Regional Synod of Canada - Reformed Church in America

Pioneer Christian Monthly

Date - Nov/94

Contributor - John H. Muller

Title - I Believe: Justification and Sanctification of Sinners

Topic - Belgic Confession

Last month we discussed the basic idea of justification as it is explained in ARTICLE 22 of the CONFESSION. Now in ARTICLES 23 and 24 we see how this truth applies practically to our lives.

"The blessedness lies in the forgiveness of our sins because of Jesus Christ . . . in it our righteousness before God is contained." To know the forgiveness of sins is wholly because of an act of God. It is a free gift. God imparts His righteousness to His elect people, all apart from human achievement.

Man is not able in himself to stand righteous before God. It is impossible. Nobody can obtain it. Romans 3 makes this very plain: "by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in His sight ... For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God." Man is hopeless in himself. But our merciful God takes us who are dead in sin, raises us from our fallen condition, and saves us by His grace. "By grace you are saved, through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God, not of works, lest any man should boast." (Ephesians 2: 7-8)

Martin Luther made this discovery after long efforts to calm and pacify his conscience by doing penance of many varieties. Paul's argument for forgiveness by justification culminates in Romans 3 when he states that we are "justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus." (vs.24)

The old hymn expresses this truth clearly:

"My hope is built on nothing else,

Than Jesus' blood and righteousness;

I dare not trust the sweetest frame,

But wholly lean on Jesus' name."

This not only covers our sins, but also makes us confident, freeing the conscience from the fear, dread and terror of God's approach." (Article 23)

Our consciences are freed from fear, and we can approach our God with confidence. We need have none of that fear that Adam and Eve displayed in the garden, after their transgression.

"Bold we approach the eternal throne And claim the crown through Christ our own."

Now what happens in respect to our lives - to good works - if we stand righteous before God by faith alone? ARTICLE 24 deals with this question. "This true faith ... regenerates him and makes him a new man, causing him to live the new life and freeing him from the slavery of sin."

Roman Catholic teaching had emphasized that works also were necessary, as a ground for salvation. The Council of Trent spoke of "faith cooperating with good works." This laid a burden on the backs of Christians, which was grievous to be home. With an emphasis on works, grace was placed in the background, with the glory going to man instead of to God.

True faith makes us new men and women in Christ Jesus, not allowing us to live in sin. This faith comes from God and stirs us up to good works. Without this faith no good works are possible. "These works, proceeding from the good root of faith, are good and acceptable to God." (Article 24)

What place do good works have in our salvation? They come as a natural result of our salvation. They are not the ground of salvation. They follow it.

Christ is our only hope. As a result of our faith in Him, we seek to give evidence of a sanctified (holy) life, flowing over with good works.

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