Faith Alone: The Foundation of Our Justification
Summary
In our journey through the Scriptures, we have been exploring the foundational doctrines that define our faith, the five solae of the Reformation. These doctrines are not mere historical footnotes; they are the bedrock of our understanding of the Gospel and our relationship with God. Today, we delve into the third solus: Sola Fide, or faith alone. This principle asserts that our justification before God is through faith alone in Christ alone. It is not our works, our efforts, or our righteousness that grant us salvation, but solely our faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ.
Biblical faith is not a blind leap into the dark; it is rooted in the right knowledge of God as revealed in the Scriptures. It begins with understanding who God is, what He has done, and the salvation He offers through Jesus Christ. This knowledge is not merely intellectual assent but leads to a deep-seated belief—a conviction that Jesus Christ is the only way to salvation. This belief is not of our own making; it is a gift from God, a supernatural work of the Holy Spirit within us.
True faith culminates in absolute trust in Jesus Christ. It is not a temporary or superficial faith that withers in adversity but a robust and enduring trust that stands firm through life's trials. This trust is not something we can muster on our own; it is granted to us by God. It is the kind of faith that would lead us to step into the wheelbarrow and allow Christ to carry us across the chasms of life, just as Charles Blondin's agent trusted him to navigate the Niagara Gorge.
Our faith is not a static attribute but a dynamic and living trust that manifests in our lives. It is evidenced by the works that flow from a heart transformed by the grace of God. These works are not the means to our salvation but the fruit of it. They are the natural outpouring of a life justified by faith and sanctified by the Spirit.
As we reflect on our faith, we must examine whether it is grounded in the right knowledge, leads to the right belief, and concludes in absolute trust. Our faith must be anchored in the person and work of Jesus Christ, for it is only through Him that we are justified and made righteous before God.
Key Takeaways:
1. Biblical faith is not a blind leap but a reasoned trust based on the right knowledge of God as revealed in Scripture. It is essential to understand that faith begins with hearing the Word of Christ, which is the foundation of our belief and trust in God. This knowledge is not merely for intellectual debate but for transformation of the heart. [54:22]
2. True faith leads to a right belief, which is more than just knowing about Jesus; it involves a personal acknowledgment and agreement with the truth of the Gospel. This belief is not superficial but is a deep conviction that Jesus' sacrifice is sufficient for our salvation. [01:02:31]
3. Faith concludes in absolute trust, which is a gift from God. This trust is not something we can generate on our own but is a supernatural work of the Holy Spirit within us. It is the kind of trust that endures trials and is evident in the way we live our lives, reflecting the transformative power of the Gospel. [01:03:52]
4. Justification by faith alone emphasizes that our righteous standing before God is not based on our works but on our faith in Christ's work on the cross. This doctrine is central to understanding the Gospel and living a life that glorifies God, as it keeps us from relying on our own efforts for salvation. [48:45]
5. The doctrine of Sola Fide is not merely a historical concept but a living truth that must be embraced and lived out daily. It challenges us to examine the authenticity of our faith and to live in the reality of God's grace, which sustains us through every season of life. [01:17:33]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Galatians 2:16 - "Yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ. So we also have believed in Christ Jesus in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified."
2. Ephesians 2:8-9 - "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast."
3. Romans 10:17 - "So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Galatians 2:16, what is the basis for our justification before God?
2. In Ephesians 2:8-9, what does Paul say about the role of grace and faith in our salvation?
3. How does Romans 10:17 describe the process by which faith is developed in a person?
4. What example did the pastor use to illustrate the concept of absolute trust in Jesus Christ? [44:16]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it significant that our justification is through faith in Christ alone and not by works of the law? [46:01]
2. How does understanding that faith is a gift from God (Ephesians 2:8-9) change the way we view our own efforts in relation to salvation? [43:00]
3. What does it mean for faith to be rooted in the right knowledge of God as revealed in Scripture, and how does this impact our daily lives? [54:22]
4. How can the story of Charles Blondin and the wheelbarrow help us understand the nature of true faith and trust in Jesus? [44:16]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own faith journey. How has your understanding of justification by faith alone impacted your relationship with God? [46:01]
2. In what ways can you ensure that your faith is not just intellectual assent but a deep-seated belief and trust in Jesus Christ? [01:02:31]
3. Think about a recent trial or challenge you faced. How did your faith in Christ help you navigate through it? If it didn’t, what could you do differently next time? [01:03:52]
4. How can you cultivate a dynamic and living faith that is evidenced by works flowing from a heart transformed by God's grace? [01:08:04]
5. Identify one area in your life where you struggle to trust God completely. What steps can you take to surrender that area to Him and rely on His strength? [01:09:55]
6. How can you help others in your community or church to understand and embrace the doctrine of Sola Fide in their own lives? [01:14:10]
7. Reflect on the pastor’s question: "What does your faith look like today?" How can you strengthen your faith to be unshakable, no matter what life throws your way? [01:12:26]
Devotional
Day 1: Faith Beyond Sight
Faith is not a blind leap into the unknown but a reasoned trust grounded in the knowledge of God as revealed through His Word. It begins with hearing the message of Christ and allowing that message to transform the heart. This transformation is not merely for intellectual understanding but for a deep-seated change that affects one's entire being. Faith is a journey that starts with the right knowledge, leading to a profound conviction that Jesus Christ is the way, the truth, and the life. This conviction is not a static state but a dynamic process that continually shapes one's life and actions. [54:22]
"For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith." - 1 John 5:4
Reflection: How has your understanding of God's Word deepened your faith recently, and what changes has it inspired in your life?
