Justified By Faith Not Works ..

[cygnusx1]

8. Its Instrument

“Being justified freely by His grace” (Rom. 3:24); “being now justified by His blood” (Rom. 5:9); “being now justified by faith” (Rom. 5:1). A full exposition of the doctrine of justification requires that each of these propositions should be interpreted in their Scriptural sense, and that they be combined together in their true relations as to form one harmonious whole. Unless these three propositions be carefully distinguished there is sure to be confusion; unless all the three are steadily borne in mind we are sure to land in error. Each must be given its due weight, yet none must be understood in such a way as to make its force annul that of the others. Nor is this by any means a simple task, in fact none but a real teacher (that is, a spiritual theologian) who has devoted a lifetime to the undivided study of Scriptures is qualified for it.
“The righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ” (Rom. 3:22); “A man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law” (Rom. 3:28); “even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law” (Gal. 2:16). What is the precise place and influence which faith has in the important affairs of justification? What is the exact nature or character of justifying faith? In what particular sense are we to understand this proposition that we are “justified by faith”? and what is the connection between that proposition and the postulates that we are “justified by grace” and “justified by Christ’s blood”? These are matters which call for the utmost care. The nature of justifying faith requires to be closely defined so that its particular agency is correctly viewed, for it is easy to make a mistake here to the prejudice of Christ’s honour and glory, which must not be given to another—no, not to faith itself.


A W PINK​

 

[cygnusx1]

Many would-be teachers have erred at this point, for the common tendency of human nature is to arrogate to itself the glory which belongs alone to God. While there have been those who rejected the unscriptural notion that we can be justified before God by our own works, yet not a few of these very men virtually make a saviour of their own faith. Not only have some spoken of faith as though it were a contribution which God requires the sinner to make toward his own salvation—the last mite which was necessary to make up the price of his redemption; but others (who sneered at theologians and boasted of their superior understanding of the things of God) have insisted that faith itself is what constitutes us righteous before God, He regarding faith as righteousness.
A deplorable example of what we have just mentioned is to be found in the comments made upon Romans 4 by Mr. J.N. Darby, the father of the Plymouth Brethren: “This was Abraham’s faith. He believed the promise that he should be the father of many nations, because God had spoken, counting on the power of God, thus glorifying Him, without calling in question anything that He had said by looking at circumstances; therefore this also was counted to him for righteousness. He glorified God according to what God was. Now this was not written for his sake alone: the same faith shall be imputed to us also for righteousness” (“Synopsis” vol. 4, p. 133—italics ours). The Christ-dishonouring error contained in those statements will be exposed later on in this chapter.
“How doth faith justify a sinner in the sight of God? Answer: Faith justifies a sinner in the sight of God, not because of those other graces which do always accompany it, nor of good works that are the fruits of it, nor as if the grace of faith, or any act thereof, were imputed to him for justification; but only as it is an instrument by which he receiveth and applieth Christ and His righteousness” (Westminster Confession of Faith). Though this definition was framed upwards of two hundred and fifty years ago, it is far superior to almost anything found in current literature on the subject. It is more accurate to speak of faith as the “instrument” rather than as the condition, for a “condition” is generally used to signify that for the sake whereof a benefit is conferred. Faith is neither the ground nor the substance of our justification, but simply the hand which receives the Divine gift proffered to us in the Gospel.​

A W PINK


http://www.ccel.org/ccel/pink/just.ch8.html​

 

[A Brother In Christ]

Bigger question

How does one rest in Christ? heb 4:9-10

and accomplish works for God.

GET ONE SELF OUT OF THE WAY SO GOD CAN WORK THROUGH YOU

 

[cygnusx1]

What is the precise place and influence which faith has in the important affair of justification? Romanist answer, It justifies us formally, not relatively: that is, upon the account of its own intrinsic value. They point out that faith is never alone, but “worketh by love” (Gal 5:6), and therefore its own excellency merits acceptance at God’s hand. But the faith of the best is weak and deficient (Luke 17:5), and so could never satisfy the law, which requires a flawless perfection. If righteousness was given as a reward for faith, its possessor would have cause for boasting, expressly contrary to the Apostle in Romans 3:26, 27. Moreover, such a method of justification would entirely frustrate the life and death of Christ, making His great sacrifice unnecessary. It is not faith as a spiritual grace which justifies us, but as an instrument—the hand which lays hold of Christ.


