Theology / Justification

  • Faith Versus Works

    Galatians 3:11–12

    John Calvin comments, “The contradiction between the law and faith lies in the matter of justification,” and so the law “has a method of justifying a man which is wholly at variance with faith.” It is not that we are ...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

  • 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

  • Fulfilling Our Purpose

    Ephesians 2:10

    Knowing that we are justified by faith alone takes pressure off of us when we seek to please God. It might be that sometimes we do not do good because we fear that we will mess things up. Yet since ...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

  • 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

  • It Depends on Faith

    Romans 4:13–25

    All of us face the temptation to believe something more must be done for us to gain right standing with God. Unspoken doubts about our forgiveness can be a sign we think the price Christ paid for us on the ...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

  • Justice Satisfied in Another

    Romans 8:3–4

    The hymn “Jesus, Thy Blood and Righteousness” reminds us that for every believer in Jesus, His blood “a full atonement made.” We can trust the Lord because He is just and always fulfills His promises, even His promise to punish ...Read More

  • Justification by Faith

    John 8:46a

    When the Father imputes the righteousness of Christ to us, He knows we still struggle with sin. And though we are disciplined for these transgressions (Heb. 12:3–17), He nevertheless sees Jesus’ faithfulness when He looks on those who ...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