![](https://storage2.snappages.site/X4QFTX/assets/images/16152239_3000x2000_500.jpg)
The impacts of theology do not merely extend to seminaries, theological institutions, and the pastorate. Theology impacts everyone, regardless of circumstance, pedigree, or vocation. Truly, theology matters, and it matters for sanctification and salvation, yes, but also for every facet of life, such as our work ethic. Since part of the mandate of Titus 1:9 to “exhort in sound doctrine†includes teaching and not just speaking, pastors must be able to clearly define the terms they use. And one term that has particularly significant impacts, and therefore requires a clear explanation, is justification.
So, what is justification? Let me give you two definitions: my definition, which is sort of a Justification for Dummies (my favorite speed of things!); and Calvin’s definition.
Justification is, as I see it in Scripture, the legal declaration that righteousness has been imputed and guilt pardoned. Such righteousness is imputed through Christ’s work on our behalf, and such guilt is pardoned through the very same work: Christ’s atoning sacrifice - that is, His substitutionary death in our stead as He took our sin to Calvary’s cross and then to the grave. This legal declaration of righteousness and pardon is made in the Heavenly court by God the Father who accepts the Son's sacrifice on our behalf. This is also known as the Great Exchange: our sin on His shoulders, and His righteousness in our soul.
We see examples of justification in passages such as:
Further, Calvin, in his Institutes of the Christian Religion, defines justification in this way: “A man is said to be justified in the sight of God when in the judgment of God he is deemed righteous, and is accepted on account of his righteousness; for as iniquity is abominable to God, so neither can the sinner find grace in his sight, so far as he is and so long as he is regarded as a sinner. Hence, wherever sin is, there also is the wrath and vengeance of God. He, on the other hand, is justified who is regarded not as a sinner but as righteous, and as such stands acquitted at the judgment seat of God, where all sinners are condemned. As an innocent man, when charged before an impartial judge, who decides according to his innocence, is said to be justified by the judge, so a man is said to be justified by God when, removed from the catalog of sinners, he has God as the witness and assertor of his righteousness†(11.2).
We now know that justification is a legal declaration of God’s acceptance of us based upon Christ’s atoning work. But how is Christ’s atoning work applied? How is it that a man may be justified by a work not his own, that such a man, justified as he is, stands before God covered in the purity of another, yet alone the Lord Jesus Christ?
The answer is: by faith. Romans 5:1-2 proclaims: “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we boast in hope of the glory of God.†However, this faith, which is part of our salvation, is given to us by God. We see this in Ephesians 2:8-9. “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not of works, so that no one may boast.†As such, this is why we can say that our salvation, which includes the whole Golden Chain of Redemption (from foreknowledge to glorification and everything in between), is accomplished by a sovereign act of God - indeed, a monergistic, or single-handed, act of God - on our behalf.
This justification, or being made right with God, happens through faith alone - that is, of no works of our own that contribute to this legal declaration. And since salvation is monergistic, we are declared right with God by the work of God in the Person of Jesus Christ. The phrase “It is finished!†(John 19:30) confirms that payment has been made and is satisfactory. This faith is not abstract, hanging out in the air; rather, it is rock-ribbed, square-shoulder, firm-footed confidence in the Person and finished work of the Lord Jesus Christ on Calvary’s tree. “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen†(Heb. 11:1). We are therefore saved by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone, as revealed in the Scriptures alone for the glory of God alone!
So, what is justification? Let me give you two definitions: my definition, which is sort of a Justification for Dummies (my favorite speed of things!); and Calvin’s definition.
Justification is, as I see it in Scripture, the legal declaration that righteousness has been imputed and guilt pardoned. Such righteousness is imputed through Christ’s work on our behalf, and such guilt is pardoned through the very same work: Christ’s atoning sacrifice - that is, His substitutionary death in our stead as He took our sin to Calvary’s cross and then to the grave. This legal declaration of righteousness and pardon is made in the Heavenly court by God the Father who accepts the Son's sacrifice on our behalf. This is also known as the Great Exchange: our sin on His shoulders, and His righteousness in our soul.
