Good Works Is The Fruit Of Justification In Christ (Clip)
John Piper explains that good works are the natural fruit and evidence of justification in Christ, emphasizing that true Christianity rests on being made right with God, not on human performance.
This sermon emphasizes the importance of pursuing spirit-empowered obedience and moving towards perfection as a reflection of being right with God. It highlights that true Christianity is rooted in being made right with God, not just in performances, which are the fruit and evidence of this relationship.
Full Transcript
That's New Testament ethics. To put the language of justification on it, go ahead, pursue with all your might spirit-empowered obedience moving toward perfection at the last day because you stand right with God. And if that's not true, there's no Christianity.
That's all I have to give to the world. No, there is a way to get right with God that does not depend on my performances. My performances which are necessary are the fruit of being made right with God and the evidence that I have been made right with God.
Sermon Outline
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I
- The foundation of justification in Christ
- The relationship between justification and good works
- The necessity of spirit-empowered obedience
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II
- Good works as evidence of being made right with God
- The futility of relying on performance for salvation
- The assurance found in standing right with God
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III
- New Testament ethics and perfection
- Pursuing obedience with all might
- The ultimate goal of sanctification
Key Quotes
“Pursue with all your might spirit-empowered obedience moving toward perfection at the last day because you stand right with God.” — John Piper
“There is a way to get right with God that does not depend on my performances.” — John Piper
“My performances which are necessary are the fruit of being made right with God and the evidence that I have been made right with God.” — John Piper
Application Points
- Trust fully in Christ’s righteousness rather than your own works for your standing before God.
- Let your good works flow naturally as evidence of your justification and relationship with God.
- Pursue obedience with passion and reliance on the Holy Spirit as a response to your salvation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does justification mean in this sermon?
Justification refers to being declared right with God through faith in Christ, not by human works.
Are good works necessary for salvation?
Good works are not the basis of salvation but are the natural fruit and evidence of true justification.
How should Christians pursue obedience?
Christians should pursue obedience with all their might, empowered by the Spirit, as a response to their justified status.
What happens if good works are not present?
The absence of good works calls into question the reality of one’s justification and standing with God.