Justification by Faith: God's Gift of Righteousness
Summary
In our exploration of Romans 4, we delve into the profound doctrine of justification by faith, a cornerstone of Christian belief. This doctrine, as articulated by the Apostle Paul, emphasizes that righteousness is not earned through works but is a gift from God, granted through faith. Paul addresses objections from those who believed this teaching undermined the Old Testament, particularly the Jews who revered the law and the patriarchs like Abraham. However, Paul argues that justification by faith is not a new concept but is deeply rooted in the Old Testament itself, using Abraham as a prime example. Abraham's belief in God's promise was credited to him as righteousness, illustrating that faith, not works, is the basis of our justification.
Paul further clarifies this by contrasting the concept of earning a reward through work with receiving a gift through grace. When we work, we earn a wage, which is a debt owed to us. However, justification is not something we can earn; it is a gracious gift from God to those who believe, even while they are still ungodly. This is a radical departure from the idea that we must first become righteous to be justified. Instead, God justifies the ungodly, imputing the righteousness of Christ to them.
This teaching is reinforced by David's words in Psalm 32, which Paul cites to show that the blessedness of forgiveness and righteousness without works was understood even in the Old Testament. David speaks of the joy of having sins forgiven and not counted against us, which Paul interprets as the imputation of righteousness. This imputation is not merely a legal fiction but a profound spiritual reality where God sees us clothed in the righteousness of Christ.
Ultimately, this doctrine underscores that salvation is entirely the work of God. It is not our repentance, faith, or any action on our part that saves us, but God's gracious act of justifying us through Christ. This realization should lead us to a place of humble gratitude, recognizing that we bring nothing to our salvation but our need.
Key Takeaways:
- Justification by faith is a central biblical doctrine, deeply rooted in the Old Testament, as demonstrated by Abraham's example. Abraham's faith, not his works, was credited to him as righteousness, illustrating that faith is the basis of our justification. [02:38]
- The distinction between earning a wage and receiving a gift is crucial in understanding justification. While wages are earned through work, justification is a gift of grace, given to those who believe, even while they are still ungodly. [06:49]
- God's act of justification is entirely His work, independent of our actions. It is a legal declaration where God imputes the righteousness of Christ to us, not because we are righteous, but because of His grace. [13:55]
- The blessedness of forgiveness and righteousness without works, as described by David, highlights the joy of having sins forgiven and not counted against us. This is a profound spiritual reality where God sees us clothed in Christ's righteousness. [21:19]
- Salvation is entirely the work of God, not dependent on our repentance, faith, or any action. It is a gift given to the ungodly, emphasizing that we bring nothing to our salvation but our need. [32:05]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:11] - Introduction to Romans 4
- [00:30] - Justification by Faith Explained
- [01:09] - Addressing Jewish Objections
- [02:02] - Abraham's Example of Faith
- [03:13] - The Gospel Revealed to Abraham
- [04:50] - Works vs. Grace
- [06:49] - Justification of the Ungodly
- [08:50] - The Nature of Justification
- [13:55] - God's Action in Justification
- [18:52] - David's Confirmation of Justification
- [21:19] - The Blessedness of Forgiveness
- [25:55] - The Doctrine of Imputation
- [29:09] - Christ's Sacrificial Role
- [32:05] - Salvation as God's Gift
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Justification by Faith
Bible Reading:
1. Romans 4:1-8
2. Genesis 15:6
3. Psalm 32:1-2
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Observation Questions:
1. What does Romans 4:3 say about Abraham's belief and how it was counted to him? How does this relate to the concept of righteousness? [02:38]
2. In the sermon, how does the speaker describe the difference between earning a wage and receiving a gift? What analogy is used to explain this concept? [05:24]
3. According to the sermon, what is the significance of David's words in Psalm 32 regarding forgiveness and righteousness? [19:11]
4. How does the sermon explain the role of Jesus Christ in the process of justification? What does it mean for our sins to be imputed to Him? [29:50]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the example of Abraham in Romans 4 challenge the belief that righteousness can be achieved through works? What implications does this have for understanding faith? [02:38]
