Topical Bible: Faith: Justification is By, to be of Grace

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Topical Encyclopedia

In Christian theology, the concept of justification by faith is central to understanding the relationship between humanity and God. Justification refers to the act of God declaring a sinner to be righteous on the basis of faith in Jesus Christ. This doctrine is rooted in the belief that salvation is a gift of grace, not earned by human effort but received through faith.

Biblical Foundation

The Apostle Paul, in his epistles, articulates the doctrine of justification by faith with clarity and authority. In Romans 3:28 , Paul states, "For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from works of the law." This verse underscores the principle that human efforts or adherence to the law cannot achieve justification; rather, it is through faith in Jesus Christ that one is justified.

Paul further elaborates in Ephesians 2:8-9 , "For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast." Here, the apostle emphasizes that salvation is a divine gift, underscoring the unmerited favor of God—grace—as the basis for justification.

Grace and Faith

The relationship between grace and faith is integral to understanding justification. Grace is the unearned favor of God, and faith is the means by which individuals receive this grace. Romans 5:1-2 states, "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we stand." This passage highlights that faith is the conduit through which believers access the grace of God, resulting in peace and reconciliation with Him.

The Role of Jesus Christ

Central to the doctrine of justification by faith is the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Romans 3:24-25 declares, "and are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. God presented Him as the atoning sacrifice through faith in His blood, to demonstrate His righteousness." The sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus are the foundation upon which justification is made possible, and faith in His atoning work is essential for receiving this justification.

The Example of Abraham

The Old Testament patriarch Abraham is often cited as a prime example of justification by faith. In Romans 4:3 , Paul references Genesis 15:6, stating, "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness." Abraham's faith, not his works, was the basis for his righteousness before God, serving as a model for all who would come to faith.

Implications for Believers

For believers, justification by faith has profound implications. It assures them of their standing before God, not based on their own merit but on the righteousness of Christ imputed to them. This assurance is a source of spiritual peace and confidence, as expressed in Galatians 2:16 : "know that a man is not justified by works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have believed in Christ Jesus, that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified."

In summary, the doctrine of justification by faith underscores the grace of God as the foundation of salvation, with faith as the means by which believers receive this divine gift. Through faith in Jesus Christ, believers are declared righteous, experiencing the fullness of God's grace and the assurance of eternal life.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Romans 4:16
Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Justification by Faith, not by Works; Or, the Law Condemns, Grace ...
... Hymns. Book 1. Hymn 1:94. Justification by faith, not by works; or, The
law condemns, grace justifies, Rom. 3. 19-22. 1 Vain are ...
/.../watts/hymns and spiritual songs/hymn 0 106944444 justification by faith.htm

Justification by Faith
... always will say) almost the only Church in Europe, Protestant or other, which
thoroughly and fully stands up for free grace, and justification by faith alone. ...
/.../kingsley/sermons for the times/sermon vi justification by faith.htm

Justification by Faith.
... but grace, Christ, the promise, and faith; hut when I speak of our justification
before men, then I must join to these good works; for grace, Christ, and faith ...
/.../bunyan/the riches of bunyan/ix justification by faith.htm

The Necessity of Faith for Justification
... Chapter I. The Nature Of Actual Grace Section 1. The Necessity Of Faith
For Justification. 1. THE LUTHERAN HERESY VS. THE TEACHING ...
/.../pohle/grace actual and habitual/section 1 the necessity of 2.htm

How is Justification an Act of God's Free Grace?
... righteousness to them, and requiring nothing of them for their justification but
faith, which also is his gift, their justification is to them of free grace. ...
/.../the westminster larger catechism/question 71 0 0 how is justification.htm

Whether a Movement of Faith is Reojuired for the Justification of ...
... James 4:6: "God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the ... is purged." [44] Hence
a movement of faith is no more required for the justification of the ...
/.../aquinas/nature and grace/article four whether a movement.htm

The Genesis of Sanctifying Grace, or the Process of Justification
... Chapter I. The Genesis Of Sanctifying Grace, Or The ... teaching of the Catholic Church
on justification is formally ... The holy Synod puts faith at the beginning. ...
/.../pohle/grace actual and habitual/chapter i the genesis of.htm

Justification by Grace
... the poor man below, who is once justified by grace. ... here, and then I will leave this
matter of justification. ... of God," that "being justified by faith we have ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/justification by grace.htm

On Justification
... As a sinner, man needs justification through grace, and, as a believer, he obtains
justification through grace. VII. Faith is the instrumental cause, or act ...
/.../the works of james arminius vol 2/disputation xlviii on justification.htm

The Question Answered. Justification is Grace Simply and Entirely ...
... Justification is Grace Simply and Entirely, Eternal Life is Reward and ... And the apostle
himself, after saying, "By grace are ye saved through faith; and that ...
/.../anti-pelagian writings/chapter 20 the question answered justification.htm