XI. OF JUSTIFICATION
We believe that the great gospel blessing which Christ secures to such as believe
in Him is Justification; (a) that Justification includes the pardon of sin, and
the gift of eternal life on principles of righteousness; (b) that it is bestowed
not in consideration of any works of righteousness which we have done; but solely
through faith in the Redeemer's blood, His righteousness is imputed unto us.
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*** (a) Acts 13:39. "By him all that believe
are justified from all things."
Isa. 53:11. "By his knowledge shall my righteous
servant justify many."
Zech. 13:1. "In that day there shall be a fountain
opened to the house of David and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem for sin and for
uncleanness."
Rom. 8:1. "There is therefore now no condemnation
to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit."
Rom. 5:9. "Being now justified by his blood,
we shall be saved from wrath through him."
Rom. 5:1. "Therefore being justified by faith,
we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ."
*** (b) Titus 3:5-7. "Not by works of righteousness
which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration,
and renewing of the Holy Ghost; which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ
our Saviour, that being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according
to the hope of eternal life."
Rom. 1:17. "For therein is the righteousness
of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith."
Hab. 2:4. "But the just shall live by his faith."
Gal. 3:11. "But that no man is justified by
the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith."
Rom. 4:1-8. "What shall we say then that Abraham
our father, as pertaining to the flesh, bath found? For if Abraham were justified
by works, he bath whereof to glory; but not before God. For what saith the scripture?
Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. Now to him
that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. But to him that worketh
not, but believeth on Him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for
righteousness. Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom
God imputeth righteousness without works, saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities
are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will
not impute sin."
Heb. 10:38. "Now the just shall live by faith."
Next: XII. OF REPENTANCE AND FAITH