Justification Apart from Works

Bible Text: Romans 4:9-10 | Preacher: Alan Conner | Series: 2003, Romans

Justification apart from works
Rom. 4:9-10

INTRO

I. ABRAHAM WAS JUSTIFIED BEFORE HE WAS CIRCUMCISED (4:9-10).

A. The Jewish view of circumcision.

B. Paul’s slam-dunk (4:9-10). Compare the time period between Gen. 15:6 and Gen. 17:23-25, about 14 years.

II. THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN JUSTIFICATION, FAITH, AND WORKS.

A. Protestant view: Faith Justification + works.
1) Justification is by faith alone but not by a faith that is alone.
2) Works demonstrate saving faith.

B. Roman Catholic view: Faith + Works Justification.
1) Justification is the end result of our faith and righteous works.
2) Works contribute to meriting justification.

III. RECONCILING PAUL AND JAMES.

A. The apparent contradiction: compare Rom. 3:20, 22, 24, 28; 4:5 with James 2:21, 24

B. The solution. Paul and James are both protecting and defending the gospel of Christ but from two different enemies of the gospel.

James is dealing with those who profess faith but who show no evidence that their faith is genuine. Titus 1:16. He clearly indicates that he is dealing with justification (or vindication) of the nature of true faith before the eyes of men by two key words:
1) SHOW (2:18b).

2) SEE (2:22, 24).

“Justification” in 2:21, 24 means to “vindicate, or to demonstrate the truth of”, see Mt. 11:19.

ROMANS JAMES
ISSUE: How is a man justified before God? What is the nature of a living faith?
ERROR: Legalism; salvation by works Hypocrisy; an empty profession of faith.
MEANING OF
JUSTIFICATION:Declared righteous, Vindication of true faith, outward proof
legal righteousness.
PERSPECTIVE:Justification before God Justification before man
WORKS: Add nothing to justification Demonstrate saving faith

C. Justification in Romans is unrelated to our personal righteousness. Phil. 3:9. The righteousness that justifies before God is totally Christ’s own righteousness imputed to our legal account before God.

Sanctification and good works do not contribute anything to the righteousness that saves.
Sanctification is still important because it gives the necessary evidence that the heart has been changed by God’s grace, that faith is really alive and genuine.

CONCLUSION