The Doctrine of Justification - Part Three

Extract

The Doctrine of Justification – Part Three
A. W. Pink

8. Its Instrument
9. Its Evidence
10. Its Results

8. Its Instrument
“Being justified freely by his grace” (Rom. 3:24); “being now justified by His blood” (Rom. 5:9); “being now justified by faith” (Rom. 5:1). A full exposition of the doctrine of justification requires that each of these propositions should be interpreted in their Scriptural sense, and that they be combined together in their true relations as to form one harmonious whole. Unless these three propositions be carefully distinguished there is sure to be confusion; unless all the three are steadily borne in mind we are sure to land in error. Each must be given its due weight, yet none must be understood in such a way as to make its force annul that of the others. Nor is this by any means a simple task, in fact none but a real teacher (that is, a spiritual theologian) who has devoted a lifetime to the undivided study of Scriptures is qualified for it. “The righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ” (Rom. 3:22); “A man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law” (Rom. 3:28); “even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law” (Gal. 2:16). What is the precise place and influence which faith has in the important affairs of justification? What is the exact nature or character of justifying faith? In what particular sense are we to understand this proposition that we are “justified by faith?” and what is the connection between that proposition and the postulates that we are “justified by grace” and “justified by His blood?” These are matters which call for the utmost care. The nature of justifying faith requires to be closely defined so that its particular agency is correctly viewed, for it is …