We are accounted righteous before God, only for the merit of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, by faith, and not for our own works or deservings: whereof, that we are justified by faith only, is a most wholesome doctrine, and very full of comfort.

*     *     *

Through God's Holy Spirit, His prevenient grace encourages and enables us to turn to Him. This grace is God's free and unmerited gift; it cannot be earned in any way.  Prevenient grace enables us to repent, call on God, and have faith in Jesus as Lord and Savior. Our faith is the means through which God, by His grace, unites us to Christ, justifying and sanctifying us. 

Repentance is the godly sorrow for sin we feel when the convicting work of the Holy Spirit has broken through our pride. It involves sensing our guilt before God and voluntarily turning away from sin, no longer being conformed to the image of this World but being fully transformed and renewed as the image of Christ. It further includes the full confession of sins to God and the making of restitution where possible.  

Justification is the gracious judicial act of God, acquitting the repentant sinner of their guilt. Justification is based on the perfect atonement of Jesus Christ, made on the cross, and not on any merit of our own through our good works. God grants full pardon of guilt, release from the penalty of sins committed, and complete acceptance as righteous before Him. 

Sanctification is the immediate fruit of justification, beginning the moment a new Christian is justified. God sanctifies us, declares us holy, purifies us from sin, sets us apart for His service, and empowers us to carry out His purposes for our lives. Thus, we understand that while our works cannot save us, they are nonetheless the natural and direct result of true faith and the process of transformation that accompanies the renewing of our minds as we walk out our Salvation with reverence and awe of God’s love and grace.

*     *     *

Reflect on the following Biblical texts. What are your thoughts on the way they reveal this doctrine to us? Discuss your answers with your pastor/group leader.

Exodus 19:1-20:21 (cf. Leviticus 19:1-37 / Numbers 6:22-27 / Deuteronomy 10:12-22 / Deuteronomy 30:1-20) 

Psalm 103:1-22 

Isaiah 57:15-21 

Jeremiah 31:1-40 (cf. Ezekiel 36:22-37:14) 

Matthew 3:1-12 (cf. James 2:14-26) 

Luke 19:1-10 / Luke 23:26-43 

Romans 1:1-17 / Romans 3:1-31 / Romans 4:1-25 / Romans 5:1-21 

Galatians 2:11-21 

Ephesians 2:1-22 

Titus 3:1-11 

Hebrews 11:1-12:29

*     *     *

Use the following questions to summarize what you have learned about this Article of Faith. Discuss your answers with your pastor/group leader. (*Adapted from Wesley’s Catechism questions 26-32.)

How do justification and sanctification work hand in hand? 

If we are justified and sanctified through our faith in Christ alone, then how do we take part in this? 

How do justification and sanctification together lead to the assurance of Salvation, which the Article calls a ”Comfort”?

How does this doctrine affect the practice of our faith? 

Notes: