Justification By Faith
Justification by faith is a central theological concept in Christianity, particularly emphasized in the writings of the Apostle Paul. It refers to the act by which God declares a sinner to be righteous on the basis of faith in Jesus Christ rather than through their own works or adherence to the Law. This doctrine is primarily articulated in Romans 3:28, where Paul states, "For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law." In this context, justification is not merely a legal declaration but a transformative act of God's grace that restores the believer's relationship with Him.The concept is further illuminated in Galatians 2:16, where Paul asserts that faith in Jesus, rather than works of the law, is the means by which believers are justified. This highlights the belief that faith alone—rooted in the grace of God—provides access to salvation. The theological implications of justification by faith emphasize the sufficiency of Christ's atonement and the believer's dependence on God's mercy, underscoring that salvation is a gift rather than a human achievement (Ephesians 2:8-9). Thus, justification by faith serves as a cornerstone of Christian doctrine, affirming that righteousness comes through faith in Christ and not through human effort.
Justification By Faith20
Galatians 2:14 Kennington
By John Nelson Darby0JHN 12:32JHN 14:6ROM 6:6ROM 8:12CO 5:17GAL 2:20EPH 2:18COL 3:1HEB 10:141JN 2:15John Nelson Darby emphasizes the core principles of the Gospel in his sermon on Galatians 2:14, focusing on justification by faith and the complete revelation of God through Jesus Christ. He contrasts the limitations of Judaism and the law with the grace and access to God provided through Christ and the Holy Spirit. Darby explains that while the law served to reveal sin, it could not bring true redemption, which is found in the sacrifice of Christ. He urges believers to recognize their identity in Christ, having died to sin and being made alive in Him, and to live by faith, not by the distractions of the world. Ultimately, he calls for a heart fully devoted to Christ, who loved us and gave Himself for us.
The Bread of Heaven
By Charles Finney0LUK 10:27JHN 14:6ROM 3:31ROM 8:15HEB 10:28Charles Finney emphasizes that justification by faith does not nullify the moral law but rather establishes it, countering the belief that faith leads to moral laxity. He argues that true repentance and obedience stem from understanding the gospel, which presents God's love and grace rather than fear of punishment. Finney explains that the law alone cannot produce holiness; it is the gospel that transforms hearts and motivates true obedience through love. He warns against self-righteousness and highlights the necessity of recognizing salvation as a free gift, which leads to genuine love and concern for others. Ultimately, he asserts that the gospel is essential for breaking the chains of selfishness and leading sinners to true faith in Christ.
The Doctrine of Imputed Righteousness Without Works, Asserted and Proved.
By John Gill0PSA 32:1ISA 45:24MAT 5:20ROM 3:28ROM 4:6ROM 5:1ROM 8:11CO 6:8PHP 3:9TIT 3:7John 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.
Royal Treatment
By Don McClure1.0K44:43ROM 5:1Don McClure emphasizes the profound truth of being justified by faith, which grants believers peace with God through Jesus Christ. He explains that this justification is not based on human effort but on faith, just as Abraham was declared righteous by believing God. McClure highlights the significance of having access to God's grace, portraying it as a royal invitation to enter into a relationship with the Creator. He encourages believers to embrace their identity as children of God, fully accepted and loved, and to recognize the glory that awaits them. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a deeper understanding of the peace and access we have in Christ, urging listeners to believe in their royal status as heirs of God's promises.
In Christ
By David Wilkerson0ISA 64:6ROM 3:23GAL 3:28EPH 2:8David Wilkerson emphasizes that justification by faith is the cornerstone of Christianity, asserting that true peace and rest come from understanding that we cannot achieve righteousness through our own efforts. He warns against the futility of legalistic attempts to please God, explaining that all human righteousness is inadequate and likened to filthy rags. Wilkerson encourages believers to recognize that their acceptance before God is solely through their identity in Christ, where His righteousness is credited to them. This understanding liberates Christians from the emotional turmoil of trying to earn God's favor through good works. Ultimately, being 'in Christ' assures believers that their sins are washed away by Jesus' sacrifice, not their own merit.
Reconciliation: A Covenant of Grace
By Charles Finney0PSA 89:30ROM 1:29Charles Finney emphasizes the unchanging nature of God's covenant of grace, asserting that once God commits to saving a soul, He does not retract that promise. He argues that true repentance leads to a genuine love for God and a hatred for sin, and that believers can expect God's discipline if they stray. Finney clarifies that justification comes through faith in Christ, not by works, and that this faith is essential for true obedience and holiness. He encourages believers to embrace their identity as children of God and to claim the promises of the covenant without fear or doubt. Ultimately, he calls for immediate faith in Christ as the means to salvation and justification.
Of the Active Obedience of Christ in His State of Humiliation.
