Theology / Justification

  • An Assured Salvation

    Romans 5:1

    The Scriptures make clear that peace with God is the foundation for and source of the peace of God. Such peace stems from knowing that almighty God has set His love upon us and orders all our circumstances for our ...Read More

  • A Way for Sinners

    Romans 3:21-26

    We speak of God’s dilemma in this study. Of course, God cannot really experience a dilemma, for He is sovereign and unhindered. His plan of redemption is not a plan B in response to man’s surprising behavior. Rather ...Read More

  • A Work Yet to Be Done

    Romans 5:9-11

    Obviously, our salvation is not yet complete. And yet, the appropriate behavior for Christians is not doubting, second-guessing, and legalistic striving, but rejoicing, for our salvation is secure. Do you rejoice to be saved, knowing that you always will be ...Read More

  • Before the Law

    Romans 4:9–12

    In Matthew 18:21–22, Jesus tells Peter that His disciples must freely forgive others. One of the ways we can be sure that we have received forgiveness from God and are truly justified is that we are quick to ...Read More

  • By Christ Alone

    1 Corinthians 1:30

    Roman Catholic theology denies the sufficiency of Christ by regarding our works as something that adds to and makes possible a righteousness within ourselves. However, though personal holiness is important, it only demonstrates that we have been justified by faith ...Read More

  • Christ Our Righteousness

    1 Corinthians 1:30–31

    Jesus is the only human being who has ever had perfect faith in God. The faith the Lord demands from us is real faith, not perfect faith, and faith can be real even if it is imperfect. Still, we are ...Read More

  • Completed Faith

    James 2:22–24

    When we first believe our faith is “incomplete” in the sense that it is small and relatively undeveloped. But even though a small faith is enough to do great things (Matt. 17:20), God does not want our faith to ...Read More

  • Crucified with Christ

    Galatians 2:17–21

    Issues like the curse of the Law that were raised briefly today will have to wait a few days for more analysis. In closing, note that Galatians 2:19–20 reveals that being united to Christ means being crucified with ...Read More

  • Cursed on Our Behalf

    Galatians 3:13–14

    Martin Luther’s commentary on Galatians gives this pastoral advice: “So if sin vex you, and death terrify you, think that it is (as indeed it is) but an imagination and a false illusion of the devil. For there is ...Read More

  • Faith and Repentance

    Luke 18:9–14

    Repentance is serious business, but it is required only when actual sin has been committed. Knowing the difference between true sin and what others falsely assume to be sin demands the faithful study of Scripture. So, we should read God ...Read More

  • Faith and the Liberty to Love

    Galatians 5:6

    Take time to skim over the book of Galatians and select one passage on which to meditate. Consider how God has used this epistle in your life and try to discern those areas in which you have been most tempted ...Read More

  • Faith and Works

    James 2:18–21

    John Calvin notes that while true faith always produces good works, good works are not always the result of true faith. Indeed “the unbelieving sometimes excel in specious virtues … hence works apparently excellent may exist apart from faith.” We can ...Read More

  • Faith and Works

    James 2:14-26

    Again let us be clear, our good works do not get us into heaven. However, they do reveal the faith that lays hold of the benefits of Christ and takes possession of eternal salvation. We must always be careful to ...Read More

  • 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