Justification

  • Faith and Works?

    James 2:14–26

    One theologian has said that we must employ the theology of the second glance. Admittedly, there are passages which at first seem to imply the opposite of what one knows is orthodox. A more careful approach resolves apparent contradictions. Thank ...Read More

  • Faith Is Counted

    Romans 4:1–8

    Again and again the New Testament warns us that our works cannot add anything to our justification. Neither can sin take away the right status of all those truly justified, though it may disrupt our fellowship with God (Eph. 4 ...Read More

  • Father Abraham

    Galatians 3:6–9

    In justification, “our record does not change, but our guilt does” (R.C. Sproul, Faith Alone, p. 96). God does not ignore our sin when He justifies us, and He knows that until we die we will battle sin and ...Read More

  • For Abraham’s Sake and Ours

    Romans 4:22–25

    As sinners, we regularly overlook the faults and transgressions of others. We know that no sinner is perfect, and so we are often willing to give people a pass when they do the very same misdeeds of which we ourselves ...Read More

  • Former Slaves

    Galatians 4:1–3

    Matthew Henry comments that in Christ the era of slavery is over, for “the time appointed by the Father having come, we are under a dispensation of greater light and liberty.” If we try to earn our place before God ...Read More

  • Fruits of Justification

    Romans 5:1–11

    Rejoicing in the hope of the glory of God is not just some inward attitude. It means that the community of the saints actively praises God in worship. Through the Spirit, the church stands on the sea of glass before ...Read More

  • God’s Legal Declaration

    Romans 3:23–24

    How do you hope to stand before the judgment seat of God? Are you counting on your own goodness? Or, do you understand that the depth of your sin makes it impossible that your good works could ever make you ...Read More

  • Increasing Our Guilt

    Galatians 5:2–4

    Coming to terms with the extent of our sin takes a lifetime. Even those of us who have trusted in Christ alone for salvation understand how easy it is to think that God loves us because of something that we ...Read More

  • Inheritance by the Promise

    Galatians 3:17–18

    Ephesians 1:13–14 says the Holy Spirit is the “guarantee” of our inheritance. When Jesus returns to usher in the new heavens and earth (Rev. 21), the promises to Abraham will reach their consummation as we are blessed with ...Read More

  • James Versus Paul?

    James 2:24

    Tomorrow we will look at James’ argument in 2:14–26 more closely. Today, be reminded that God’s Word must be consistent because the One who hates all falsehood has revealed it. If He said one thing in Ephesians ...Read More

  • Justification by Faith

    Habakkuk 2:4

    Citizenship in any kingdom demands certain things, and in the kingdom of God, citizenship demands righteousness. We cannot attain this righteousness on our own, for it must be imputed to us by the great King of this kingdom. Those who ...Read More

  • Justification by Faith Alone

    Galatians 2:14–16

    Martin Luther’s commentary on today’s passage includes this nugget of wisdom: “God is honored in His Son. Whoever then believes that the Son is our mediator and Savior, he honors the Father, and him again does God honor ...Read More

  • Justified by Faith

    Romans 3:27-31

    If you are a believer, you have been justified. That means God has determined that He will not regard you as a guilty sinner but as His spotless, perfect child. In this simple process are displayed all the wonders of ...Read More

  • Living Faith

    James 2:25–26

    A dead faith is really no faith at all because a dead faith can in no way lay hold of the perfect righteousness of Christ. We must have a living faith evidenced by works of love and mercy toward other ...Read More

  • Not by Works of the Law

    Galatians 2:15–16

    We see people doing good things every day — loving their children, caring for elderly parents, giving money to cancer research, and so on. Nevertheless, even the best deeds of sinners are insufficient in God’s sight. Even if unregenerate people ...Read More