Understanding Justification: The Heart of the Reformation

 

Summary

Today, we embark on a journey through the foundational principles of the Protestant Reformation, focusing on the five solas: Sola Fide, Sola Gratia, Solus Christus, Sola Scriptura, and Soli Deo Gloria. These principles encapsulate the essence of the Reformation, with Sola Fide, or justification by faith alone, being the central theme of our discussion. The question, "What was the matter with the Protestant Reformation?" is not about its faults but rather its core substance, which was the doctrine of justification. This doctrine was the material cause of the Reformation, distinguishing it from the formal cause, which was the authority of Scripture.

The doctrine of justification by faith alone was a pivotal issue because it addressed the fundamental question of how an unjust person can stand before a just and holy God. In the sixteenth century, this was a matter of utmost importance, as the church believed in the last judgment, the wrath of God, and the reality of hell. Today, however, these doctrines are often minimized or ignored, leading to a diminished understanding of justification.

The Roman Catholic Church, both then and now, teaches that justification involves faith, grace, and Christ. However, it does not adhere to the "alone" aspect of these principles, combining faith with works, grace with merit, and Christ with personal righteousness. The Reformers, on the other hand, insisted that justification is by faith alone, grace alone, and Christ alone, rejecting any human contribution to salvation.

In the Catholic view, justification begins with baptism, which infuses grace into the soul. This grace must be cooperated with and assented to, and it remains until a mortal sin is committed. If such a sin occurs, the grace is lost, and the individual must be re-justified through the sacrament of penance. The Reformers, however, argued that faith in Christ is the sole instrument of justification, not the sacraments.

As we delve deeper into these doctrines, we will explore the profound implications they have for our understanding of salvation and our relationship with God.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Essence of the Reformation: The Protestant Reformation was fundamentally about the doctrine of justification by faith alone. This doctrine was not a peripheral issue but the core substance that addressed how an unjust person can stand before a just God. Understanding this helps us grasp the gravity of the Reformation's impact on Christianity. [02:18]

2. The Importance of Justification: Justification is not merely a theological concept but a vital question of how we can be accepted by God. In a world that often downplays doctrine, the Reformation reminds us that our standing before God is of eternal significance. [07:24]

3. Faith Alone vs. Faith Plus Works: The Reformers emphasized that justification is by faith alone, without the addition of works. This distinction is crucial because it underscores the sufficiency of Christ's work for our salvation, freeing us from the burden of earning God's favor. [18:40]

4. The Role of Sacraments: In Catholic theology, sacraments like baptism and penance are instrumental in justification. The Reformers, however, argued that faith in Christ is the true instrument, highlighting the direct relationship between the believer and Christ. [22:51]

5. The Relevance of Doctrine Today: The doctrines of the Reformation, particularly justification by faith alone, remain relevant as they challenge us to consider our relationship with God. In a culture that often prioritizes personal relationships over doctrine, these teachings call us back to the foundational truths of the gospel. [11:30]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:47] - Introduction to the Five Solas
- [01:37] - The Question of the Reformation
- [02:18] - Material Cause of the Reformation
- [03:05] - Formal vs. Material Causes
- [03:51] - Understanding Sola Fide
- [05:41] - Historical Context of Justification
- [07:24] - The Heart of the Dispute
- [08:20] - Modern Indifference to Justification
- [09:41] - The Reality of Judgment
- [10:41] - The Church's Belief in Judgment
- [12:10] - The Question of Salvation
- [13:28] - The Central Issue of Justification
- [14:09] - Catholic and Protestant Views
- [15:02] - The Heresy of Pelagianism
- [16:26] - Faith's Role in Justification
- [17:53] - Grace and Christ in Justification
- [18:40] - Faith Alone vs. Faith Plus Works
- [20:21] - The Role of Sacraments
- [22:51] - The Instrument of Justification
- [23:36] - Conclusion and Next Steps

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Five Solas and Justification by Faith Alone

Bible Reading:
1. Romans 1:17 - "For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, 'The righteous shall live by faith.'"
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. 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."

Observation Questions:
1. What are the five solas of the Protestant Reformation, and what does each one signify? [00:47]
2. How does the sermon describe the "material cause" of the Protestant Reformation? [02:18]
3. According to the sermon, what is the Roman Catholic Church's view on justification, and how does it differ from the Reformers' view? [14:09]
4. What role do sacraments play in the Catholic understanding of justification, and how do the Reformers' views differ? [22:51]

Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the doctrine of justification by faith alone address the question of how an unjust person can stand before a just and holy God? [07:24]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that modern culture has minimized the importance of the doctrine of justification? [08:20]
3. How does the sermon explain the significance of the "alone" aspect in the principles of faith, grace, and Christ? [18:40]
4. What are the implications of viewing faith as the sole instrument of justification, as opposed to including sacraments like baptism and penance? [22:51]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your understanding of justification by faith alone. How does this doctrine impact your personal relationship with God? [07:24]
2. In what ways might you have minimized the importance of doctrine in your own faith journey? How can you prioritize understanding and applying foundational truths like justification? [08:20]
3. Consider the balance between faith and works in your life. How can you ensure that your actions reflect a faith that relies solely on Christ's work for salvation? [18:40]
4. How do you perceive the role of sacraments in your spiritual life? Are there ways you can deepen your understanding of their significance without relying on them for justification? [22:51]
5. The sermon highlights the relevance of Reformation doctrines today. How can you engage with these teachings to strengthen your faith and witness in a culture that often prioritizes personal relationships over doctrine? [11:30]
6. Reflect on the concept of being saved from the wrath of God. How does this understanding shape your view of salvation and your urgency in sharing the gospel with others? [12:52]
7. Identify one area in your life where you might be relying on personal merit rather than faith alone. What steps can you take to shift your focus back to Christ's sufficiency? [19:37]

Devotional

Day 1: The Core of the Reformation: Justification by Faith Alone
The Protestant Reformation was centered around the doctrine of justification by faith alone, a principle that fundamentally changed the landscape of Christianity. This doctrine addressed the critical question of how an unjust person can stand before a just and holy God. In the sixteenth century, this was a pressing issue, as the church emphasized the last judgment, the wrath of God, and the reality of hell. Today, these doctrines are often minimized or ignored, leading to a diminished understanding of justification. The Reformers insisted that justification is by faith alone, grace alone, and Christ alone, rejecting any human contribution to salvation. This understanding helps us grasp the gravity of the Reformation's impact on Christianity. [02:18]

Galatians 2:16 (ESV): "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."

Reflection: Consider how the doctrine of justification by faith alone challenges your understanding of salvation. How does this principle affect your view of your relationship with God today?


Day 2: The Eternal Significance of Justification
Justification is not merely a theological concept but a vital question of how we can be accepted by God. In a world that often downplays doctrine, the Reformation reminds us that our standing before God is of eternal significance. The Reformers emphasized that our acceptance by God is not based on our works or merits but solely on faith in Christ. This understanding frees us from the burden of trying to earn God's favor and assures us of our place in His kingdom. [07:24]

Romans 3:28 (ESV): "For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law."

Reflection: Reflect on your own life and consider if there are areas where you are trying to earn God's favor. How can you rest in the assurance that your acceptance by God is based on faith alone?


Day 3: The Distinction Between Faith Alone and Faith Plus Works
The Reformers emphasized that justification is by faith alone, without the addition of works. This distinction is crucial because it underscores the sufficiency of Christ's work for our salvation, freeing us from the burden of earning God's favor. The Roman Catholic Church, both then and now, teaches that justification involves faith, grace, and Christ, but it does not adhere to the "alone" aspect of these principles. The Reformers rejected any human contribution to salvation, insisting that faith in Christ is the sole instrument of justification. [18:40]

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: Identify an area in your spiritual life where you might be relying on your own efforts rather than trusting in the sufficiency of Christ's work. How can you shift your focus to faith alone?


Day 4: The Role of Sacraments in Justification
In Catholic theology, sacraments like baptism and penance are instrumental in justification. The Reformers, however, argued that faith in Christ is the true instrument, highlighting the direct relationship between the believer and Christ. This understanding emphasizes that our relationship with God is not mediated through rituals or sacraments but is based on faith in Christ alone. The Reformers' view challenges us to consider the nature of our relationship with God and the role of faith in our salvation. [22:51]

Colossians 2:11-12 (ESV): "In him also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead."

Reflection: Reflect on how you view the role of sacraments in your spiritual life. How can you ensure that your faith in Christ remains the central focus of your relationship with God?


Day 5: The Relevance of Doctrine in Today's Culture
The doctrines of the Reformation, particularly justification by faith alone, remain relevant as they challenge us to consider our relationship with God. In a culture that often prioritizes personal relationships over doctrine, these teachings call us back to the foundational truths of the gospel. Understanding these doctrines helps us navigate the complexities of modern life and maintain a strong, faith-based relationship with God. [11:30]

2 Timothy 4:3-4 (ESV): "For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths."

Reflection: In what ways have you seen doctrine being downplayed in today's culture? How can you prioritize sound teaching and ensure that your faith is grounded in the foundational truths of the gospel?

