Justification of man by grace through faith. This “original Protestant” statement is opposed, among other things, to the Roman Catholic Church and its teachings on justification by “good works.” Therefore, here are a few verses from the Bible on the topic of justification by the grace of Jesus Christ based on faith.
Works justice is missed and pride
Justification by good works cannot work and, “incidentally,” is also arrogance, and especially the rejection of Christ’s bloody sacrifice. The Catholic Church’s concept of purgatory, including indulgences, alone is clear evidence of its teachings on justification by works. Those who perform good deeds can thereby reduce their sin account, according to the message. Any excess guilt from sins already forgiven (by the priest!) must still be burned off in purgatory. During one’s lifetime, the “burning period” can be shortened through indulgences. In the past, these were paid for with cash, but today they are paid for “good deeds” to please the Roman Catholic Church.
Whoever has committed a sin must die. Period! That is the law (Romans 6:23). Good deeds cannot compensate for the fact that sin has already been committed and thus entered this world. However, Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, offered Himself as a sacrifice for our sins. He paid with His life and His blood in our place. Therefore, He “bought” the right to pardon sinful people without losing sight of justice. Bearing the testimony of Jesus and keeping His commandments is the “mantra” clearly conveyed in the Gospel.
James emphasizes, however, that (true) faith also leads to good works. Therefore, anyone who claims to believe in Jesus Christ, but this cannot be seen through their works (actions), is merely making a profession of faith. 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
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