We see examples of justification in passages such as:
- Romans 5:1-6: “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we boast in hope of the glory of God. And not only this, but we also boast in our afflictions, knowing that affliction brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not put to shame, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.â€
- Galatians 3:13-14: “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law, having become a curse for us—for it is written, ‘Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree’— in order that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we would receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.â€
- Romans 3:21-28: “But now apart from the Law the righteousness of God has been manifested, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe; for there is no distinction; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus; whom God displayed publicly as a propitiation in His blood through faith, for a demonstration of His righteousness, because in the forbearance of God He passed over the sins previously committed; for the demonstration of His righteousness at the present time, so that He would be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. Where then is boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? Of works? No, but by a law of faith. For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from works of the Law.â€
Further, Calvin, in his Institutes of the Christian Religion, defines justification in this way: “A man is said to be justified in the sight of God when in the judgment of God he is deemed righteous, and is accepted on account of his righteousness; for as iniquity is abominable to God, so neither can the sinner find grace in his sight, so far as he is and so long as he is regarded as a sinner. Hence, wherever sin is, there also is the wrath and vengeance of God. He, on the other hand, is justified who is regarded not as a sinner but as righteous, and as such stands acquitted at the judgment seat of God, where all sinners are condemned. As an innocent man, when charged before an impartial judge, who decides according to his innocence, is said to be justified by the judge, so a man is said to be justified by God when, removed from the catalog of sinners, he has God as the witness and assertor of his righteousness†(11.2).
We now know that justification is a legal declaration of God’s acceptance of us based upon Christ’s atoning work. But how is Christ’s atoning work applied? How is it that a man may be justified by a work not his own, that such a man, justified as he is, stands before God covered in the purity of another, yet alone the Lord Jesus Christ?
The answer is: by faith. Romans 5:1-2 proclaims: “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we boast in hope of the glory of God.†However, this faith, which is part of our salvation, is given to us by God. We see this in Ephesians 2:8-9. “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not of works, so that no one may boast.†As such, this is why we can say that our salvation, which includes the whole Golden Chain of Redemption (from foreknowledge to glorification and everything in between), is accomplished by a sovereign act of God - indeed, a monergistic, or single-handed, act of God - on our behalf.
This justification, or being made right with God, happens through faith alone - that is, of no works of our own that contribute to this legal declaration. And since salvation is monergistic, we are declared right with God by the work of God in the Person of Jesus Christ. The phrase “It is finished!†(John 19:30) confirms that payment has been made and is satisfactory. This faith is not abstract, hanging out in the air; rather, it is rock-ribbed, square-shoulder, firm-footed confidence in the Person and finished work of the Lord Jesus Christ on Calvary’s tree. “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen†(Heb. 11:1). We are therefore saved by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone, as revealed in the Scriptures alone for the glory of God alone!
About The Author
![](https://storage2.snappages.site/X4QFTX/assets/images/16152467_2048x2048_500.png)
TREVOR BATES
1689 Federalism | Post Millennialism | General Equity Theonomist
Trevor Bates serves as the Senior Pastor of Muldraugh Baptist Church in Muldraugh, Kentucky. He and his wife, Sarah, are proud parents of two daughters. Trevor holds to the 1689 Baptist Confession and Post Millennial Eschatology. His deepest passion lies in preaching the whole counsel of God’s Word. Additionally, he has authored six books.
1689 Federalism | Post Millennialism | General Equity Theonomist
Trevor Bates serves as the Senior Pastor of Muldraugh Baptist Church in Muldraugh, Kentucky. He and his wife, Sarah, are proud parents of two daughters. Trevor holds to the 1689 Baptist Confession and Post Millennial Eschatology. His deepest passion lies in preaching the whole counsel of God’s Word. Additionally, he has authored six books.
Posted in Christian Living, Pastoral Leadership
Posted in Salvation, Redemption, Justification, Faith, Monergism, Sanctification, John Calvin, Grace
Posted in Salvation, Redemption, Justification, Faith, Monergism, Sanctification, John Calvin, Grace
Recent
Archive
2024
May
IVF is Evil.Find Your WhyWhy Do We Struggle with Self-Control?Old Time ReligionThe Pastor and His BibleLessons from Jude Pt. 4: The Dreams of False TeachersJoining with Creation: Why Your Praise Matters to GodChrist is Worthy of a Healthy ChurchBiblical Discernment and Why It Is NecessaryWhat is the Point of the Bible?Faith Cometh: First Mention Basics of Faith Pt. 2
June
Gentleness in TruthChrist’s Worthiness: The Linchpin of Pulpit MinistryThe Priest’s WarThe Doctrine of Total Depravity and Some of Its ApplicationsWestern Music and Christian MetaphysicsA Living Sacrifice of WorshipWorship Is a Time to Tear Things UpA Call To Action: Evangelism Lost in Discipleship
July
Is God For Us?What Laws Are We Supposed to Obey?Remember MeDying Thoughts of a Godly ManOn Justification through Faith Alone in Christ AloneHigh Strangeness and a Christian ResponseDiscovering Perfect FaithfulnessChildren: The Best Bible School for AdultsThe Trembling PastorUnderstanding the Law: Part I
