Doctrine of the Cross
Justification
“a legal term”
as important as any other doctrine — i.e. Faith, Repentance, Trichotomy of Man, etc.
Justification — a legal term
- •Justification is defined as one being “declared righteous” and is the process by which God cleanses the sinner.
- •See Job 8:20; 9:1–3, 30–32, which is answered in Romans 4:1–8 cf. (3:28 cf. 3:23–27).
- •Job 8:20 = Security in Salvation, since Jesus said (John 6:37) “…I will in no wise cast out…”
Dispensational Salvation — “By Faith”
- 1.(Pre-law dispensation) — ex. Abraham (Genesis 15:6)
- 2.(During the law dispensation) — ex. David (Psalm 32:1, 2)
- 3.(Post-law dispensation — Grace) — ex. Paul (writer of Romans 4:1–8, saved Acts 9)
—Forgiveness and Covered = Sin leaves a scar
(Restitution — Pre-law salvation. Levitical Sacrifices were repeated yearly and sins carried over: “can NEVER…year by year continually…” see Hebrews 10:1.) Attitude (spirit) of “forgive but not forget” and without malice in the HEART of the Lord.
—Remission = Removes the Scar (Romans 4:25)
Grace — in Jesus’ sacrifice sins forgiven after salvation, thereby God allowing (2 Timothy 2:25; Hebrews 6:3) Repentance through “confession” (1 John 1:9).
1)Two Fundamental Elements of Justification — Forgiveness of sins, which includes removal of guilt and punishment before God
Exodus 34:7 cf. Malachi 3:16–18, v.16 (Judgment Seat of Christ — Rewards cf. Revelation 4:10–11). Hebrews 11:39 cf. 12:21–24. Blood applied REMOVES the Guilt of Exodus 34:7. The following reveals the “key” (Revelation 3:7 cf. Isaiah 22:22) to the interpretation of Scripture.
Stand — Faith Righteousness
“Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his.”
Salvation — “…in the person of Christ…” 2 Corinthians 2:10
“…his righteousness: that he might be just…”
State — Works Righteousness
“And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.”
Rewards — “…evident token of…” Philippians 1:28
“…and the justifier…”
Stand — the parallel witness
(N.T.) Ephesians 2:8–9 cf. (O.T.) Zechariah 3:1–5
(O.T.) Micah 6:8a cf. Numbers 23:19
(N.T.) Acts 24:16 “…toward God…” cf. v.14, 15 for context “…hope…” (was his passion FROM God)
(N.T.) 2 Timothy 2:19 “…seal, the Lord knoweth…”
(O.T.) 2 Samuel 14:14
(O.T.) Jeremiah 51:5 cf. Romans 5:1, 2
(O.T.) Isaiah 61:10b cf. 1 John 4:17
(O.T.) Micah 7:18 “…delighteth in mercy…”
(Why God justifies us — moral attribute)
State — the parallel witness
(N.T.) Ephesians 2:10 cf. (O.T.) Zechariah 3:7
(O.T.) Micah 6:7, 8b, v.5, 6 cf. Numbers 23:17, 18–20, 21 (context)
(N.T.) Acts 24:16 “…toward men…” cf. v.17–25 for context (was his compassion FOR mankind)
(N.T.) 2 Timothy 2:19 “…depart from…”
(O.T.) 1 Samuel 15:22 “…to obey is…”
(O.T.) Jeremiah 51:6 cf. Romans 5:3–4
(O.T.) Isaiah 61:9, 10a cf. 1 John 4:18
(O.T.) Micah 7:19 “…he will…”
“…The first of all the commandments is…” “…the first and great commandment.”
Stand — Faith Righteousness
“…the person of Christ…”
State — Works Righteousness
“…THE WORK OF CHRIST…”
Romans 8:23 — the three works of grace
Creator
“…have the firstfruits of the Spirit…”
Creation
“…waiting for…”
Acts 13:38, 39 “…Justified…” cf. Romans 8:1, 2; 6:18, 22 cf. (1 John 3:9); 8:32, 39
—3rd “work” of grace (glorification) cf. John 14:2; 1 Peter 1 & 2 Peter 1
2)Involves the imputation of Christ’s Righteousness (Matthew 5:20) and we’re restored to God’s Favour
(Philemon — The Book of Imputation) Romans 3:21–22; 5:17–21; 1 Corinthians 1:29, 30 cf. v.24 cf. Romans 1:16 (The Method of Justification: not by works, by faith ONLY) Romans 3:20; 10:1–4 cf. Proverbs 14:14; Job 33:16–18.
Six effectual (legal, authoritative and binding) pillars of Justification
- 1)Grace of God is the source of Justification: cf. Ephesians 2:8, 9; Romans 3:24; Titus 3:4, 7
- 2)Obedience of Christ is the grounds for Justification: cf. Romans 5:18–19; Philippians 2:8
- 3)The blood of Christ is the price of Justification: Romans 3:24; 5:9; 1 Peter 1:18–19; Ephesians 1:7; Colossians 1:14
- 4)Believing Christ is the condition of Justification: Galatians 2:16; Romans 3:26; 4:5; Acts 13:39 cf. Romans 5:1, 2 (Stand — Faith Righteousness)
- 5)Resurrection is the proof of our Justification: Romans 4:25; 6:6–9
- 6)Works (SERVICE, ex. Exodus 12:25, 26; 35:21–22 “…heart…spirit…were willing hearted”) is the fruit of Justification: Ephesians 2:10; Titus 2:13
Stand — Faith
Application of Justification is by faith (Romans 4)
cf. Genesis 15 — SON OF GOD
State — Works
Evidenced by works (“service” James 2)
cf. Genesis 22 — FRIEND OF GOD
May the Lord continue to lead you and by his grace permit you to “grow thereby;” and “be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.”