In connection with justification, faith is not to be considered as a virtuous exercise of the heart, nor as a principle of holy obedience: “Because faith, as concerned in our justification, does not regard Christ as King, enacting laws, requiring obedience, and subduing depravity; but as a Substitute, answering the requirements of the Divine Law, and as a Priest expiating sin by His own death on the cross. Hence, in justification we read of ‘precious faith... through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ’ (2 Peter 1:1) and of ‘faith in His blood’ (Rom. 3:25), and believers are described as ‘receiving the atonement’ and ‘receiving the gift of righteousness’ (Rom. 5:11, 17). Therefore it is evident that faith is represented as having an immediate regard to the vicarious work of Christ, and that it is considered not under the notion of exercising virtue or of performing a duty, but of receiving a free gift” (A. Booth).


A W PINK​

 

[holdon]

What is the precise place and influence which faith has in the important affair of justification? Romanist answer, It justifies us formally, not relatively: that is, upon the account of its own intrinsic value. They point out that faith is never alone, but “worketh by love” (Gal 5:6), and therefore its own excellency merits acceptance at God’s hand. But the faith of the best is weak and deficient (Luke 17:5), and so could never satisfy the law, which requires a flawless perfection. If righteousness was given as a reward for faith, its possessor would have cause for boasting, expressly contrary to the Apostle in Romans 3:26, 27. Moreover, such a method of justification would entirely frustrate the life and death of Christ, making His great sacrifice unnecessary. It is not faith as a spiritual grace which justifies us, but as an instrument—the hand which lays hold of Christ.​

In connection with justification, faith is not to be considered as a virtuous exercise of the heart, nor as a principle of holy obedience: “Because faith, as concerned in our justification, does not regard Christ as King, enacting laws, requiring obedience, and subduing depravity; but as a Substitute, answering the requirements of the Divine Law, and as a Priest expiating sin by His own death on the cross. Hence, in justification we read of ‘precious faith... through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ’ (2 Peter 1:1) and of ‘faith in His blood’ (Rom. 3:25), and believers are described as ‘receiving the atonement’ and ‘receiving the gift of righteousness’ (Rom. 5:11, 17). Therefore it is evident that faith is represented as having an immediate regard to the vicarious work of Christ, and that it is considered not under the notion of exercising virtue or of performing a duty, but of receiving a free gift” (A. Booth).​

A W PINK​

I saw a piece of bait here. Too good to pass up....

Romans 3:20 Wherefore by works of law no flesh shall be justified before him

By works of law: -> not justification. Not your works of law, nor somebody else's works of law. Ever been justified by your neighbors good works?

 

[cygnusx1]

I saw a piece of bait here. Too good to pass up....

Romans 3:20 Wherefore by works of law no flesh shall be justified before him

By works of law: -> not justification. Not your works of law, nor somebody else's works of law. Ever been justified by your neighbors good works?

NO , NONE ARE JUSTIFIED BY ANY WORKS EXCEPT FAITH IN GOD'S WORK , i think i know where you are going with this , mmmm we soon must part .

 

[holdon]

NO , NONE ARE JUSTIFIED BY ANY WORKS EXCEPT FAITH IN GOD'S WORK , i think i know where you are going with this , mmmm we soon must part .

Romans 4:3
for what does the scripture say? And Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness. 4:4 Now to him that works the reward is not reckoned as of grace, but of debt: 4:5 but to him who does not work, but believes

 

[cygnusx1]

Romans 4:3
for what does the scripture say? And Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness. 4:4 Now to him that works the reward is not reckoned as of grace, but of debt: 4:5 but to him who does not work, but believes

your faith , although a Divine Gift, can no more be the actual ground of your Righteousness than your works ...... why ?

because both are imperfect!

Those who see faith as the ground of their Righteousness assume God accepts imperfection ....... if that was the case Christ did not need to die!
And if our faith is the reason for our Justification then Jesus died for nothing , all that was needed was faith!

Tell me , was Thomas , yes doubting Thomas , saved because of his faith or because of the Righteouness that is revealed to faith" (Rom. 1:17)

no wonder some think that if they lose your faith they lose their salvation!!!

Did Peter lose his salvation when he denied Christ ........ of course not!

nowhere in scripture does it say we are saved BECAUSE OF OUR FAITH ......... we are saved through faith , and the Righteousness we have is not our own!

 

[holdon]

your faith , although a Divine Gift, can no more be the actual ground of your Righteousness than your works ...... why ?

because both are imperfect!

Where did God ever say: your faith is not perfect enough? Remember the mustard seed?

Those who see faith as the ground of their Righteousness

Like Paul here: what does the scripture say? And Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness.

assume God accepts imperfection .......

There is no word of in the entire bible of an "imperfect faith." Must be one of those calvinistic inventions, I guess.

if that was the case Christ did not need to die!

