Question 73
How doth faith justify a sinner in the sight of God?
Faith justifies a sinner in the sight of God, not because of those other graces which do always accompany it, or of good works that are the fruits of it,a nor as if the grace of faith, or any act thereof, were imputed to him for his justification;b but only as it is an instrument by which he receiveth and applieth Christ and his righteousness.c
How does faith justify a sinner in the sight of God?
Faith justifies a sinner in the sight of God, not because of those other graces which do always accompany it, or of good works that are the fruits of it,a nor as if the grace of faith, or any act thereof, were imputed to him for his justification;b but only as it is an instrument by which he receives and applies Christ and his righteousness.c
a. Galatians 3:11; Romans 3:28
Galatians 3:11
3:11 But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.
3:11 Now it is clear that no one is justified before God by the law, because, "The righteous will live by faith."
Romans 3:28
3:28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.
3:28 For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from works of the law.
King James VersionBerean Standard Bible
b. Romans 4:5; 10:10
Romans 4:5
4:5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.
4:5 However, to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the wicked, his faith is credited as righteousness.
Romans 10:10
10:10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
10:10 For with your heart you believe and are justified, and with your mouth you confess and are saved.
King James VersionBerean Standard Bible
c. John 1:12; Philippians 3:9; Galatians 2:16
John 1:12
1:12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
1:12 But to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God-
Philippians 3:9
3:9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:
3:9 and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God on the basis of faith.
Galatians 2:16
2:16 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.
2:16 know that a man is not justified by works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have believed in Christ Jesus, that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified.
King James VersionBerean Standard Bible
