Justification by Faith Explained

Watch the video version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/5aJfl_-LXC0

In this episode, Jeff and Craig discuss the doctrine of justification and why Scripture uses the word in different ways. They walk through Romans 3 and James 2, showing how Paul speaks of justification as God’s legal declaration by faith alone, while James speaks of justification as the visible evidence of true faith. The episode emphasizes careful interpretation, context, and the unity of Scripture.

Scripture mentioned:

Romans 3:28 - https://www.blueletterbible.org/esv/rom/3/28/s_1049028

For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law.

James 2:17-26 - https://www.blueletterbible.org/esv/jas/2/17-26/s_1148017

So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.

But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.

You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder!

Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless?

Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar?

You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works;

and the Scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness”—and he was called a friend of God.

You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone.

And in the same way was not also Rahab the prostitute justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way?

For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead.

Romans 3:21-22 - https://www.blueletterbible.org/esv/rom/3/21-22/s_1049021

But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it—

the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction:

Isaiah 64:6 - https://www.blueletterbible.org/esv/isa/64/6/s_743006

We have all become like one who is unclean,

and all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment.

We all fade like a leaf,

and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away.

Links:

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Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7GbmsVVjTryD5F0pAaNaKc

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/on-the-lane/id1805279371

Carriage Lane Presbyterian Church: https://www.carriagelanepres.com/

Sermon Livestreams: https://www.youtube.com/@CLPCWorship/streams