Justification Through Faith

Romans 3:24-26  Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: (25) Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; (26) To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.

 “We believe that the great gospel blessing which Christ secures to such as believe in Him is Justification (Acts 13:39); that Justi­fication includes the pardon of sin (Romans 5:9; Acts 10:43), and the promise of eternal life on principles of righteousness (Romans 5:17,21); that it is bestowed, not in consideration of any works of righteousness which we have done, but solely through faith in the Redeemer’s blood (Romans 4:4-5; 6:23; Philippians 3:7-9); by virtue of which faith His perfect righteousness is freely imputed to us of God (Romans 5:19; I John 2:12); that it brings us into a state of most blessed peace and favor with God (Romans 5:1,2), and secures every other blessing needful for time and eternity (I Corinthians 1:30).”

The whole character of Christian faith is determined by the doctrine of Justification as a religion of the grace of God in Christ. It de­fines the saving significance of our LORD Jesus’ earthly life and death and resurrection, by relating the gospel of Christ to God’s law  (Romans 3:24-31; 5:16-21).  It displays God’s justice in con­demning and punishing sin, His mercy in pardoning and accepting sinners, and His wisdom in exercising both attributes harmoniously together through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus  (Romans 3:23-26).   It makes clear that faith is belief on the LORD Jesus Christ, crucified and risen  (Romans 4:23-25; 10:8-13).  It teaches the place of the commandments in the daily life of the believer whose righteousness is Christ the LORD  (Romans 10:4; 7:6; 12:1-2).

By Justification through believing on the LORD Jesus Christ, one becomes conscious of his acceptance with God  (Roman. 8:1-39).  From this consciousness of “peace with God,” and “acceptance in the Be­loved”  (Ephesians 1:6), there proceeds an assurance of the blessed security that is the believer’s heritage  (I John 5:13).  Dislike of God’s holy Presence and hostility to the Holy Spirit’s guiding and comfort are all gone, and in their place there is the yearning of a child to please the God of all grace Who has made us partakers of His holiness  (Hebrews 12:1-10).  Being Justified by the blood, the Christian is not afraid of the law, because the Lawgiver is his righteousness  (Ephesians 1:7).  This pardoning grace having come freely by the grace of God, there are abundant grounds for trust, devotion and rejoicing  (II Peter 1:1-4).

The blessings of Justification belong both to the present and to the future  (Romans 8: 30-33). Because of our strong emphasis on Justification by faith, by which we are secure in Christ Jesus, we are erroneously accused of under emphasizing good works and moral effort. But the opposite is the case. For good works, godliness, and fruitfulness are the results, not the cause, of Justification. “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10). See also Matthew 7:15-20; James 2:12-17; Philippians 2:12,13.

- - - - The Scriptures below are referenced in the doctrinal statement - - - -

Acts 13:39  And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.

Romans 5:9  Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.

Acts 10:43  To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.

Romans 5:17  For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)

Romans 5:21  That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.

Romans 4:4-5  Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. (5) But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.

Romans 6:23  For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Philippians 3:7-9  But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. (8) Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, (9) And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:

Romans 5:19  For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.

1 John 2:12  I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name's sake.

Romans 5:1-2 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: (2) By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

1 Corinthians 1:30  But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: