Exploring the doctrine of justification by faith alone and the role of good works in the Christian's life. Emphasizes the discomfort of receiving without contributing and the relevance of the Reformation. Discusses the concept of faith arising from hearing the message of the gospel. Highlights the importance of placing trust in Christ's accomplishments rather than relying on works. Explores personal struggles with weakness and surrendering to God's control. Emphasizes that faith should result in ongoing obedience in the Christian life.
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Quick takeaways
Justification is a once-and-for-all declaration that we are counted righteous for the sake of Christ alone, not a process based on our works or achievements.
Faith alone emphasizes that righteousness is obtained through trusting in Christ, apart from our own works or efforts, redirecting our attention to Him as the object of our faith and the one who accomplished our salvation.
Deep dives
Faith Alone: Trusting in Christ's Strength
Faith is not about questioning the enough faith question. It is about looking to Christ and relying on His strength. The strength of our faith does not save us, but the strength of Christ on whom we rely does. Trying to conjure up faith weakens it, while true faith is simply trusting in Christ's work for our salvation.
Grace Alone: God's Favor and Goodness
Grace is not a substance or a means to earn salvation. It is God's favor towards us on account of Christ. Rome viewed grace as something poured into the soul to transform sinners into obedient individuals. However, grace alone means that we are justified solely by the merit of our Lord Jesus Christ, not by our own works or cooperation. Grace is not about adding our own merits, but receiving the imputed righteousness of Christ.
Justification Alone: The Declaration of Righteousness
Justification is not a process or an achievement based on our works. It is a once-and-for-all declaration that we are counted righteous for the sake of Christ alone. It means being declared righteous, not made righteous. This understanding opposes the idea that our moral or spiritual advances contribute to our justification. According to Scripture, God declares a person righteous before any personal growth in righteousness occurs. Justification is based on the imputation of Christ's perfect righteousness.
The Priority of Faith Over Works
Faith alone emphasizes that righteousness is obtained through trusting in Christ, apart from our own works or efforts. Works, though important, do not justify us. They are the fruit of faith, not the means of obtaining it. The focus on faith alone safeguards against self-reliance and constantly questioning the quantity or quality of our faith. It redirects our attention to Christ, the object of our faith, who accomplished the saving work on our behalf.
How do we receive and rest in God’s righteousness? This question propelled the Reformers forward, confronting Rome’s insistence that justification is something believers must cooperate to receive. Instead, they proclaimed sola fide, or “through faith alone.” In this episode of White Horse Inn, hosts Michael Horton, Justin Holcomb, Bob Hiller, and Walter Strickland discuss the doctrine of justification by faith alone and consider the role of good works in the Christian’s life.
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