Justification by faith and the place of works

LORD'S DAY 24

Romans 3:21-31

 

62 Q. Why can't the good we do make us right with God, or at least help make us right with Him?

A. Because the righteousness which can pass God's scrutiny must be entirely perfect and must in every way measure up to the divine law. Even the very best we do in this life is imperfect and stained with sin.

Roman Catholics:
 Faith + Works = Justification
Protestants:
 Faith = Justification + Works
 Acts 26:18 'to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.'
Behold, the LORD's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save, or his ear dull, that it cannot hear; but your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you so that he does not hear. For your hands are defiled with blood and your fingers with iniquity; your lips have spoken lies; your tongue mutters wickedness. Isa 59:1-3
The Significance of Rom. 3:21-31

It is generally acknowledged to be the most theologically important segment of the entire New Testament.  ~ Mounce

It may be possibly the most important single paragraph ever written.  ~Morris

The chief point, the very central place of the epistle, and of the whole Bible.  ~Luther

Rom 3:19  Now we know that whatever the law says it speaks to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be stopped, and the whole world may be held accountable to God.  20  For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin. 

I. I NEED A RIGHTEOUSNESS FROM SOMEWHERE ELSE

But now apart from the Law the righteousness of God has been manifested, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, 22 even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe;

II. I NEED A RIGHTEOUSNESS AVAILABLE TO ME!

But now apart from the Law the righteousness of God has been manifested, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, 22 even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe;

I NEED IT SECURED FOR ME!

But now apart from the Law the righteousness of God has been manifested, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, 22 even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe;

For there is no difference; 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith,

Propitiation

Defined

Demonstrated

Dynamic

Safe             Secure             Strong

Pascal

Grace is indeed needed to turn a man into a saint; and he who doubts it does not know what a saint or a man is.

63 Q How can you say that the good we do doesn't earn anything when God promises to reward it in this life and the next?

This reward is not earned; it is a gift of grace.

It isn't Grace Plus Works.

What The Cross of Christ Displays

God's Grace is Undeserved

God's Grace is Unsolicited

God's Grace is Unexpected

64          Q.           But doesn't this teaching make people indifferent and wicked?

A. No. It is impossible for those grafted into Christ by true faith not to produce fruits of gratitude.

 

What The Cross of Christ Destroys

Pride

Prejudice

Presumption

All trust in religion is worthless.

Justification is apart from works.

Justification declares a sinner righteous before God by acquitting him of all sins.

God's wrath against sinners is satisfied in Jesus Christ's sacrifice.

Believers have no place for pride.

64          Q.           But doesn't this teaching make people indifferent and wicked?

A. No. It is impossible for those grafted into Christ by true faith not to produce fruits of gratitude.

Rom 12:1  I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.    Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. 

But what about works?

James 2:22  You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works;  23  and the Scripture was fulfilled that says, "Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness"—and he was called a friend of God.  James 2:24  You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone.  25  And in the same way was not also Rahab the prostitute justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way?  26  For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead. 

Ephesians 2:8-10. "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." 

The Place of Grace
The Power  of Gratitude
The Evidence of Works
Matthew  5:20 "For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven."

If your sanctification and works flow from assurance of salvation you are OK
BUT
If your sanctification and works are your focus for assurance of salvation you are NOT   OK.
Are you focussed on Christ or yourself?