2. The sermon emphasizes that justification is entirely God's action. How does this understanding affect the way one views their own efforts in achieving righteousness? [13:55]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the doctrine of justification by faith is both a legal and a spiritual reality? How does this duality impact a believer's relationship with God? [16:22]
4. How does the concept of imputation, as discussed in the sermon, redefine the believer's identity in Christ? What does it mean to be "clothed in the righteousness of Christ"? [17:48]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt the need to earn God's favor through your actions. How does the doctrine of justification by faith challenge that mindset? [13:55]
2. The sermon describes justification as a gift given to the ungodly. How does this perspective influence the way you view yourself and others in your faith community? [32:05]
3. Consider the analogy of receiving a wage versus a gift. How can this understanding of grace change the way you approach your daily walk with God? [05:24]
4. The sermon highlights the joy of having sins forgiven and not counted against us. How can you cultivate a sense of gratitude for this reality in your daily life? [21:19]
5. How does the understanding that salvation is entirely God's work impact your approach to sharing the gospel with others? What specific steps can you take to communicate this message effectively? [32:05]
6. Reflect on the idea of being "clothed in the righteousness of Christ." How does this truth affect your self-image and confidence in your spiritual journey? [17:48]
7. The sermon challenges listeners to cease looking to themselves for salvation. What practical steps can you take to shift your focus entirely to Christ and His work on your behalf? [34:39]
Devotional
Day 1: Faith as the Foundation of Righteousness
The doctrine of justification by faith is a profound truth that underscores the Christian belief that righteousness is not earned through human effort but is a gift from God. This concept is deeply rooted in the Old Testament, as demonstrated by the example of Abraham. Abraham's faith in God's promise was credited to him as righteousness, illustrating that faith, not works, is the basis of our justification. This challenges the notion that adherence to the law or performing good deeds can earn us favor with God. Instead, it is through faith that we are made righteous, aligning with God's plan from the beginning. [02:38]
Romans 4:3 (ESV): "For what does the Scripture say? 'Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.'"
Reflection: In what areas of your life are you relying on your own efforts rather than trusting in God's promises? How can you shift your focus to faith as the foundation of your relationship with God today?
Day 2: The Gift of Grace Over the Wages of Works
Understanding the distinction between earning a wage and receiving a gift is crucial in grasping the concept of justification. While wages are earned through work, justification is a gift of grace, given to those who believe, even while they are still ungodly. This highlights the radical nature of God's grace, which is not contingent upon our actions or worthiness. It is a reminder that God's love and acceptance are not things we can earn but are freely given to us through faith. This understanding should lead us to a place of humility and gratitude, recognizing the depth of God's love for us. [06:49]
Ephesians 2:8-9 (ESV): "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."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt you had to earn God's love or approval. How can you embrace the truth that His grace is a gift, not a wage, in your daily life?
Day 3: God's Sovereign Act of Justification
God's act of justification is entirely His work, independent of our actions. It is a legal declaration where God imputes the righteousness of Christ to us, not because we are righteous, but because of His grace. This profound truth emphasizes that salvation is not something we achieve but something we receive. It is a reminder of God's sovereignty and His ability to transform our lives through His grace. This understanding should lead us to a deeper appreciation of God's work in our lives and a greater reliance on His power to change us. [13:55]
Titus 3:5 (ESV): "He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit."
Reflection: In what ways have you tried to take control of your spiritual growth? How can you surrender to God's sovereign work of justification in your life today?
Day 4: The Joy of Forgiveness and Righteousness
The blessedness of forgiveness and righteousness without works, as described by David, highlights the joy of having sins forgiven and not counted against us. This is a profound spiritual reality where God sees us clothed in Christ's righteousness. It is a reminder of the joy and freedom that come from knowing we are forgiven and accepted by God. This understanding should lead us to a place of gratitude and worship, recognizing the depth of God's love and mercy towards us. [21:19]
Psalm 32:1-2 (ESV): "Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man against whom the Lord counts no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit."
