Why We Are Justified by Faith Alone

[Robert Pate]

Works do not justify.

The only thing that justifies is faith.

"Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ" Romans 5:1.

If you try to be justified by works you will be under his wrath, because you have not entered into his rest, Hebrews 4:3.

 

[Jerry Shugart]

The lack of evidence indicates the lack of faith. Faith must be proven, talk is cheap.

Are you under the impression that the LORD does not know the heart and therefore does not know who has faith and who does not?

 

[jamie]

Are you under the impression that the LORD does not know the heart and therefore does not know who has faith and who does not?

Did YHVH know Noah's heart? Why did Noah build an ark?

And there is Abraham who offered up Isaac, didn't YHVH know Abraham's heart?

Doesn't God test our faith?

 

[beloved57]

I don't see much on the Forum about justification by faith. The reason that we are justified by faith and by faith alone, is because we are justified by Christ and by Christ alone. The word "Justification" is a legal word. Here is the meaning.

JUSTIFICATION: Justification may be defined as "that judicial act of God, by which, on the basis of the meritorious work of Christ, imputed to the sinner and received by him through faith, He declares the sinner absolved from his sins, released from its penalty, and restored as righteous." (Zondervan Bible Dictionary)

In the judgment, the justified sinner will stand before God's holy court as perfect and complete "In Christ" Colossians 2:10. God will not be able to find any sin in those that have confessed with their mouth and believed with their heart the Lord Jesus Christ, and that God has raised him from the dead, Romans 10:8-11. No works or religion needed.

Justification is the results of the Gospel. In the Gospel Jesus comes into the world as God's new Adam and our new humanity. Jesus, in our name and on our behalf, offers to God the Father a life of perfect obedience according to his holy law. It is this life that was lived for our justification, Romans 3:26. God's Holy Law has been fulfilled and abolished for the Christian, Ephesians 2:15,16. Where there is no law there is no condemnation.

That was not enough, something had to be done about our sins and the sins of the world before we could be justified. Again, Jesus, in our name and on our behalf takes our sins upon himself and becomes sins for us, 2 Corinthians 5:21. "That we might be made the righteousness of God in him."
We had nothing, absolutely nothing to do with our justification. It was all of God and Christ. We simply believe and accept what God has done for us in Jesus Christ. No works or religion needed.

You teach that sinners are Justified by their works.You teach that sinners Christ died for are going to perish in their sins anyways!

 

[turbosixx]

In the judgment, the justified sinner will stand before God's holy court as perfect and complete "In Christ" Colossians 2:10. God will not be able to find any sin in those that have confessed with their mouth and believed with their heart the Lord Jesus Christ, and that God has raised him from the dead, Romans 10:8-11. No works or religion needed.

You say we're justified by faith alone but when I read the examples of what judgment will look like in the bible, it comes down to our deeds like in this example.
Rom. 2:1 Therefore you have no excuse, everyone of you who passes judgment, for in that which you judge another, you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things. 2 And we know that the judgment of God rightly falls upon those who practice such things. 3 But do you suppose this, O man, when you pass judgment on those who practice such things and do the same yourself, that you will escape the judgment of God? 4 Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and tolerance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance? 5 But because of your stubbornness and unrepentant heart you are storing up wrath for yourself in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, 6 who will render to each person according to his deeds: 7 to those who by perseverance in doing good seek for glory and honor and immortality, eternal life; 8 but to those who are selfishly ambitious and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, wrath and indignation. 9 There will be tribulation and distress for every soul of man who does evil, of the Jew first and also of the Greek, 10 but glory and honor and peace to everyone who does good, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.

Where there is no law there is no condemnation.

We are given commandments from Christ and we need to obey them.
1 Th. 4:1 Finally, then, brothers, we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, just as you are doing, that you do so more and more. 2 For you know what instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus. 3 For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality;

2 Th.3:6 Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from any brother who is walking in idleness and not in accord with the tradition that you received from us..... 10 For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat.... 13 As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good. 14 If anyone does not obey what we say in this letter, take note of that person, and have nothing to do with him, that he may be ashamed. 15 Do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother.