By John Gill0ISA 42:1MAT 22:37GAL 4:4PHP 2:7HEB 5:8John Gill emphasizes the active obedience of Christ during His state of humiliation, illustrating how He took on the form of a servant and fulfilled the law of God throughout His life, even unto death. He highlights that Christ's obedience was not only to the moral law but also to the ceremonial and civil laws, demonstrating His role as the Servant of God. Gill explains that Christ's perfect obedience is essential for the justification of believers, as it fulfills the law's demands on their behalf. This obedience was voluntary, complete, and performed in the stead of His people, making it well-pleasing to God. Ultimately, Gill presents Christ's active obedience as the foundation of salvation and righteousness for all who believe in Him.
Walking in Marvelous Freedom
By David Wilkerson0ROM 12:2GAL 3:28EPH 2:8David Wilkerson emphasizes that the core of Christianity is justification by faith, asserting that true peace comes from understanding that our own righteousness cannot earn God's favor. He explains that while good works may provide temporary satisfaction, they ultimately fall short, and only through being 'in Christ' can we be deemed righteous. Wilkerson encourages believers to transform their minds and break free from worldly conformity, highlighting that Jesus' sacrifice allows for a daily, intimate relationship with God. He reassures that through Christ, we are delivered from sin's power and guilt, and we can confidently approach God. The key to experiencing this freedom lies in a deep faith and desire to know God.
Redemption in Christ Romans 3:19-26
By J.R. Miller0ROM 3:19J.R. Miller emphasizes the concept of redemption in Christ as outlined in Romans 3:19-26, illustrating that all humanity stands guilty before God's law, unable to justify themselves through their own works or morality. He explains that while the law reveals our sinfulness and inability to meet its demands, the gospel offers hope through the righteousness provided by God, which is accessible through faith in Christ. Miller highlights that justification is a gift of grace, made possible by Christ's sacrificial death, which redeems us from our sins and allows us to stand before God as if we had never sinned. He stresses that all people, regardless of their moral standing, are in need of Christ for salvation, as no one can achieve righteousness on their own. Ultimately, the sermon conveys the profound truth that redemption is freely given through Christ, who bore the penalty for our sins.
Added, Not Mixed
By Theodore Epp0JHN 1:17ROM 3:28ROM 5:20ROM 6:14ROM 7:62CO 3:6GAL 2:16GAL 3:19EPH 2:8HEB 10:1Theodore Epp emphasizes that the Law was 'added' to the existing grace brought by Jesus Christ, highlighting that the Law, which began with Moses, was never intended to replace grace but to coexist alongside it. He explains that while the Law reveals sin and condemnation, it ultimately leads individuals to seek the grace of God for salvation. Epp clarifies that the Law was not good news, but rather a necessary precursor that pointed to the necessity of grace, allowing humanity to find justification through faith alone.
Opposition Between Works and Grace
By John Owen0ROM 1:17ROM 3:22John Owen addresses the critical opposition between works and grace in the context of justification, emphasizing that true righteousness comes solely from faith in God rather than from human efforts or obedience. He highlights the Apostle Paul's teachings in Romans, which assert that justification is a gift of grace, not earned through works, and that all attempts to achieve righteousness through personal merit are ultimately futile. Owen argues that both Gentiles and Jews, despite their different understandings of righteousness, fall short and cannot attain justification through their own means. He concludes that the safest course for believers is to place their complete trust in God's mercy and grace, as exemplified by the testimonies of Scripture. The sermon calls for a total reliance on Christ's righteousness rather than any self-derived merit.
Romans Iv.
By John Owen0ROM 4:2John Owen expounds on Romans chapter 4, emphasizing that Abraham was justified not by works but by faith alone, which serves as a model for all believers. He clarifies that the works referred to are not those of the Jewish law but rather moral obedience, which does not contribute to justification. Owen argues that justification is a gracious act of God, where faith is counted as righteousness, and that all men are ungodly before justification, highlighting the radical nature of God's grace. He asserts that faith itself is not a work that earns righteousness but is the means through which God's righteousness is imputed to us. The sermon concludes by affirming that God justifies the ungodly, a truth that challenges conventional views on the necessity of good works for salvation.
Sanctification by Faith
By Charles Finney0ROM 3:31EPH 2:8Charles Finney emphasizes that justification by faith does not nullify the law but rather establishes it, as true obedience arises from faith in Christ. He argues that the gospel enforces moral law and that genuine repentance and faith lead to sanctification, which is the essence of holiness. Finney addresses common objections that faith might encourage sin, asserting that the gospel's message of grace compels believers to love and obey God. He illustrates that true obedience is born from understanding God's disinterested love and the free gift of salvation, which transforms the heart and motivates genuine moral action. Ultimately, Finney calls for a clear presentation of the gospel to lead sinners away from self-righteousness and towards faith in Christ.
