[180] Justification is by Faith Alone, but Not by a Faith that is Alone
Our justification is based on the perfect obedience of Jesus Christ alone; our works play no part. But our good works are necessary to prove that we have been justified.
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Our justification is based on the perfect obedience of Jesus Christ alone; our works play no part. But our good works are necessary to prove that we have been justified.
God not only saves those who trust in Christ for salvation, he adopts them into his family. This is the apex of privilege for a Christian.
Believers are adopted members of God’s family and have all the commensurate privileges and responsibilities; they are to imitate God, glorify God and seek to please God.
As God’s children, Christians can know that their troubles are all for their eternal good. Although Christians are adopted children, Jesus Christ is the unique, eternal Son of God, the only Savior.
Adoption is a legal declaration by God, which changes our status, not our nature. But, God only adopts regenerate people, who are different.
Christians are called to be holy; that is, to be sanctified. Definitive sanctification is the beginning of this process and refers to the radical change in nature brought about by regeneration.
Christians are not sinless, but they are different from the moment they are born again. God hates hypocrisy and does not accept all worship.
Holiness is the key to happiness. God makes Christians holy through the process of sanctification; we must say “No” to sin.
Christians have died to sin and are alive to Jesus Christ. They cannot and will not continue to live in sin, they will repent and obey.
We were slaves to sin, but Christ has freed Christians from sin, we are now free to not sin. We have power to obey God.
God gives grace to every Christian, which is his power to overcome sin, Satan and the world, and to live a victorious life for his glory.
Grudem says, “The means of grace are any activities within the fellowship of the church that God uses to give more grace to Christians.”
God’s most important means of communicating to his people is the Bible. Believers must study the Word regularly and carefully.
Relationships require two-way communication. God communicates to us primarily through the Bible. We communicate to him through prayer.
Prayer is a great privilege that brings many benefits to believers.