OUR LINK TO CHRIST

ROMANS 3:21–24

This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe

(Romans 3:22).

The slogan of the Reformation was “justification by faith alone.” Justification is the act by which we as unjust people are declared just in the sight of God. The Protestant doctrine is that justification is by faith. The word by refers to the means by which something is accomplished. It refers to the instrument that links us to Christ.

Justification by Christ Alone

Some people think that justification by faith means that the act of believing is such a good and righteous thing for us to do that it earns for us a place in the kingdom. However, this is not the biblical meaning of justification by faith. Instead, faith is an instrument, a tool that links us to Christ.

Perhaps a more accurate way to state the doctrine is to say that justification is by Christ alone. It is His righteousness that justifies us. It is His merit that provides a place for us in the kingdom of God. What faith does is link us to Him so that we participate in His righteousness in the sight of God.

What Is Justifying Faith?

When Luther announced the concept of justification by faith alone, it provoked a hue and cry of opposition that split the Christian church asunder. Many people feared that Luther was teaching that all someone had to do was have a casual belief in Jesus, and then live any kind of wicked life he or she desired. They feared that such a doctrine would undercut holiness.

But Luther insisted, biblically, that justifying faith is a living faith, a faith that beats with a heart of love for God. Anyone who puts his or her whole trust in Jesus Christ and Him alone, will love Him and seek to obey Him.

CORAM DEO

Luther said that we are justified by faith alone, but never by a faith that is alone. Good works must issue forth as the fruit, never the root, of our faith. Recent studies indicate that an overwhelming number of church members do not properly understand justification by faith, and actually may be trusting in good works. Make it a priority to talk this issue through with a trusted Christian friend or pastor, and ensure that you rightly understand the only basis of your salvation.

For further study: 1 Corinthians 6:1–11; Hebrews 11

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