And if our faith is the reason for our Justification

Faith is the only reason for justification:
but to him who does not work, but believes on him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is reckoned as righteousness. For we say that faith has been reckoned to Abraham as righteousness.
Now it was not written on his account alone that it was reckoned to him, 4:24but on ours also, to whom, believing on him who has raised from among the dead Jesus our Lord, 4:25who has been delivered for our offences and has been raised for our justification, it will be reckoned. [/quote] then Jesus died for nothing , all that was needed was faith!

Tell me , was Thomas , yes doubting Thomas , saved because of his faith or because of the Righteouness that is revealed to faith" (Rom. 1:17) [/quote]on the principle of faith, to faith: according as it is written, But the just shall live by faith.

no wonder some think that if they lose your faith they lose their salvation!!!

Did Peter lose his salvation when he denied Christ ........ of course not!

nowhere in scripture does it say we are saved BECAUSE OF OUR FAITH ......... we are saved through faith , and the Righteousness we have is not our own!

Here is what Scripture says:

righteousness of God by faith of Jesus Christ towards all, and upon all those who believe: for there is no difference;

for we reckon that a man is justified by faith, without works of law.

but to him who does not work, but believes on him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is reckoned as righteousness.

Therefore it is on the principle of faith, that it might be according to grace

we also have believed on Christ Jesus, that we might be justified on the principle of the faith of Christ

 

[cygnusx1]

"no mention of imperfect faith" !!!!!!

"i believe help thou mine unbelief"

" unless i see the nail prints in his hands and feet , i will not believe"


Abraham said , "she is my sister" out of fear .....


etc etc etc

 

[holdon]

"no mention of imperfect faith" !!!!!!

"i believe help thou mine unbelief"

" unless i see the nail prints in his hands and feet , i will not believe"


Abraham said , "she is my sister" out of fear .....


etc etc etc

Take the last example of Abraham the father of faith. When was it said Abraham believed God and it was reckoned to him as righteousness? Answer Gen. 15.

Now read Gen 16... and ss.

 

[cygnusx1]

Take the last example of Abraham the father of faith. When was it said Abraham believed God and it was reckoned to him as righteousness? Answer Gen. 15.

Now read Gen 16... and ss.

it matters not when it was said , no faith is perfect , just look at your own !

 

[heymikey80]

Take the last example of Abraham the father of faith. When was it said Abraham believed God and it was reckoned to him as righteousness? Answer Gen. 15.

Now read Gen 16... and ss.

Hm. It comes to me that Paul's point is that faith justifies the ungodly, not simply the person who sins.

Isn't it that faith doesn't make someone godly? But rather faith puts reliance in the only Godly One to change and save us.

Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. Only let us hold true to what we have attained. Pp 3:12-16
​

 

[holdon]

it matters not when it was said , no faith is perfect , just look at your own !

It is God who justifies. Now, if Abraham was justified in Gen 15, why do we see him go off on the slippery path of self-confidence in Gen 16 and onward?

In your terms: if God gave Abraham the perfect faith in Gen 15, why didn't he have it in Gen 16? Can you lose your faith? And be unjustified again?

 

[cygnusx1]

It is God who justifies. Now, if Abraham was justified in Gen 15, why do we see him go off on the slippery path of self-confidence in Gen 16 and onward?

In your terms: if God gave Abraham the perfect faith in Gen 15, why didn't he have it in Gen 16? Can you lose your faith? And be unjustified again?

no and that is why salvation is of grace , if it is all down to faith then Peter , plus the other disciples lost their salvation when they fled!

faith is only an instrument , Abraham was not justified because he had faith but because his faith was in Christ , it is Christ who saves by Grace , through faith.

 

[cygnusx1]

Bad fruits do NOT make a tree bad , they merely make known that the tree IS bad. Men do bad things because they are bad.

Good works can never ever make a person good , they merely make known that a person is good. Men do good things because God is in them willing and working for His good pleasure.

Salvation is never because of faith , faith merely is the instrument God has chosen to give and use , faith is not the object but the evidence of things (salvation by Christ two thousand years ago ) hidden.

Wisdom is not created by wise decisions , wise decisions are just the evidence of wisdom.

Condemnation does not merely arise from personal sin , personal sin arises by being in a condemned state . (Romans 5)

Salvation does not merely arise from personal obedience of faith but by being placed in a justified state , which is unknown until evidenced by faith.

There is no contradiction between Paul and James , Paul is speaking about Justification by faith not works before God. A legal declaration.

James is talking about justification by faith before men .
A need for a public demonstration.

Paul emphasises God's Grace which saves through faith unto good works.

James emphasises the evidence of saving faith which is good works .

