Justification by Faith Alone Part 2

Back in March I put up an article on Justification by Faith Alone.

I think it also should be stated that we are justified by believing in Jesus, not by believing in justification by faith alone. It is very unfortunate that this has to be stated at all. We are not saved by having “accurate knowledge” to put it in WT terms. Satan has all the “accurate knowledge” in the world, doesn’t help him one lick. A person may not be able to explain justification by faith alone. They may even be very confused about the subject. They may not understand the finer details and distinction of the imputation of Christ’s active and passive righteousness, but that really doesn’t matter. What matters is not what you know, but what you are doing. Are you trusting in Jesus. Saving faith, it has been said, has three aspects, 1) Knowledge 2) Assent 3) Trust.

1) Knowledge

Obviously there are things you NEED to know. (i.e. Jesus died for your sins and rose again, that he is the only way of salvation)

2) Assent

You agree that this is true. (The demons have 1 and 2)

3) Trust

You place all your confidence, love, and hope in Jesus alone. You rely solely on him. Not on yourself, or your religion, or denomination, or governing body. You treasure Christ above all things. This is what I’m talking about.

So once again:
You are not saved by believing in Justification by faith alone, but by by believing in and trusting Jesus (which is justification by faith alone if you realize it or not.)

Now this doesn’t mean that teaching Justification by Faith alone isn’t important, or that this doctrine really doesn’t matter. Far from it, not teaching it would lead the church astray and inevitably bring us to a works based system. While people in our churches may not understand all the details of justification when or even after they are saved, it should be the job of Pastors, Elders, Deacons, and all faithful Christians who know their bible to instruct such ones to come to a better knowledge of the topic. Isn’t that the way it is with other teachings and doctrines? I know it was for my part. As Peter said we are to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” – 2 Peter 3:18

There are many who believe in Justification by faith, but who don’t trust Jesus. May none of us be in that camp.

Grace and peace to you,

Matt