 

[Robert Pate]

You say we're justified by faith alone but when I read the examples of what judgment will look like in the bible, it comes down to our deeds like in this example.
Rom. 2:1 Therefore you have no excuse, everyone of you who passes judgment, for in that which you judge another, you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things. 2 And we know that the judgment of God rightly falls upon those who practice such things. 3 But do you suppose this, O man, when you pass judgment on those who practice such things and do the same yourself, that you will escape the judgment of God? 4 Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and tolerance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance? 5 But because of your stubbornness and unrepentant heart you are storing up wrath for yourself in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, 6 who will render to each person according to his deeds: 7 to those who by perseverance in doing good seek for glory and honor and immortality, eternal life; 8 but to those who are selfishly ambitious and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, wrath and indignation. 9 There will be tribulation and distress for every soul of man who does evil, of the Jew first and also of the Greek, 10 but glory and honor and peace to everyone who does good, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.






We are given commandments from Christ and we need to obey them.
1 Th. 4:1 Finally, then, brothers, we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, just as you are doing, that you do so more and more. 2 For you know what instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus. 3 For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality;

2 Th.3:6 Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from any brother who is walking in idleness and not in accord with the tradition that you received from us..... 10 For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat.... 13 As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good. 14 If anyone does not obey what we say in this letter, take note of that person, and have nothing to do with him, that he may be ashamed. 15 Do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother.

You need to obey the law because you are under the law. To be under the law is to be under condemnation.

I am not under any law, not Moses law, Christ law, Bible law or any kind of laws or rules that you can come up with.

I am 100% free from the law because spiritually I am perfect and complete "In Christ" Colossians 2:10.

What you are trying to attain to by the law is already mine in Jesus Christ.

 

[glassjester]

You need to come to grips with the fact that there is NOTHING that you can do to please God, except to believe on his Son Jesus Christ.

So is believing a good work?

 

[Robert Pate]

So is believing a good work?

If you look in the dictionary under the word "work" it says that work is a continual exertion or activity, whether mental or physical directed to some end or purpose.

If you have to really work at believing in Jesus then I guess it is a work.

I personally don't have to work at it at all because I have already entered into his rest, Hebrews 4:10.

 

[turbosixx]

I am not under any law, not Moses law, Christ law, Bible law or any kind of laws or rules that you can come up with.

I hear what you're saying but I see scriptures that talk about us being under the law of Christ and telling us to walk in a manner pleasing to God.

Paul said he was under the law of Christ.
1 Cor. 9:21 to those who are without law, as without law, though not being without the law of God but under the law of Christ, so that I might win those who are without law.


Here is another example of those who receive eternal life and destruction based on their deeds.

Matt. 25:32 All the nations will be gathered before Him; and He will separate them from one another, as the shepherd separates the sheep from the goats;...34 "Then the King will say to those on His right, 'Come, you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. 35 For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in; 36 naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me.' 37 Then the righteous will answer Him, 'Lord, when did we see You hungry, and feed You, or thirsty, and give You something to drink? 38 And when did we see You a stranger, and invite You in, or naked, and clothe You? 39 When did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?' 40 The King will answer and say to them, 'Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.'

41 "Then He will also say to those on His left, 'Depart from Me, accursed ones, into the eternal fire which has been prepared for the devil and his angels; 42 for I was hungry, and you gave Me nothing to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me nothing to drink; 43 I was a stranger, and you did not invite Me in; naked, and you did not clothe Me; sick, and in prison, and you did not visit Me.' 44 Then they themselves also will answer, 'Lord, when did we see You hungry, or thirsty, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not take care of You?' 45 Then He will answer them, 'Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.' 46 These will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life."

 

[Robert Pate]

I hear what you're saying but I see scriptures that talk about us being under the law of Christ and telling us to walk in a manner pleasing to God.

Paul said he was under the law of Christ.
1 Cor. 9:21 to those who are without law, as without law, though not being without the law of God but under the law of Christ, so that I might win those who are without law.


Here is another example of those who receive eternal life and destruction based on their deeds.