Day 2: The Depth of True Belief
Belief in Jesus Christ goes beyond mere knowledge; it is a personal acknowledgment and agreement with the truth of the Gospel. This belief is a deep conviction that Jesus' sacrifice is the only means of our salvation. It is not a superficial nod to the idea of Jesus but a heartfelt acceptance that transforms the way one lives. This conviction is a gift from God, nurtured by the Holy Spirit, and it stands as the foundation upon which faith is built. It is the kind of belief that changes hearts and lives, leading to a life lived in the light of Christ's redeeming work. [01:02:31]
"And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness." - Romans 4:5
Reflection: In what ways has your belief in Jesus Christ moved from head knowledge to a heart conviction, and how is this evidenced in your daily life?
Day 3: Trust That Endures
Absolute trust in Jesus Christ is a divine gift, not something that can be self-generated. It is a supernatural work of the Holy Spirit that enables believers to endure trials and tribulations with unwavering faith. This trust is not passive; it is active and manifests in the way one lives, reflecting the transformative power of the Gospel. It is the kind of trust that allows a believer to surrender fully to God's will, confident in His sovereignty and goodness, regardless of life's circumstances. [01:03:52]
"Though he slay me, I will hope in him; yet I will argue my ways to his face." - Job 13:15
Reflection: Can you identify a situation in your life where you need to exercise greater trust in God, and what practical steps can you take to deepen that trust?
Day 4: Righteousness Through Faith Alone
Justification by faith alone is a central tenet of the Gospel, emphasizing that righteousness before God comes not from works but from faith in Christ's work on the cross. This doctrine liberates believers from the futile attempt to earn salvation through their own efforts. It assures them that their standing before God is secure because of Jesus' sacrifice. Understanding this truth is crucial for living a life that glorifies God and rests in His grace rather than in personal achievements. [48:45]
"For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law." - Romans 3:28
Reflection: How does the truth of justification by faith alone free you from the pressure of earning God's favor, and how can you live out that freedom today?
Day 5: Living the Truth of Sola Fide
The doctrine of Sola Fide is not just a historical concept but a living truth that must be embraced and lived out daily. It challenges believers to examine the authenticity of their faith and to live in the reality of God's grace, which sustains them through every season of life. This living truth compels one to reflect God's grace in all aspects of life, demonstrating the transformative power of a life justified by faith. [01:17:33]
"But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it." - Romans 3:21
Reflection: What are some ways you can actively demonstrate the transformative power of living by faith alone in your interactions with others today?
Quotes
1) "It's impossible to have God in your heart if he's not first in your mind. That's what Paul meant when he said that we have to confess with our mouth and believe in our heart." [51:51](Download | Download Cropped Video)
2) "A biblical faith, it's one that absolutely trusts in Jesus. You're willing to give everything up. You'd be willing to get in that wheelbarrow and let Jesus push you across the Niagara River if that's what he really wanted you to do." [01:06:55](Download | Download Cropped Video)
3) "The historic position of the Catholic Church, it was faith plus works equals justification. What the Reformers taught as they began to bring things back to the scriptures, they insisted that that faith, it equals justification plus works." [01:08:23](Download | )
4) "Faith comes from hearing and hearing through the word of Christ. Pay attention to that last part there. Paul said faith comes from hearing and hearing through the word of Christ." [54:22](Download | )
5) "A biblical faith, it's only initiated when a person learns and understands that God, he's a merciful father. And that he offers reconciliation through his son, Jesus Christ, who died in our place." [59:20](Download | )
6) "It's agreeing that Jesus's sacrifice, it's sufficient to pay the penalty for my sins and to bridge the gap between us and him. My mind, it has to regard that knowledge that I've heard and it has to receive it as truth." [01:02:31](Download | )
7) "The grace and the faith, they're both gifts of God. Peter in 2nd Peter, he opens his letter up by saying he's obtained faith of equal standing with ours by the righteousness of God and our Savior Jesus Christ." [01:06:55](Download | Download Cropped Video)
8) "The scriptures are our source of authority and sufficiency. That's why Paul also wrote to the Romans in chapter 10, starting in 13. For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." [52:57](Download | )
9) "Just because you believe in something, it doesn't mean you have faith in something. To have the kind of faith it takes to risk everything to give yourself up for it, it can only come from something outside of yourself." [44:46](Download | )
10) "Our faith, it's still all about Jesus, who he is, what he did, and what he's continuing to do. It's all rooted in the person and work of Jesus." [48:45](Download | )
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