Categories
Tags
17th Century
70 A.D.
Abandonment
Actions
Adam
Adoption
Angels
Animosity
Antinomianism
Anxiety
Assurance
Atonement
Attrition
Augustine of Hippo
Baptism
Batman
Belief
Betrayal
Bible Reading
Bible School
Bible Study
Bigfoot
Bitterness
Blame
Blandina
Business
Busyness
C.S. Lewis
Calvinism
Catechism
Ceremonial Law
Challenges
Change
Chants
Chaos
Charlatans
Children
Choice
Chords
Christology
Church Officer
Circumstances
Civil Law
Claude Ramsey
Clefs
Commandments
Commentary
Communion
Composers
Confession
Conversion
Conviction
Coram Deo
Corporate Worship
Creation
Cryogenics
Culture
Death
Decree
Defamation
Dementia
Demons
Desire
Devastation
Diligence
Disagreement
Discernment
Discipleship
Discipline
Disobedience
Doctrines of Grace
Doctrine
Dreams
Drudgery
Ecclesiology
Embryo Grading
Emotionalism
Encouragement
Endor
English Puritanism
Entrepreneurship
Ethnomusicology
Eugenics
Eusebius
Evangelicalism
Evangelism
Evangelist
Evil
Exhortation
Expectations
Fables
Fairy Tales
Faithfulness
Faithlessness
Faith
False Teachers
Families
Family Worship
Famine
Fasting
Fear
Fellowship
Fertilization
Fervor
Five Points
Forgiveness
Form
Foster Care
Function
Fuxs Counterpoint
Gatherings
Gathering
Gentleness
Ghosts
Giants
God's Word
Goodness
Good
Gospel Mission
Gospel
Grace
Gratitude
Grief
Happiness
Hardship
Help
Herodotus
Heroes of Renown
Homeschooling
Hope
Human Trafficking
Humility
Hypocrites
IVF
Identity
Idolatry
Immutability
In Vitro Fertilization
Incan Empire
Intellectualism
Israel
James White
Jerusalem
Jews
John Calvin
John Knox
Joy
Judaism
Jude
Judges
Justification
Kids
Law
Laziness
Learning
Legalism
Legend
Life
Light
Liturgy
Local Church
Love
Luke Bryan
Malak
Marcus Aurelius
Marriage
Martyrdom
Meditation
Memory.
Mercy
Minds
Molech
Monergism
Money
Monotony
Moral Law
Morality
Mosaic Law
Mothman
Motivation
Music Theory
Musical Education
Musical Notation
Musicology
Music
Myth
Nations
Neglect
Nephilim
Nervousness
New Covenant
Nick Needham
Notes
Obedience
Old Covenant
Old Testament
Omniscience
Online
Order
Orthodox Jew
Pain
Parents
Pastor
Peace
Pentateuch
Persecution
Perseverance
Plagiarism
Politics
Pornography
Power
Praise
Prayer
Praying
Preacher
Preaching
Preparation
Pride
Priest
Privilege
Prophesy
Prophets
Psalms
Pulpit Ministry
Punishment
Purification
Purpose
Qualification
Questions
Quick Wit
Reality Shows
Reconciliation
Redemption
Reflection
Reformed Evangelism
Regeneration
Regulative Principle
Religion
Rememberance
Repentance
Responsibility
Rest
Revelation
Reverence
Revival
Reward
Rhetoric
Richard Baxter
Righteousness
Roman Empire
Romans
Rome
Sabbath
Sacrifice
Sacrificial System
Saints
Salvation
Sanctification
Sarcasm
Satisfaction
Self-Control
Self-Discipline
Self-Examination
Sermon Preparation
Serpent
Service
Sex Selection
Shame
ShatteredHopes
Sickness
Sin
Social Media
Speech
Spirits
Spiritual Warfare
Spirit
Staves
Stewardship
Story
Struggles
Study Group
Study
Style
Suffering
Sundays
Supernatural
Supplication
Surrender
Teacher
Teaching
Teleology
Temporal
Temptations
Thankfulness
The Bible
The Great Commission
The Holy Scriptures
The Joker
The Local Church
The Lord's Supper
The Lord\'s Supper
The Lyons Region
The Sons of Korah
Theology
Thomas Brooks
Tim Challies
Torah
Total Depravity
Tradition
Trembling
Trials
Trouble
Trust
Truth
Tulip
UFO
Unexplained
Unseen Realm
Villians
Virtue
Wailing
Warning
War
Weakness
Weeping
Western Music
Westminster Confession
Wisdom
Witch
Wonder
Words
Worship
Youngsters