Why is the Doctrine of Justification by Faith So Important?
The teaching of Justification by Faith is what separates biblical Christianity from all other belief systems.
In every religion, and in some branches of what is called “Christianity,” man is working his way to God.
Only in true, biblical Christianity is man saved because of grace through Faith. Only when we get back to the Bible do we see that justification is by Faith, apart from works.
The word JUSTIFIED means “pronounced or treated as righteous”.
Justification is the act of God not only forgiving the believer’s sins — but imputing to him The Righteousness of Christ.
The Bible states in several places that justification only comes through Faith.
“Therefore being justified by Faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: by whom also we have access by Faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” Romans 5:1-2.
“And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness. Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him; but for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.
Justification is not earned through our own works; rather, we are covered by the righteousness of Jesus Christ. The Christian, being declared righteous, is freed from the guilt of sin.” Romans 4:22-25.
“For by grace are ye saved through Faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Not of works, lest any man should boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9.
“Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost,” Titus 3:5.
Justification is a completed work of God, and it is instantaneous, as opposed to Sanctification which is an ongoing process of growth by which we become more Christlike (the act of “set apart”).
Sanctification occurs after justification.
“For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.” 1 Corinthians 1:18.
“And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Thessalonians 5:23.
Understanding the doctrine of justification is important for a Christian.
First, it is the very knowledge of justification and of grace that motivates good works and spiritual growth; thus, justification leads to sanctification.
Also, the fact that justification is a finished work of God means that Christians have assurance of their salvation.
In God’s eyes, believers have the righteousness necessary to gain eternal life.
Once a person is justified, there is nothing else he needs to gain entrance into heaven.
Since justification comes by Faith in Christ, based on His work on our behalf, our own works are disqualified as a means of salvation.
“Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by Faith without the deeds of the law.” Romans 3:28.
A Different Gospel…..
There exist vast religious systems with complex theologies that teach the false doctrine of justification by works.
But they are teaching “a different gospel — which is really no gospel at all”
“I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.” Galatians 1:6-7.
Without an understanding of justification by Faith alone, we cannot truly perceive the glorious gift of grace — God’s “unmerited favor” becomes “merited” in our minds, and we begin to think we deserve salvation.
The doctrine of Justification by Faith helps us maintain “pure devotion to Christ.”
“But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.” 2 Corinthians 11:3-4.
Holding to justification by Faith keeps us from falling for the lie that we can earn heaven.
There is no ritual, no sacrament, no deed that can make us worthy of the righteousness of Christ.
It is only by His Grace, in response to our Faith, that God has credited to us the holiness of His Son.
Both Old and New Testaments say, “The just shall live by Faith!”
“Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his Faith.” Habakkuk 2:4.
“For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from Faith to Faith: as it is written, The
just shall live by Faith.” Romans 1:17.
“But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by Faith.” Galatians 3:11.
“Now the just shall live by Faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.” Hebrews 10:38-39.
Justification is Important!
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I have posted this Word in obedience to my Holy Spirit Teacher.
~ Desert Prophet Ken Dewey
The light will shine in His glory… In the desert.
Evangelist/ Prophet/ Pastor Ken Dewey is the founder of “OUT OF THE DESERT MINISTRIES“ in Belen, New Mexico, USA.
He writes on Facebook and OutOfTheDesertMinistries.com Prophetic Words, Sermons and Teachings while leading people into true Church settings and preaching in an End Time Gospel Tent Ministry.
For more information and messages, please visit OutOfTheDesertMinistries.com.
Amen.
You ‘betta’ teach the doctrine of Justification sir! YES…the sacrificial life of Jesus Christ for our sin…makes it ‘Just’ as we didn’t sin. Accept JESUS by faith in this atonement AND He Justifies our sin and now the Father ‘sees’ Righteousness in us, so we are then made righteous in Him ALONE…not because we do some ‘right’ things. Jesus and HE alone makes us righteous.
Now Church…let’s move into sanctification as the man of God says; is ongoing process by being obedient to the Word. Justificatioin, then sanctification, brings transformation, activates God’s multiplication in our lives. Amen Church.