10/03/2021

Mat 22 v 34-46; Rom 4 v 1-25; Ps 52 v 1-9; Num 9 v 1-11 v 35
Justified by faith

“Blessed are those whose lawless deeds have been forgiven, and whose sins have been covered.” (Rom 4 v 7) [referencing Ps 32 v 1]

If we were justified through our works, then God wouldn’t have had to become a man in the form of His Son, Jesus, who in turn wouldn’t have had to die the most horrible and humiliating death on a cross and there would also not be any need for repentance.

This is the belief of many so-called “Christians” in the evangelical church today and contradicts the Scriptures in every possible way concerning our sanctification and redemption, which is preceded by justification.

Through believing in Jesus’ death and resurrection, repenting from our sinful nature and accepting His forgiveness, we can come into the presence of God, for Christ has reinstated that which was lost when man fell into sin – fellowship with the Living God.

Our faith is credited as righteousness when we believe in the Messiah, who justifies the ungodly (Rom 4 v 5) for we have all sinned and rebelled against God, whose grace (undeserved mercy) is available to everyone who is willing to accept Jesus as the Son of God and the only Way to the Father.

The righteous fear the Lord and makes God their refuge, while the ungodly boast in evil (Ps 52 v 1). They do not revere God, nor do they acknowledge their wrongdoing. They pride in the work of their own hands and therefore have already received their reward.

Let us press on, justified through our faith in Jesus, while reminding ourselves that it is also by the grace of God that we stand. For we need to be cautious that we don’t become spiritually proud, because Pride comes before destruction, and an arrogant spirit before a fall (Prov 16 v 18) [CSB]

Scripture quotations taken from the NASB, Life Application Study Bible, unless stated otherwise. Copyright by “The Lockman Foundation“