Justification of man by grace through faith. This “originally Protestant” statement contrasts with the Roman Catholic Church and its teachings on justification by (good) works. So here are a few verses from the Bible on justification by faith.
Works justice is missed and pride
Justification by good works cannot work and is “by the way” also pride and the rejection of Christ’s sacrifice through His blood. The purgatory concept alone, including indulgences, of the Catholic Church is clear evidence of its teachings of works justice. Those who do good deeds can reduce their sin account. Any excess of sins already forgiven (by the priest!) must still be burned off in purgatory. During one’s lifetime, the “burning time” could be shortened by means of indulgences. In the past for cash, today for “good deeds” for the benefit of the Roman Catholic Church.
Anyone who has committed a sin must die. Point! That’s the law. Charities cannot get over it. However, Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, offered Himself as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. He paid with His life and blood on our behalf. Therefore, He “bought” the right to pardon sinful man if he only believes in Him. Carrying the testimony of Jesus and keeping His commandments is the motto clearly conveyed in the Gospel.
However, James emphasizes that good works follow from (genuine) faith. So whoever claims that he believes in Jesus Christ and that this cannot be seen from his works (actions), the confession of faith is lip service. This applies to faith as well as to keeping the commandments. Here some more information about the righteousness of faith.
A few verses on justification by faith
Galatians 2:15-21:
“We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles, Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid. For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor. For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God. I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.”
Revelation 22:14:
“Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.”
Luke 7:50:
“And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.”
Luke 18:42:
“And Jesus said unto him, Receive thy sight: thy faith hath saved thee.”
Ephesians 2:8-10:
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.”
James 2:17-26:
“Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way? For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.”
Bible verses from King James Version