Quotes


Today we’re going to start a new series of messages, and this series is going to follow the so called ‘solas’ of the Protestant Reformation. At the church where I’m the minister of preaching and teaching, we have on our bulletin every Sunday morning a list of the five solas of the Protestant Reformation, and they include: Sola Fide, which means justification by faith alone; Sola Gratia, salvation is by grace alone; Solus Christus, that our salvation is through Christ alone; Sola Scriptura, that the sole authority that binds the conscience of the Christian is the Bible alone; and then finally Soli Deo Gloria, to God alone belongs the glory. [00:00:12]

What I mean by that is, “What was the essence, the substance, the stuff where what we call in philosophy, “The material cause of the Protestant Reformation.” What was the chief issue that provoked such massive consequences as this split that occurred in the sixteenth century? And when historians of theology and of church history look back to the sixteen century, they’ll often use distinctions originally set forth by the philosopher Aristotle when he distinguished between different types of causes, and they will distinguish between what’s called the “formal cause” and the “material cause.” [00:02:30]

But what is called the “material cause,” again the substantive issue was that was the core point of dispute, was the doctrine of justification and the Protestant view is expressed in the shorthand of the Latin Sola Fide. And just as Sola is similar to solo; if you take flying lessons and the first time you fly ‘solo’ that means that you fly the plane by yourself, that you fly it alone, and if you stand up in church on Sunday morning in the choir and sing a solo, that means no one else is singing with you, you’re there all by your lonesome singing the song. [00:03:51]

Well, the same word is behind the word sola, which means alone, and we’ve heard the motto of the United States Marine Corp: Semper Fidelis, which means always faithful; and if we’re not familiar with that we’re familiar with the hymn that we sing during the Christmas season, Adeste Fidelis, which means: O, Come All Ye Faithful. We have a word in the English language where we speak of fiduciary responsibilities, responsibilities that require good faith and so on. So, here what we’re talking about is the Latin word for faith and the phrase Sola Fide means by faith alone. [00:04:50]

Now, to understand Sola Fide in its historical context, we have to understand something about the theological dispute based on the Roman Catholic understanding of justification. Now, this is not going to be a course that delves deeply into church history; we’re planning to do a large overview of Reformation Church History where I will go into much more detail about the historical episodes that intersected to bring about this serious dispute in the sixteenth century about the notion of justification. [00:06:06]

But first a word about justification itself and its relevance to the sixteenth century, to the first century and to the twenty-first century. At the heart of this dispute was not a tangential debate over how many angels can dance on the head of a pin or in a needless controversy over pedantic points of theology and of doctrine that professors disagreed about. But this issue touched the very heart of the Christian faith because the question of justification is designed to answer the deeper question, “How can an unjust person possibly survive the judgment of a just and holy God?” [00:06:48]

Now, in our day, I find that people really don’t care that much about the doctrine of justification; it has been reduced pretty much to a non-issue. Just as the differences among churches historically over the substance and the meaning of the gospel itself, that those differences have now been minimized as being no significant matter. Because we’re living in a time in the first place of relativism that says “truth is relative” or pluralism that says there’re are many different approaches to truth and views of truth and doctrinal issues should never divide us because what really counts are personal relationships, not doctrine. [00:07:57]

And basically, what he was saying is that those people who reject the gospel of Christ stay in their sins and remain unjustified. And we think back to the Old Testament to David’s rhetorical question, “If the Lord would mark iniquities, who would stand?” It’s rhetorical because the question is obvious that the answer is, “No one.” And what Alistair was trying to awaken twenty-first century Americans to with his message was: that promise, that divine promise from the lips of God, that all men will be brought into His judgment and will be judged according to the righteousness of Christ, and those who are found wanting will be sent into the abyss of hell, is a doctrine that the church doesn’t believe any more. [00:10:41]

You see if you’re going to understand the upheaval that came about in the sixteenth century, you have to understand that the church in the sixteenth century believed in the last judgment. The church in the sixteenth century believed in the wrath of God; the church in the sixteenth century believed in the justice of God and the church in the sixteenth century believed in hell. That’s why, center stage, was the question, “How can I be saved?” [00:12:10]

But what the Christian faith is about in the first instance is not the restoration of human relationships, although it cares very much about human relationships. In the first instances, it has to do with the repair of our relationship to God. And so, at the center is the question, “How can a sinner escape the judgment of God? How can a sinner possibly be accepted by God, in God’s judgment?” [00:13:28]

Well, they teach that faith is a prerequisite. Faith does three things for justification: faith is – what they call the initium, that is the initiation or the beginning of justification. They also say the faith is the fundamentum or the foundation of justification, and they also say that faith is the radix or the root of justification. So, you see that faith is of critical importance according to the Roman Catholic Church in three ways with respect to justification. [00:16:26]

Secondly, the Roman Catholic Church has always taught that grace is necessary, a necessary prerequisite for justification and without the grace of God that is infused into the soul sacramentally, which we’ll look at more closely in a moment; without that grace we’d be left back in the hopeless condition of Pelagianism, of having to try to earn our way into heaven simply on the ground and basis of our own righteousness and our own merit and Rome rejects that. [00:17:53]

The Reformers said, “No, the instrumental cause of our justification is not baptism, it is not penance, it is faith in Christ.” That is the tool or the instrument that links us to Christ and all that He has done for us by which we are made just in the sight of God. [00:22:51]

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Transcript
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