In this sermon, the preacher shares a personal story of preaching in a church in Wales that was once filled with thousands of people but now only had 25 attendees. He then transitions to discussing the theological term of justification and provides a simple definition for it. The preacher emphasizes the importance of taking notes and provides three major points for the congregation to write down. He also mentions the baptism of a woman named Irene and highlights the message of being born again. The sermon concludes with a brief discussion on the tripartite nature of humans - spirit, soul, and body - and references the birth of Jesus and the birth of Martin Luther.

David Wilkerson emphasizes that true justification and acceptance before God come solely through Christ's perfect righteousness, which is imputed to believers through faith. He explains that this righteousness is not earned by works but credited to our account by God, as illustrated in the lives of David and Abraham. Wilkerson highlights that understanding this imputation leads to a blessed and peaceful life, as it is through faith alone that we receive this gift. He reassures that our standing before God is based on Christ's accomplishments, not our own, and that this perfect righteousness is available to all who believe.

David Wilkerson preaches about 'The Blessing of Abraham,' emphasizing that this blessing is the assurance of being justified by faith, as exemplified by Abraham and David. He explains that through faith in Jesus Christ, believers receive the promise of the Spirit and are credited with righteousness, despite their ongoing struggles with sin. Wilkerson reassures that God's favor cannot be earned through works but is a gift received through trust in Jesus' sacrifice. He encourages believers to embrace their identity as children of God, secure in His love and grace, and to recognize the transformative power of faith in overcoming sin. Ultimately, he challenges listeners to accept this blessing and live in the fullness of their faith.

John Gill expounds on the doctrine of justification by the righteousness of Christ, emphasizing that justification is distinct from pardon and is an act of God's grace where believers are declared righteous through Christ's imputed righteousness. He clarifies that justification is not based on human works or faith as a condition, but solely on Christ's obedience and sacrifice. Gill discusses the roles of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in the justification process, asserting that it is a complete act that occurs before faith and is rooted in God's eternal decree. He concludes that believers are justified from all things through Christ, who fulfills the law's demands and provides a perfect righteousness that cannot be lost.

John Gill emphasizes the doctrine of imputed righteousness, asserting that justification before God is achieved through faith in Christ's righteousness, not through human works. He illustrates this by referencing Abraham and David, who were justified by faith alone, highlighting that true righteousness is not derived from the law or personal merit but is a gift from God. Gill explains that this imputed righteousness is essential for salvation, freeing believers from condemnation and ensuring their acceptance before God. He concludes by urging the congregation to seek this righteousness in Christ, recognizing the grace involved in its imputation and the dire consequences of lacking it.

John Owen expounds on 1 Corinthians 1:30, emphasizing that Christ is made righteousness for us by God's sovereign grace, which excludes any basis for personal boasting. He argues against interpretations that diminish the significance of Christ's imputed righteousness, asserting that our righteousness before God is solely through Christ's merit. Owen refutes objections from Bellarmine and Socinus, clarifying that while Christ is our sanctification and redemption, His righteousness is uniquely imputed to us, establishing our justification. The sermon highlights the necessity of understanding Christ's role in our salvation as a gracious act of God, ensuring that all glory belongs to Him.

John Owen expounds on 2 Corinthians 5:21, emphasizing the profound truth that Christ, who knew no sin, was made sin for us through the imputation of our sins to Him. He clarifies that this does not imply any inherent sinfulness in Christ but rather highlights the grace of God in our reconciliation. Owen addresses misconceptions regarding this passage, particularly the arguments against the imputation of Christ's righteousness to believers, affirming that we are made the righteousness of God in Him. He argues that our justification is solely by God's act of imputing Christ's righteousness to us, contrasting it with the imputation of sin to Christ. Ultimately, Owen underscores the significance of understanding Christ's role in our salvation and the nature of our righteousness before God.

John Owen addresses common prejudices against the doctrine of the imputation of the righteousness of Christ. He refutes objections that claim this doctrine is not explicitly mentioned in Scripture, highlighting the importance of understanding the essence of the doctrine rather than specific terminology. Owen also discusses differences among Protestants regarding this doctrine, emphasizing the agreement on the core belief that our righteousness before God is based on Christ's righteousness imputed to us. He delves into controversies surrounding the nature of faith, the extent of Christ's righteousness imputed, and the formal cause of justification, while stressing the unity in the substance of the doctrine among Protestant writers despite varying expressions.

John Owen preaches on Philippians 3:8-9, emphasizing the importance of understanding the righteousness that leads to acceptance with God. He highlights the twofold righteousness considered by the apostle - our own righteousness of the law versus the righteousness of God through faith in Christ. Owen passionately declares his adherence to the righteousness of God by faith, denouncing reliance on personal righteousness. He addresses the opposition faced by this doctrine, the weight of embracing God's righteousness, and the necessity of experiencing grace and acknowledging sin. Owen urges believers to choose Christ's righteousness over their own, as the only way to justification before God.