The Works of Justification

​*NOTE: On Wednesdays in 2025 we will celebrate “walking in the Word” through applying Biblical doctrine. Rightly understanding Biblical doctrine fuels doxology, delight in Jesus, and gospel centered discipleship. 
 
This is the last of four posts on justification. We have seen 
The Joy of justification (1 of 4);
Peace as fruit of justification (2 of 4); and
The reality of justification. (3 of 4)
This week we celebrate the works of justification (4 of 4)
 
Key Verses: Titus 3:7-8 “… being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works.”
 
The doctrine of justification is not a finish line but a starting point. The WCF says, “Faith, thus receiving and resting on Christ and his righteousness is the alone instrument of justification: yet is it not alone in the person justified, but is ever accompanied with all other saving graces, and is no dead faith, but worketh by love.”(WCF 11.2) In other words, we are justified by faith alone, but justifying faith is never alone. Winsome works of grace accompany justifying faith. Faith without winsome works is dead. 
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The apostle James helps us understand the relationship between justifying faith that saves and works of faith evidencing a living faith (James 2:12-26). James’ letter is to the Church- Christians who know the goodness of our Heavenly Father, a good Father whose sovereign grace has “brought us forth” (1:16-17) through the person and work of Jesus. The context of James’s teaching is the indicative reality of a believer receiving God's implanted word (1:21) and eternal covenant promises such as giving believers “the crown of life to those who love him.” (1:12) From this covenant context, James uses Rahab and Abraham to help Christians understand the relationship of justification and works.
 
Evidence vs Earning
In James, “justification” is used horizontally, so someone is justified in the sight of humanity and “works” equals evidence of salvation. Rahab believed the Lord would save (saving faith) and the work of rescuing Israel’s spies evidenced her faith (Joshua 2). Abraham believed God’s covenant promises and it was credited to him as righteousness (Genesis 15:6; Romans 4). Abraham’s saving faith was evidenced through the work of offering his son Isaac as a sacrifice (Genesis 22). Admittedly, this can be confusing because Paul uses “justification” vertically, so someone is justified in the sight of God and “works” equals earning salvation. Yet both agree- You can tell a tree by its fruit, and faith is the root. A person justified by faith in Jesus will bear good fruit of winsome works.
 
Today’s key verses unlock the unity of James and Paul, emphasizing the reality that winsome works of grace are evidence from people who are justified by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. See also Ephesians 2:5-10; Galatians 2:16, 21.
 
Justification is the once-and-for-all verdict that believers are made right with God through faith in Jesus Christ. The doctrine of justification should be a “rich comfort” for Christians (Bavinck) as it cultivates a holy and fruitful life of Christ-like love. Justification means we are secure children of God- “Beloved children” called to imitate God, walking in love as He loved us- giving Himself for us (Ephesians 5:1-2). The righteousness given to us through the work of Jesus should be reflected in a righteous life marked by fruit of the Spirit, winsome works of grace that glorify Jesus.
 
Richly Dwelling
-Justification is not a finish line but a starting point- Where do you need to walk in love as Christ loved you, evidencing justifying faith through winsome works?
 
-How do the paradigms of James and Paul help you understand the need for justification to bear fruit of works in your life?
 
-Who is God calling you to sacrificially love? What work has Jesus prepared in advance for you to do? Be specific and, as a secure child of God, walk forward obediently in holiness and love.
 
Key Verses: Titus 3:7-8 “… being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works.”

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