Matt. 25:32 All the nations will be gathered before Him; and He will separate them from one another, as the shepherd separates the sheep from the goats;...34 "Then the King will say to those on His right, 'Come, you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. 35 For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in; 36 naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me.' 37 Then the righteous will answer Him, 'Lord, when did we see You hungry, and feed You, or thirsty, and give You something to drink? 38 And when did we see You a stranger, and invite You in, or naked, and clothe You? 39 When did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?' 40 The King will answer and say to them, 'Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.'

41 "Then He will also say to those on His left, 'Depart from Me, accursed ones, into the eternal fire which has been prepared for the devil and his angels; 42 for I was hungry, and you gave Me nothing to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me nothing to drink; 43 I was a stranger, and you did not invite Me in; naked, and you did not clothe Me; sick, and in prison, and you did not visit Me.' 44 Then they themselves also will answer, 'Lord, when did we see You hungry, or thirsty, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not take care of You?' 45 Then He will answer them, 'Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.' 46 These will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life."

To be under the law to Christ is the same as being "In Christ". There are no laws or rules for Christians. You are under the law because you have put yourself there. To be under the law is to be under judgment and condemnation.

"Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin" Romans 3:20.

You should allow the scripture to dictate what you believe. Otherwise you will be in conflict with the word of God.

 

[turbosixx]

To be under the law to Christ is the same as being "In Christ". There are no laws or rules for Christians. You are under the law because you have put yourself there. To be under the law is to be under judgment and condemnation.

"Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin" Romans 3:20.

You should allow the scripture to dictate what you believe. Otherwise you will be in conflict with the word of God.

Scripture is the only thing I believe. What I see is you saying one thing and the bible another. For example:
You - justified by faith alone
Bible - justified by works and not by faith alone

You - I'm not under Christ law
Bible - but under the law of Christ

You - there are no law or rules for Christians
Bible - "If you love Me, you will keep My commandments"

Do you know of an example of judgment in the bible where people receive eternal life/death based on faith alone?

 

[Catholic Crusader]

Works do not justify.........

Wrong again, as usual. Paul was a former Pharisee, so when he spoke of works he usually referred to works of the law. Read it in context.

Works of the law (i.e. Torah) cannot save, but works that Christ commanded can and do save.

Furthermore, you should become familiar with the difference between "merit" and "earning". We do nor earn our salvation through works but we do merit it. There is a difference.

Scripture is the only thing I believe.........

That is a common self-delusional belief. You READ the scriptures, then your brain interprets what they mean. In fact, it is your personal interpretation of scriptures that you are believing in, not the scriptures themselves. That is why the protestant world is dividing into hundreds of denominations teaching conflicting doctrines, all saying the same thing that you do.

 

[Catholic Crusader]

We Can Work It Out
By Tim Staples - source link

(Quoted with permission)

James 2:24 is remarkably clear: "You see that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone." Yet millions of Christians teach the opposite: They claim that we are "justified by faith alone"—saying good works are unnecessary for Christians in the process of justification.

This misconception is rooted in the misinterpretation of a few key texts, such as Romans 3:28: "For we hold that a man is justified by faith apart from works of law." Romans 4:5 is another: "And to one who does not work but trusts him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is reckoned as righteousness." On the surface, St. Paul seems to be saying works are not necessary for our justification or salvation in any sense, but that is not the case when we examine the context of these passages. Not only would this interpretation contradict the words of James 2, but it would also contradict Paul himself.

Work in Christ

Paul made very clear in Romans 2:6-8 that good works are necessary for attaining eternal life, at least for those capable of performing them: "For he will render to every man according to his works: to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life; but for those who are factious and do not obey the truth, but obey wickedness, there will be wrath and fury."

So what about the fact that Paul also said we are "justified by faith apart from works of law?" He was writing to a church in Rome struggling with a very prominent first-century heretical sect known today as the "Judaizers." These heretics taught that belief in Christ and obedience to the New Covenant was not enough to be saved. A man also had to keep the Mosaic Law (which, according to Hebrews 7:11-12, has been superseded in Christ) and be circumcised in order to be saved (cf. Acts 15:1-2). Paul gave us one clue—among many—that he had this sect in mind when he wrote in Romans 2:28-29, "For he is not a real Jew who is one outwardly, nor is true circumcision something external and physical. He is a Jew who is one inwardly, and real circumcision is a matter of the heart, spiritual and not literal . . . " Paul told us in Colossians 2:11-12 that this true "circumcision of Christ" is baptism.

