Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:
For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
Being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.
- Romans 3:22-24
Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt.
But to him that worketh not, but believeth on Him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.
Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all.
- Romans 4:4-5; 16
Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace.
And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.
- Romans 11:5-6
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If justification is not based upon works, are a person's works important? Why or why not? |
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Is salvation based upon "that which I have done for Jesus," or "that which Jesus has done for me"? Why is this difference important? |
The only ground for a sinner's justification, for his being declared righteous, is the substitutionary work of Jesus Christ. A sinner is not justified, either in entirety or in part, by his own righteousness. This is true for the following three reasons.
NOT BASED ON MAN'S GOOD WORKS | |
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1. Our good works are not perfect. God's law requires perfect obedience al all times. |
For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is everyone that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them. But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith. - Galatians 3:10-11 |
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2. If man is justified by works, then Christ died in vain. This teaching would make the main message of the Bible to be senseless - Jesus Christ and Him crucified. |
I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain. - Galatians 2:21 |
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3. The good works performed by God's children are due to the Holy Spirit's gracious work in them; therefore the credit of their good works belongs to God's grace. |
For by grace are ye saved through 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 |
Therefore, the only ground for a sinner's justification is in the perfect merits of Jesus Christ being applied to him. This application is by free grace; it is freely given to him as a needy sinner. A sinner' justification is not due to his own works, but Christ's work. It is given not from merit, but by grace. Salvation by grace, not salvation by works, is the sole hope for sinners.
