Justification by Faith Alone -- A Biblical Doctrine

greenspun.com : LUSENET : Catholic : One Thread

The doctrine of justification by faith alone is a Biblical doctrine. It is the heart of the Gospel. It should have the assent of all who wish to please God.

Let me begin by discussing the first two points that Mr. Palm makes:

1. Why justification is never said to be by "faith alone" anywhere in the Bible if this is the very heart of the Gospel.

Answer. The Bible does teach justifcation by faith alone. In Galatians 2:16 it states: "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 not flesh be justified." Galatians 3:7-8 states: "Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham. And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In the shall all nations be blessed." Romans 5:1 states: "Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ." It is clear that works are not mentioned in these passages. Since Paul contrasts faith versus works (see Galatians 2:16), it is a reasonable inference from Scriptures that justification is by faith alone. Finally, the doctrine is taught in Ephesians in connection with the doctrine of predestination. "For by grace are ye saved throught 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." Ephesians 2:8-10.

2) Why Scripture does say that men are justified by works, words, and "doing the law" in addition to faith.

Answer. Scripture does not teach this. Mr. Palm cites Romans 2:13, "For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified." If this passage teaches justification by works, then it would be contrary to the rest of Paul's writings. I agree with the suggestion made by N.T. Wright that Paul has eschatology in mind here. He is saying that those who have faith in Christ (which as Luther said involves trusting and obeying God) will be seen at the end to have been faithful to God and therefore "justified." This result makes sense if Romans 2:13 is read in terms of the Ephesians passage I mentioned.

Steve Jackson

-- Steve Jackson (SteveJ100@hotmail.com), November 21, 1999

Answers

I for one will not argue with you that today one is not justified by following the Mosaic Law or as it states "The works of the Law" only.

Jas 2:14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? Jas 2:15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, Jas 2:16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? Jas 2:17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. Jas 2:18 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. Jas 2:19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. Jas 2:20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? Jas 2:21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Jas 2:22 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? Jas 2:23 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. Jas 2:24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. Jas 2:25 Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way? Jas 2:26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

Justified by The gift of Grace, received through our response in Faith, Manifested in the Works of the Christian Law written on our hearts.

Br. Rich S.F.O.

-- Br. Rich S.F.O. (repsfo@prodigy.net), November 22, 1999.


Steve,

I was hoping we could interact on my questions based on your own careful and thoughtful reading of my original essay (which is here, for those who wish to read it: http://ic.net/~erasmus/RAZ155.HTM). Apparently not. I'm not up for fundamentalist-style verse slinging, so why don't I just withdraw all my questions and let's drop it?

I should have let sleeping dogs lie. Sorry I brought it up.

-- David Palm (djpalm64@yahoo.com), November 22, 1999.


Moderation questions? read the FAQ