It is in this context that Paul says we are "justified by faith apart from works of law." He did not in any sense say that works are unnecessary. He specified works of law because these were the works without which the Judaizers were claiming one "cannot be saved."

Paul does not specifically say works of law in Romans 4:5, but if we read from Romans 3:28 to Romans 4:5 and beyond, the context makes it unmistakable: Paul was referring to circumcision in particular and the same "works of law" he was referring to in Romans 3:28. Romans 4:5-10 will suffice to make the point:

And to one who does not work but trusts him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is reckoned as righteousness . . . Is this blessing pronounced only upon the circumcised, or also upon the uncircumcised? We say that faith was reckoned to Abraham as righteousness. How then was it reckoned to him? Was it before or after he had been circumcised? It was not after, but before he was circumcised.​

Paul used the example of the "Judaizers" to teach the truth about the nature of justification and works. The works that justify us—as we saw in Romans 2:6-11 and James 2:24—are works done in Christ. Indeed, in Romans 2:4, before Paul even begins to talk about the works we must do to be saved, he says, "Knowest thou not, that the benignity of God leadeth thee to penance" (Douay-Rheims). It is only God’s goodness that leads us to repentance so that we can perform good works. How do we get "in Christ" according to Paul? Through baptism: "Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death . . ." (Rom 6:3-4). It is only after we are in Christ and trusting in the power of his grace at work within us that we have the power to remain in him: "Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have obtained access to this grace in which we stand and we rejoice in our hope of sharing the glory of God" (Rom 5:1-2).

Moreover, in Romans 6:16, Paul tells us that after baptism, obedience to Christ leads us to justification while sin will lead us to death (see also Romans 6:23): "Do you not know that if you yield yourselves to any one as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness" (Gk. eis dikaiosunen, unto justification).

Paul’s emphasis is not just on good works, but works done in and through the power of Christ. Thus, in Romans 8:1-14,Paul tells us in no uncertain terms that we must be in Christ in order to do works that please God.

There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus . . . who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit . . . and those who are in the flesh cannot please God . . . So, then, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh—for if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are the sons of God.​

Remember that Paul is emphasizing our continuing in Christ, in his grace or "kindness" as he says in Romans 11:22. "Note then the kindness and severity of God: severity toward those who have fallen, but God’s kindness to you, provided you continue in his kindness; otherwise you too will be cut off."

Work through Love

When Paul wrote his letter to the Galatians, he had these same "Judaizers" in mind:

Let me ask you only this: Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law, or by hearing with faith? Are you so foolish? Having begun with the Spirit, are you now ending with the flesh . . . Now I Paul say to you that if you receive circumcision, Christ will be of no advantage to you. I testify again to every man who receives circumcision that he is bound to keep the whole law. You are severed from Christ, you who would be justified by the law; you have fallen away from grace. For through the Spirit, by faith, we wait for the hope of righteousness (Gk. dikaiosoune, justification). For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision is of any avail, but faith working through love. (Gal 3:2-3, 5:2-6)​

Evidently, some of the Galatians were giving in to the false teaching that commanded them to return to the Law of Moses for salvation. He warns them that returning to the old Law is to reject Christ. But he in no way even hints at any idea of a "justification by faith alone" that would deny the necessity of "faith working through love." Paul writes in the simplest of terms, in Galatians 5:19-21 and 6:7-9, that if Christians allow themselves to be dominated by their "flesh," or lower nature, they will not make it to heaven. While on the flip side, Christians will only reap the reward of eternal life if they continue to "sow to the Spirit" or perform good works:

Now the works of the flesh are plain: immorality, impurity, licentiousness, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, anger, selfishness, dissension, party spirit, envy, drunkenness, carousing and the like. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God . . . Do not be deceived; God is not mocked, for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption (eternal death); but he who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. And let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due season we shall reap, if we do not lose heart.​

Work out Salvation

Ephesians 2:8-9 declares: "For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not your own doing, it is the gift of God—not because of works, lest any man should boast." This is another text commonly used to dismiss good works as necessary for salvation in the life of a Christian. However, once again, context is the key to understanding Paul. In verses 4-6, he says: "But God, who is rich in mercy, out of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ . . . and raised us up with him . . ."