Reflection: Think of a specific sin or failure that you struggle to let go of. How can you embrace the joy of God's forgiveness and righteousness in that area today?
Day 5: Salvation as a Divine Gift
Salvation is entirely the work of God, not dependent on our repentance, faith, or any action. It is a gift given to the ungodly, emphasizing that we bring nothing to our salvation but our need. This truth challenges the notion that we must earn our way to God and instead invites us to rest in His grace. It is a reminder of the depth of God's love and the extent of His mercy towards us. This understanding should lead us to a place of humility and gratitude, recognizing that our salvation is a gift from God. [32:05]
2 Timothy 1:9 (ESV): "Who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself striving to earn God's favor? How can you rest in the truth that your salvation is a gift from God today?
Quotes
"Abraham believed God and it was counted unto him for righteousness. Now the apostles' argument, you remember, is this: he has laid down, he has displayed before them this great and Central and most vital doctrine of justification by faith only. That has been his theme in the third chapter from verse 21 to verse 31 at the end." [00:00:28]
"Now to him that worketh, the reward is not reckoned of Grace but of debt. In other words, what he's saying is this: it's a simple illustration taken from ordinary life. If I do a piece of work for a man and he pays me for doing it, well now, the man in paying me is not rarely being gracious unto me." [00:05:13]
"But in verse 5, to him that worketh not, who doesn't work, who doesn't produce works, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. Now then, here is, I don't hesitate to assert, one of the most important verses in the whole of the Bible." [00:06:55]
"Who is the man that is Justified? Well, he tells us two things about this man. The first thing he tells us about him is that he's a man who worketh not. He doesn't do any Works, he doesn't produce any works. The man he took in his illustration was a man who did work." [00:08:58]
"God justifies such people: no works, but more, ungodly. Very well, what does this tell us about the doctrine of justification by faith only? Now here, I say, is surely the clearest statement ever made concerning it. This is what I find: it establishes once and forever that justification is entirely God's action." [00:13:20]
"Justification does not make us righteous because God justifies the ungodly. He justifies us while we are still ungodly. He doesn't first make us Godly and then justify us. No, no, what Paul says is that he justifies the ungodly, not the ungodly made Godly, not the unrighteous made righteous or become right." [00:14:18]
"Justification is this declaration of God that he now is acquitting that person and that he henceforth is going to put on him the righteousness of Christ and regard him as righteous. That is the meaning of this act. It is a legal, it doesn't do anything to the man, it doesn't change him, it doesn't make him any better." [00:16:15]
"Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven and whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin. Say what you will, my friends, this Apostle Paul was a mighty debater amongst other things. Mighty in controversy, watch his method. He's already referred to Abram, now he produces David." [00:19:11]
"God does not reckon our sins to us. But you may say, how can he do that and still be God? We have committed these sins. How can God not reckon them to us, though we have committed them and are guilty of them? The answer is this: he has reckoned them to his only begotten beloved Son." [00:28:30]
"God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing, not Reckoning their trespasses unto them. Well, what did he do then? Ah, he reckoned their trespasses unto him. God, you remember, he says in the last verse, hath made him Christ to be sin for us, though he knew no sin." [00:29:20]
"Salvation is entirely the free gift of God. It is a gift which is given to the ungodly. So you see, if you start saying, ah now, I feel I ought to be doing the moment you say, but now I say you haven't got it, you're not a Christian." [00:35:06]
"God justifies the ungodly. Nothing in my hands I bring, simply to thy cross I cling. Just As I Am Without One Plea but that thy blood was shed for me and that thou bidst me come to thee, Oh Lamb of God, I Come Just As I Am and waiting not to rid my soul of one dark blood." [00:37:29]
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