Commentary on "Justified by Faith"

MARK MARTIN

 

Day 6: Thursday, July 22, 2010 - Faith and Works

 

Overview

It would be helpful if the author of today’s lesson would just stick to the Bible and stick to the text in context. There would be no confusion. In essence, what today’s lesson teaches is that faith is foundational to being justified because one cannot atone for past sins. However, once one is justified, the future of that justification is solely dependent on keeping the law.

 

Observations

Effectually, Adventist theology of justification dismantles the foundation of the reformation and brings one back to Roman Catholicism where one is justified by faith but maintains justification by works. Today’s lesson lines up perfectly with this theology. Consider the Rome’s response to the reformation in light of today’s lesson:

Council of Trent, Chapters 7-8, Canon 9: "If anyone says that a sinner is justified by faith alone, meaning that nothing else is required to cooperate in order to obtain the grace of justification...let him be anathema." Canon 11: "If anyone says that men are justified either by the sole imputation of the justice of Christ or by the sole remission of sins, to the exclusion of the grace and charity which is poured forth in their hearts by the Holy Ghost, and remains in them, or also that the grace by which we are justified is only the good will of God, let him be anathema." Canon 24: "If anyone says that the justice received is not preserved and also not increased before God through good works, but that those works are merely fruits and signs of justification obtained, but not the cause of the increase, let him be anathema."

 

Summary

1. Justification has absolutely NOTHING to do with obedience.
2. Contrary to the assertions of the lesson, Paul never admonishes that Christians keep the law.
3. The Christian places his faith in Jesus and His shed blood; this alone justifies him.
4. When a person believes, he is born again and sealed by the Holy Spirit. This gives him a new identity and power and potential.
5. Adventist theology is a mirror of Catholic theology; justification must be maintained by continued law-keeping and right behavior.
6. We are saved by Jesus’ blood alone when we acknowledge we are hopeless sinners and place ourselves at His mercy, allowing Him to cover and clean us with His blood.

 

GO TO DAY 7

 

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