The writer to the Hebrews emphasises that faith is evidential not causative , faith is the evidence of things not seen , what is not seen in salvation ? our life is hid with Christ in God (Col 3:3) , true faith does not make this so , it merely shows it is so.

Justified often has the meaning of to make public , to make known , to declare what is true.

"But wisdom is justified of all her children." Luke 7:35

http://foru.ms/t3764969&page=8

 

[A Brother In Christ]

It is God who justifies. Now, if Abraham was justified in Gen 15, why do we see him go off on the slippery path of self-confidence in Gen 16 and onward?

In your terms: if God gave Abraham the perfect faith in Gen 15, why didn't he have it in Gen 16? Can you lose your faith? And be unjustified again?

When did God count Abraham justified ..gen 15:6, heb 11:8-9

When was he perfected [mature] in faith ... Heb 11:17-19, james 2:21-25, Gen 22:10

 

[holdon]

When did God count Abraham justified ..gen 15:6, heb 11:8-9

When was he perfected [mature] in faith ... Heb 11:17-19, james 2:21-25, Gen 22:10

When was Abraham justified by God on the basis of his faith: Gen 15:6

 

[cygnusx1]

When was Abraham justified by God on the basis of his faith: Gen 15:6

he wasn't !


The Place Of Justification


Some place justification to be only in the conscience. But we place it only in Christ where it is, and to Whom it belongs. Justification consists in taking away of sin. None but Christ can do that. Justification and acceptation are one. For without justification there is no acceptation. And seeing we are accepted in Christ, we are justified in Him. If our justification be a spiritual blessing, (as it is) then it is in Christ where all spiritual blessings are, "Blessed be God, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in Christ," Eph. 1:3. Where our redemption and righteousness are, there is our justification. Righteousness and justification are one. This we have not in our selves but in Christ, "who is made unto us of God, wisdom and righteousness," 1 Cor. 1:30. "In whom we have redemption," Col. 1:14. Our justification is a part of our completeness. Therefore, where we are complete there we are justified. But we are not complete in our selves, but in Him Col. 2:10. If all things on which depends our happiness were accomplished, John 19:28, then was our justification also. For without that no man could be saved.

The Occasion For This Present Work
Yet faith cannot satisfy justice nor merit the pardon of the least sin. Only Christ can do that. And that exposition that gives most glory to Christ and least to man, I believe is the truth. This is that which occasioned me to write at this time. For since my Book entitled the Saints Desire has been published, I have received several Objections against what I have written in page 147. Namely, that we are justified by Christ alone and not by our believing. Some affirm the contrary. Their Reasons with an answer I here present to your considerations because I am persuaded I have written the truth, and that the contrary opinion is dishonorable to our Lord Jesus Christ, in that they ascribe not their justification to Him alone, but to something else, namely, their believing. Justification By Christ Alone Is A Doctrine of Grace
You know this Doctrine I contend for is the Doctrine of Grace. In the knowledge whereof you find sweetness, because the work of your salvation is finished by Christ, Whose works are all perfect. This glads your hearts and keeps your souls from fainting,. This removes all objections that otherwise would discourage us. This is the fountain that cannot be drawn dry that ever flows with sweet and strong consolation and is full of Spirit and life where our souls may drink freely at all times and be refreshed with this marrow and fatness that all is finished. Read and Consider Justification By Christ Alone
My desire is, that they into whose hands this shall come, would consider seriously what I have written and know that no man is to be believed upon his bare word. Therefore, search the Scriptures whether these things be so or no. If any thing I have written be not according to them, then let that go. My whole scope and aim in these few lines, is to prove that we are justified by Christ alone. He is our justification. And that we are not justified by any thing that is in us. Faith Is Not The Cause
2. That faith or any thing in us is not a cause, means, or condition, required to partake of the Covenant of Grace, justification or salvation, but only fruits and effects of the Covenant. The Elect Were Ever In the Love of God and Did Ever Appear Before Him As Just and Righteous In Christ ​

3. That the elect were ever in the love of God, and did ever so appear to Him as just and righteous in and by Christ. We have known and believed the love that God has to us. God is love, and he that dwells in love, dwells in God and God in him. The God of love so unite all the hearts of His people to His truth and one unto another, that so we may walk in the truth, and live and die in love.

Your fellow servant and brother in the

Fellowship of the Saints, who keep
the commandments of God,
and the faith of Jesus.


Samuel Richardson.

1647. ​

 

[A Brother In Christ]

When did God count Abraham justified ..gen 15:6, heb 11:8-9

When was he perfected [mature] in faith ... Heb 11:17-19, james 2:21-25, Gen 22:10

When was Abraham justified by God on the basis of his faith: Gen 15:6

by The God who nows the Heart ... in gen 15:6