justification.
APPLICATION: Do you see this?