Law, Grace and Victory
By Theodore Epp0JHN 1:17ROM 3:20ROM 6:14GAL 2:21GAL 3:4GAL 5:4EPH 2:8Theodore Epp emphasizes that the Christian life is rooted in faith rather than the Law, as articulated by Paul in Galatians. He argues that if righteousness could be achieved through the Law, then Christ's sacrifice would be rendered meaningless. Epp explains that the Law serves to highlight our guilt and need for grace, and that true justification comes through faith in Christ, not through adherence to the Law. He clarifies that while the Law is not dismissed, it is fulfilled through Christ's death, which satisfies its demands. Ultimately, grace and truth are realized through Jesus, contrasting the limitations of the Law.
Peace for Your Soul
By David Wilkerson0MAT 11:28HEB 3:19David Wilkerson emphasizes that God has promised His people a profound rest that brings peace and security to the soul, a promise that was offered to the children of Israel but largely unfulfilled due to their unbelief. He highlights that while Christians may feel victorious in times of ease, they often struggle under adversity, losing their strength and peace. Wilkerson explains that true rest comes from understanding and embracing the doctrine of justification by faith, which assures believers of their acceptance and righteousness in Christ. He encourages believers to seek a deep, personal realization of this truth to withstand the trials they face. Ultimately, he calls on Christians to stand firm in their faith, finding rest in the sacrifice of Jesus.
Of Other Eternal and Immanent Acts in God, Particularly Adoption and Justification.
By John Gill0EPH 1:4John Gill expounds on the eternal acts of God, particularly focusing on adoption and justification. He emphasizes that both acts are rooted in God's eternal will, with adoption being God's choice to make certain individuals His children, and justification being God's declaration of righteousness towards the elect. Gill clarifies that these acts are not contingent upon human actions or faith but are established in God's sovereign grace from eternity. He argues that justification is an internal act of God that precedes faith and is based on Christ's righteousness, which was secured for the elect before the foundation of the world. The sermon highlights the profound nature of God's grace in adopting and justifying unworthy sinners.
Romans 2 - 4
By John Nelson Darby0ROM 1:17ROM 2:6ROM 3:10ROM 3:23ROM 3:28ROM 4:3ROM 4:5ROM 4:7ROM 4:24John Nelson Darby expounds on Romans chapters 2 to 4, emphasizing the universal guilt of both Jews and Gentiles before God due to sin, and the futility of seeking righteousness through the law. He highlights that true righteousness comes through faith, as exemplified by Abraham and David, and is made possible by the redemptive work of Christ. Darby stresses that God's righteousness is revealed apart from the law and is accessible to all who believe, providing a foundation for justification and peace with God. He concludes that believers are justified freely by grace through faith in Christ, who has borne the penalty for sin and offers a new life in Him.
Prof. Finney's View on Justification by Faith
By Charles Finney0ROM 3:24EPH 2:8Charles Finney presents a detailed examination of justification by faith, emphasizing that it is fundamentally a governmental act of pardon rather than a forensic declaration of innocence. He critiques the traditional view that Christ's obedience is imputed to believers, arguing instead that justification is based on God's infinite love and mercy, requiring repentance, faith, and sanctification as conditions. Finney asserts that the sinner's justification involves a divine decree of pardon, challenging the notion that it can be achieved through mere legalistic means. He highlights the necessity of understanding Christ's role in the justification process, emphasizing that faith should not replace Christ as the foundation of salvation. This sermon serves to clarify misconceptions about justification and the nature of faith in relation to Christ's work.
(Genesis) 28 - Abraham and Justification by Faith
By S. Lewis Johnson1.5K55:30GEN 15:1GEN 15:4GEN 15:6JOB 9:2HAB 2:4ROM 4:5In this sermon, the speaker begins by referencing the previous chapter in the Bible where Abram wins a great victory against the kings from the east and retrieves his nephew Lot. Abram refuses to take any spoils from the king of Sodom, showing his loyalty to God. The speaker then discusses the problem of how man can be just before God, referencing Job's question in the Bible. The solution is found in the words of the Apostle Paul in Romans 4:5, where faith in Jesus Christ brings righteousness, rather than trying to keep the law perfectly. The speaker emphasizes the importance of believing in Jesus Christ for salvation and highlights the impossibility of keeping the law perfectly.
Justification by Faith
By F.B. Meyer0ROM 4:2F.B. Meyer emphasizes the doctrine of justification by faith, using Abraham as a prime example of how belief, rather than works, leads to righteousness before God. He points out that Abraham was justified through faith long before the act of circumcision, illustrating that faith is the key to receiving God's grace. Meyer asserts that this principle applies to all believers, including Gentiles, who can claim the same promises and justifying righteousness through faith. He highlights that justification costs us our pride but was paid for by Christ's sacrifice. Ultimately, Meyer encourages believers to embrace their identity as heirs of God's promises through faith.