Justification (Part 3) Faith as the Instrumental cause of Justification
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What is faith? “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not see.” Hebrews 11:1
What is faith? “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not see.” Hebrews 11:1
Many have explained that faith responds to God and His Word in three ways: In Knowledge of who God is and what he has revealed. Secondly in assent to what God has revealed (in the form of commands, promises and threats) and thirdly in trust in God which includes love for God.
Many have explained that faith responds to God and His Word in three ways: In Knowledge of who God is and what he has revealed. Secondly in assent to what God has revealed (in the form of commands, promises and threats) and thirdly in trust in God which includes love for God.
Examples of it’s use “by faith the people of old received their commendation” “By faith we understand that the universe was created by the Word of God” (Hebrews 11:2)
Examples of it’s use “by faith the people of old received their commendation” “By faith we understand that the universe was created by the Word of God” (Hebrews 11:2)
Without faith it is impossible to please God! Hebrews 11:6
Without faith it is impossible to please God! Hebrews 11:6
Then where does this instrument of faith come from? “This faith is not self-generated; it is the gift of God” Ephesian 2:8-9 “By grace through faith”
Then where does this instrument of faith come from? “This faith is not self-generated; it is the gift of God” Ephesian 2:8-9 “By grace through faith”
“Faith comes from hearing and hearing through the Word of Christ.” Romans 11:17
“Faith comes from hearing and hearing through the Word of Christ.” Romans 11:17
Faith is to believe what we do not see. The reward of this faith is to see what we believe.
—Augustine
Augustine of Hippo
How does this relate to justification?
How does this relate to justification?
So if justification is a legal declaration of Christ’s righteousness (his active and passive obedience), being given to us, how do we receive it? The answer is through the instrument of faith.
So if justification is a legal declaration of Christ’s righteousness (his active and passive obedience), being given to us, how do we receive it? The answer is through the instrument of faith.
Faith is extending an empty hand to God to receive His gift of grace.
Arthur Walkington Pink
We are not saved on the basis of faith, as though it is our righteousness, but we are saved on the basis of Christ’s finished work, applied to us through faith.
We are not saved on the basis of faith, as though it is our righteousness, but we are saved on the basis of Christ’s finished work, applied to us through faith.
Faith is only as valid as its object. You could have tremendous faith in very thin ice and drown.… You could have very little faith in very thick ice and be perfectly secure.
Stuart Briscoe
It is compared to an instrument which God gives to us. Salvation is “By Grace through faith” Eph. 2:8
It is compared to an instrument which God gives to us. Salvation is “By Grace through faith” Eph. 2:8
What is the evidence of true saving faith?
What is the evidence of true saving faith?
“2. Faith that receives and rests on Christ and his righteousness is the only instrument of justification. Yet it does not occur by itself in the person justified, but it is always accompanied by every other saving grace. It is not a dead faith but works through love.” LBC
“2. Faith that receives and rests on Christ and his righteousness is the only instrument of justification. Yet it does not occur by itself in the person justified, but it is always accompanied by every other saving grace. It is not a dead faith but works through love.” LBC
James 2:14-17 What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? 17 So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
Get the queen bee of faith and all the other virtues will attend her.
Charles Spurgeon
Catholic Formula: faith + works = justification
Catholic Formula: faith + works = justification
Antinomian Formula: faith = jutification - works
Antinomian Formula: faith = jutification - works
Protestant Formual: faith = justification + works
Protestant Formual: faith = justification + works
But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction:
