Memory Work:
1. What does it profit you, that you believe all this?
That by faith I am righteous in Christ before God. (Rom. 3:28)
2. What is this justification by faith?
It is that, although I have grievously sinned against God and have kept none of his commandments, God without any merit of mine freely grants and imputes to me the perfect righteousness of Christ my Savior. (II Cor. 5:18,19)
3. But can’t your good works be your righteousness before God?
Indeed not, for even my best works are imperfect and stained with sin. (Isa. 64:6)
4. But doesn’t the Bible teach that God rewards good works?
Yes, but this reward is not of merit but of grace. (Luke 17:10)
5. Will not such a doctrine make me careless and profane?
No, for all who truly receive Christ by faith desire to show thankfulness to God. (Matt. 7:18)
Things to Look Up:
- Show how Christ’s work is the ground of our salvation. Romans 5:19; II
Corinthians 5:21. - How was Abraham justified by faith? Rom. 4:20-22.
- List the blessings we receive, when we are justified by faith. Rom. 5:1-5.
- Can we be saved by a faith which doesn’t produce good works? James 2:14,17.
- Does faith actually justify and save us? Belgic Confession, Art. XXII (2nd paragraph).