The Miracle of Salvation (Part Seven)

Justification (its results)

So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. Do you want to be shown, you foolish person,  that faith apart from works is useless? James 2:17, 20 (ESV)

Justification is a legal declaration by the supreme judge. God will never go back on this declaration; whatever accusation Satan may bring against us. There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Rom 8:1). Isn’t that marvelous?! Or – could it rather be dangerous? Can this teaching mislead children to no longer take sin or even the holiness of God seriously?

How can real justification be identified? James deals with this question in his letter. He has people in mind who claim to have faith and to be Christians, but whose lives show the opposite. They may have some truth in their minds, but they don’t have it in their hearts. They have not had a real conversion. They are not united with Christ. Yet they claim to be justified. To these people James says: So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless? James makes it very clear: True faith leads to good works! Justification, though invisible in itself, is evident in the fruits of faith.

The great Reformers confirm this with one voice: “It is, therefore, faith alone which justifies, and yet the faith which justifies is not alone!” (John Calvin). “It is impossible that faith ever stops doing good. Faith doesn’t ask whether good works are to be done, but, before the question rises, it has already done them, and is always active” (Martin Luther). If we teach children that justification is followed immediately by sanctification, then the doctrine of justification is not dangerous, but rather liberating!

Does justification change my person? No! I am still a sinner in myself, even though I’m made perfect in Christ (Col 1:28 NKJV). Justification does not change my person, but my position before God! So you are no longer a slave, but a son (Gal 4:7). It is sanctification that changes my mind and life (Rom 12:2).

In spite of justification, the awareness of my guilt remains. I feel sorry for my sins before conversion and even more I regret and repent of my present sins. Therefore, it is still necessary to confess my sins (1 John 1:9). Although I do not lose my justification when I sin again, I do lose my joy. My fellowship with God is affected. To whom do I now turn? Not to God, my judge, but to God, my Father! I confess my sins to Him and He forgives me. In this way, joy and fellowship are restored.

Other results of justification are peace with God (Rom 5:1), confidence regarding the day of judgment (Rom 8:33) and assurance of salvation (Rom 8:30). The doctrine of justification is a wonderful truth!