Christians Bottleneck their Growth due to Misunderstanding Grace and Justification

Christians Bottleneck their Growth due to Misunderstanding Grace and Justification

A lot of my articles have had their basis in the book of Romans lately. It springs from a renewed observation of a widespread lack of spiritual understanding that many Christians have today. The absence of effectual teaching in the modern denominational churches have caused Christians to stumble and fall in the most fundamental, and critical concepts of the Christian faith. Lacking these basic concepts have caused stunted growth towards spiritual maturity, and unity in the faith, that Paul defines in his writings. It is my humble opinion that Christians need an urgent and in-depth review of the book of Romans in order to regain a solid understanding of its core principles and spiritual value.

Isn't justification just an excuse to ignore our commitment to Christian morality?

Isn't justification just an excuse to ignore our commitment to Christian morality?

Question (in response to a previous post):

There is a modern tendency to claim to be justified, when sin is still reigning within the heart. Some people tend to say, “Jesus covers my sins: past, present, and future.” Is it really possible to repent of sins that you haven’t committed yet? This kind of mindset is often supported by treating the gospel as a kind of “indulgence” to sin. Like on the bumper stickers that say, “I’m not perfect, just forgiven,” which seems to indicate that forgiveness is just a free pass on the sins of the past and has nothing to do with internal affairs of the heart.

Answer:

If God does not forgive us by His grace alone through Jesus Christ, then all believers are on a highway straight to hell.

One of the greatest passages of literature ever written

One of the greatest passages of literature ever written

Rom 3:21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, … 22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe … 23  For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; 24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: … 28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. Rom 5:1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: 2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

I stand by the title of this post! There is no other literature on earth that comes close to the value and significance of the words above. If one had to put all professional, literary, and academic writing together, it would pale in worth and magnitude.

The issue of sin is settled once and for all for the believer in Christ

The issue of sin is settled once and for all for the believer in Christ

What does “Justification” mean?

Justification is a legal word dealing with one’s judicial standing before God, the Judge. Biblical justification equates to being declared righteous, blameless, and innocent. A good way to remember the meaning of justification is the phrase, “Just as if I never sinned”, since that is exactly what you are, as a believer under grace.

Justification doesn't deal with your WALK, or how you LIVE, even after you're saved. It doesn't deal with your SANCTIFICATION, your THOUGHTS, or your WORKS in the flesh or the spirit! None of these! In other words, justification is not your work or effort to appease God. Justification is God’s work. Your justified status before God is based on what He has done for you, and declared over you, because of your faith in His Son.

“The Faith” and “Of Faith” in Romans

“The Faith” and “Of Faith” in Romans

The book of Romans lays the foundation of truth for us as Christians to be established on. It is the basis on which we build upon in our knowledge and in deeds. It is interesting to note how the book refers to two types of “faith”, one found in the opening verses of the first chapter, and the other found in the closing verses of the final chapter. Let me elaborate on the significance and meaning of this.

The Faith

Rom.1:5 By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name:

The phrase, “for obedience to the faith among all nations”, refers to, “the faith”. The word “the” informs us that this is a unique and distinct body of doctrine. This doctrine called, “the faith”, is the definition and sum content of what we need to know and apply, so that we live by the will and purpose of God in this day and age. In essence, it is the ‘modus operandi’ of our Christianity, the pattern, or template, of our faith.

Gold, Silver, Precious Stones, Wood, Hay, and Stubble

Gold, Silver, Precious Stones, Wood, Hay, and Stubble

Paul writes the following to the Corinthians,

1 Cor.3:12 Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; 13 Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. 14 If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. 15 If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.

The above is one of a few passages of scripture that provides us with insights into the judgement seat of Christ; that time after the rapture of the Body of Christ when we are judged according to what we have done in his body (not our body).

2 Cor.5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.