THE BELIEVER'S JUSTIFICATION. Pt.14
Romans5:1 Therefore, since we have been JUSTIFIED through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
EVIDENCE OF JUSTIFICATION
There's a misconception among those who have a one-sided view on the subject of salvation and justification about the word "Works" and how it relates to our imputed righteousness. The confusion stems from the writing of James in chapter 2:24: "You see that a person is considered righteous( justified) by what they do and not by faith alone"( Emphasis mine). This scripture seems to contradict what Paul said in Romans 3:20 "Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin". It seems one is supporting "works" as a criteria for righteousness/ justification while the other seemed not to support "works". Even this controversy came up during canonization process. Martin Luther called the book of James "Right-strawy" epistle because he felt the book was opposed to salvation by grace which became one of the major themes of reformation.
However, in simple bible interpretation rule, we know there's harmony of scriptures and doctrine. Biblical doctrines aren't contradictory. Even the old testament which is a legalistic regime is a type and shadow of the new testament. It is impossible for Paul to be opposed to James on the subject of salvation. So what is Apostle James saying? Let's read James2:20: "You foolish person, do you want EVIDENCE that faith without deeds is useless?"(NIV). Apostle James was not saying "Works" is the criteria for salvation rather he was saying that the evidence of salvation/ faith in Christ is good works- works of righteousness. Apostle James expresses the same truism in James 2:18: "But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds"(James 2:18 NIV).
Paul confirmed the same truth in Ephesians 2:10 saying, "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them".
WORKS is the EVIDENCE of Justification. Works here refers to the fruit of the Spirit or fruit of righteousness. You can't be saved, justified and declared righteous without visible evidence or fruit to show for it. You can't be making declarations saying "I'm the righteousness of God in Christ" when the works of righteousness are not evident in your life. As a justified sinner, knowing what Christ has done for you on the cross, you will not live in sin under the pretext of grace: "What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?"(Romans 6:1-2 KJV).
CONFESSION: I am saved by grace for good works. I have peace with God, I am justified. I have peace with God, Christ has reconciled me to God. The father is not holding my past against me because Christ paid for it. His blood washed me now I'm saved. I refuse to reason with the devil, I refuse to listen to my feelings, I have peace with God, I am saved. Hallelujah!!!
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