Context reveals that St. Paul was talking about the initial grace of salvation or justification by which we are raised from death unto life. The construction of the Greek text of Ephesians 2:8-9 makes clear that both grace and faith are entirely unmerited. Many Protestants are shocked to discover this is precisely what the Catholic Church teaches—and baptizes babies to prove it. How much more can the Church do to demonstrate this truth? What kind of works could a newborn baby have done to merit anything? However, once that baby grows up and reaches the age of accountability, he must begin to "work out [his] own salvation with fear and trembling; for God is at work in [him], both to will and to work for his good pleasure" (Phil 2:12-13). Or, as Paul says in Ephesians 2:10: "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."

Are we justified or saved by faith, according to Jesus? Certainly! But by faith alone that would exclude works in every sense? No way. In John 11:25, we read: "I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live." That is faith. Yet, in Matthew 19:17-19, Jesus declared: ". . . If you would enter life, keep the commandments . . . You shall not kill, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not bear false witness, honor your father and mother, and, you shall love your neighbor as yourself." That is works.

In Matthew 12:37, Jesus puts any thought of justification by faith alone to rest: ". . . for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned."

About Tim Staples:
[url]http://www.catholic.com/profiles/tim-staples[/URL]

 

[beloved57]

To be under the law to Christ is the same as being "In Christ". There are no laws or rules for Christians. You are under the law because you have put yourself there. To be under the law is to be under judgment and condemnation.

"Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin" Romans 3:20.

You should allow the scripture to dictate what you believe. Otherwise you will be in conflict with the word of God.

And yet you teach that men are Justified by deeds of the law !, By doing something required by God ! So you are playing the hypocrit !

 

[Robert Pate]

Scripture is the only thing I believe. What I see is you saying one thing and the bible another. For example:
You - justified by faith alone
Bible - justified by works and not by faith alone

You - I'm not under Christ law
Bible - but under the law of Christ

You - there are no law or rules for Christians
Bible - "If you love Me, you will keep My commandments"

Do you know of an example of judgment in the bible where people receive eternal life/death based on faith alone?

The Bible is always interpreted in the light of the "Historical Gospel" of Jesus Christ.

Jesus taught the law to show us that we don't measure up to God's standards. Example: "Be perfect even as your father in heaven is perfect" Are you perfect?

Our works are tainted with sin and pride, this is why God does not accept the works of sinners.

Abraham was justified by faith alone, Romans 4:1-5.

 

[jamie]

I am not under any law, not Moses law, Christ law, Bible law or any kind of laws or rules that you can come up with.

Do you make idols to bow down and worship them?
Do you profane God's name?
Do you do rape, rob, and murder?
Do you put your will before God's will?

If you don't do these things then you are complying with some of God's law without even realizing it.

 

[Robert Pate]

Do you make idols to bow down and worship them?
Do you profane God's name?
Do you do rape, rob, and murder?
Do you put your will before God's will?

If you don't do these things then you are complying with some of God's law without even realizing it.

We are called to live by Spirit and not laws, rules or religion.

This is why Paul wrote, "The letter (law) kills, but the Spirit gives life" 2 Corinthians 3:6.

 

[Jerry Shugart]

either way, my previous post actually had scriptures that talked about obedience in relation to faith.

Nothing you said demonstrates that when the Greek word translated "faith" is used that obedience is meant!

We are justified by faith plus nothing.

No matter how much you want to make obedience a requirement for our justification the Bible forbids such a thought!

 

[Jerry Shugart]

Did YHVH know Noah's heart?

Of course the Lord knows the heart of all men!

Do you deny that?

it is evident that He knows the heart so He does not need to see any actions from man in order to know whether a man has faith or not.

 

[Jdorman]

Nothing you said demonstrates that when the Greek word translated "faith" is used that obedience is meant!

We are justified by faith plus nothing.

No matter how much you want to make obedience a requirement for our justification the Bible forbids such a thought!

I am not claiming the Greek word for Faith means obedience, I am saying that the actual word obedience is used in relation to Faith