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I. WHAT IS MEANT BY JUSTIFICATION. The justification here meant —

1. Is not —

(1) That which comes upon all men, even infants, through the righteousness of Christ (Chronicles 5:14, 15, 18).

(2) That which shall take place at the day of judgment (Romans 2:13-16; Matthew 12:37), which will be, not indeed by the merit (Romans 6:23), but by the evidence of works (Revelation 20:12; Revelation 22:12).

2. But that which the true people of God possess on earth (1 Corinthians 6:11; Titus 3:7); which is —

(1) Not the declaration of innocence, which is the meaning of the word in courts of law (Psalm 143:2; Chronicles 3:20).

(2) Not the being made innocent or holy, which would confound it with regeneration or sanctification.

(3) But the having righteousness accounted to us; sin not imputed, sin pardoned; or the sentence of condemnation against us reversed, and our obligation to punishment cancelled by a judicial act of God. This implies, and draws after it, acceptance and adoption.

II. IN WHAT SENSE WE ARE TO BE "JUSTIFIED BY FAITH." When the apostle says we are "justified by faith" —

1. He does not speak of —

(1) The moving cause of justification which is Divine grace; and hence we are said to be justified by grace (ver. 24; Titus 3:4-7).

(2) Nor of the meritorious cause, which is the redemption of Christ (ver. 24, 25; Isaiah 53:11; 2 Corinthians 5:1, ult.); and hence we are said to be "justified by Christ" (Galatians 2:17).

(3) Nor of the efficient cause, either of the preparation necessary, as conviction and repentance for sin, or of a sense of this justification; this is the Holy Spirit (Titus 3:7).

(4) Nor of the instrumental cause on the part of God, which is part of His Word, viz., His declaration and promises respecting pardoning the penitent (John 15:3).

2. But of the instrumental cause on our part, which is faith — in Christ, as the Son of God, the Messiah, the Saviour, able and willing to save (John 3:16-18; Galatians 2:16); this implies —

(1) That we come to Him (John 6:37; John 7:37; Matthew 9:28).

(2) That we trust in Him as "delivered for our offences" (Romans 4:25), trust in His blood (Romans 3:25).

(3) That we receive Him (John 1:12) in God (Romans 4:24), in His mercy and promises through Christ (Romans 4:17-23). Those who have this faith are justified, and none without it. Thus, in different senses, we are justified by grace, by Christ, by the Spirit, by the Word, by faith.

III. HOW THIS IS "WITHOUT THE DEEDS OF THE LAW."

(J. Benson.)

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KJV: Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.

WEB: We maintain therefore that a man is justified by faith apart from the works of the law.