Justification By Faith Alone is Not Biblical

[Saved-By-Grace]

"Justification by faith ALONE" is nowhere in Scripture, "Justification by faith, is". the former is the language of Martin Luther.

 

[TCassidy]

Paul quotes Habakkuk 2:4 three times in his writings. "Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith."

But each quote was in an entirely different context.

Romans 1:17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

Paul says that our justification is by faith.

Galatians 3:11 But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.

Paul is saying that our eternal life is by faith.

Hebrews 10:38 Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.

Paul says here that our manner of life is by faith.

Seems pretty comprehensive to me.

 

[Saved-By-Grace]

Paul quotes Habakkuk 2:4 three times in his writings. "Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith."

But each quote was in an entirely different context.

Romans 1:17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

Paul says that our justification is by faith.

Galatians 3:11 But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.

Paul is saying that our eternal life is by faith.

Hebrews 10:38 Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.

Paul says here that our manner of life is by faith.

Seems pretty comprehensive to me.

I don't deny any of what you say from the Word. However, the passages that you quote are of those who are already "justified" with God, and not used of those who are still sinners. As the OP says, no sinner can be "justified" without their first "repenting and believing". I really do not know why some have a problem with repentance as a pre-requirement to conversion, as though it were a "work", that is "earning" salvation. The Bible no where speaks of repenting as a work, but that which the Lord requires of all sinners who want to be saved, e.g., Acts 17:30

 

[agedman]

my friend, in the first place, "God commands all men everywhere to REPENT" (Acts 17:30). This command is something that ALL must DO. It is not done for them. I do NOT deny that salvation is of the Lord from start to finish. But, that it requires that all sinners must REPENT first and BELIEVE before they are saved. Did you check out Jesus' words in Luke 24:47, and Peter's in Acts 2:38?

What God commands will take place. All will repent. All will bow. All will proclaim Jesus as Lord. But not all will be redeemed.

Repentance isn't aligned with a have to in order to gain salvation - that is eternal life.

There is worldly repentance of one who is caught, and Godly sorrow of one who is redeemed.

It is unfortunate that in this usage there is not the discriminating aspects properly and a blending of what is not necessarily proper.

For example, did not John the Baptist state to the religious righteous to bring fruit that demonstrated the appropriate repentance?

By not discriminating what is Godly repentance from worldly sorrow, the presentation is confusion.

The salvation (catalyst) takes place, THEN in that awareness under the leadership and authority of the work of the Holy Spirit, true Godly repentance results.

One cannot from their evil heart repent in any righteous manner in order that such repentance gain salvation.

That just is not following Scripture principle.

 

[Saved-By-Grace]

What God commands will take place. All will repent. All will bow. All will proclaim Jesus as Lord. But not all will be redeemed.

Repentance isn't aligned with a have to in order to gain salvation - that is eternal life.

There is worldly repentance of one who is caught, and Godly sorrow of one who is redeemed.

It is unfortunate that in this usage there is not the discriminating aspects properly and a blending of what is not necessarily proper.

For example, did not John the Baptist state to the religious righteous to bring fruit that demonstrated the appropriate repentance?

By not discriminating what is Godly repentance from worldly sorrow, the presentation is confusion.

The salvation (catalyst) takes place, THEN in that awareness under the leadership and authority of the work of the Holy Spirit, true Godly repentance results.

One cannot from their evil heart repent in any righteous manner in order that such repentance gain salvation.

That just is not following Scripture principle.

The OP is about sinners who are "justified" by God, on the basis of their repentance and faith. Do you agree with this?

 

[Yeshua1]

The teaching that a sinner is justified before God solely on the basis of their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, is not the complete Gospel on salvation, as the other important factor has been omitted, - REPENTANCE

The first words of the Lord Jesus Christ in Mark's Gospel, are, "REPENT and BELIEVE in the Gospel" (Mark 1:15)

Again, in Luke chapter 13, the words of the Lord Jesus Christ;

"but unless you REPENT, you will all likewise perish" (verses 3, 5)

At the end of His Ministry in Luke chapter 25, we read the words of Jesus;

"and that REPENTANCE for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem" (47)

The very first sermon preached in the early Church, as recorded in Acts chapter 2, we read of Peter's response to those who had been convicted by the Gospel Message, "“Brothers, what shall we do?” (v.37), to which Peter said, “REPENT and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit" (38)

And, in the next chapter, the Disciples again say;

"REPENT therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out" (3:19)

To say that a sinner is "Justified" on the basis of faith ALONE, cannot be Biblically correct, as REPENTANCE, is as much as a precondition to a sinner being saved, than FAITH is. It is NOT something that follows conversion, as some teach, which is plainly wrong from the Word of God.

Depends on how one defines the term, as saving faith involves a turning away from efforts to save ourselves, but some like those in the way of the master, broaden it out to include repenting and forsaking all known sins before salvation!

 

[Saved-By-Grace]

Depends on how one defines the term, as saving faith involves a turning away from efforts to save ourselves, but some like those in the way of the master, broaden it out to include repenting and forsaking all known sins before salvation!

you will find that the Bible also says it includes repentance from and the forsaking of sins before salvation. I am bewildered that some suppose this is not the case, and suppose that to repent somehow is a "work" that the sinners does?

 

[Yeshua1]

you will find that the Bible also says it includes repentance from and the forsaking of sins before salvation. I am bewildered that some suppose this is not the case, and suppose that to repent somehow is a "work" that the sinners does?

How much sin to repeat and forsake would God require in order to be able to save a lost sinner than?

 

[Martin Marprelate]

The teaching that a sinner is justified before God solely on the basis of their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, is not the complete Gospel on salvation, as the other important factor has been omitted, - REPENTANCE

The first words of the Lord Jesus Christ in Mark's Gospel, are, "REPENT and BELIEVE in the Gospel" (Mark 1:15)

Repentance and faith in the NT are two sides of the same coin. Our faith is to be a repentant faith, and our repentance to be a believing repentance (otherwise it is nothing more than remorse). As you go through the NT, you will find that the two words are very often interchangeable.

True faith, the faith that saves, is understanding that you are a sinner, justly under the righteous condemnation of God, and to see the Lord Jesus as the only Person standing between you and hell. Then, to turn away from sin and to run to Christ as the ark to shield you from the floods of God's wrath, as the city of refuge to protect you from His just vengeance and as the only hiding place from His indignation (Isaiah 26:20-21). To own Him as He is presented in Scripture-- as your Prophet, Priest and King: as the Prophet whose word you trust absolutely; as the Great High Priest who has offered the one, perfect, acceptable sacrifice for sin, and as the King to whom all authority is given in heaven and on earth.

That is what justification by grace alone through faith alone means.

 

[Saved-By-Grace]

Repentance and faith in the NT are two sides of the same coin. Our faith is to be a repentant faith, and our repentance to be a believing repentance (otherwise it is nothing more than remorse). As you go through the NT, you will find that the two words are very often interchangeable.

True faith, the faith that saves, is understanding that you are a sinner, justly under the righteous condemnation of God, and to see the Lord Jesus as the only Person standing between you and hell. Then, to turn away from sin and to run to Christ as the ark to shield you from the floods of God's wrath, as the city of refuge to protect you from His just vengeance and as the only hiding place from His indignation (Isaiah 26:20-21). To own Him as He is presented in Scripture-- as your Prophet, Priest and King: as the Prophet whose word you trust absolutely; as the Great High Priest who has offered the one, perfect, acceptable sacrifice for sin, and as the King to whom all authority is given in heaven and on earth.

That is what justification by grace alone through faith alone means.

Yes, repentance and faith for the salvation of the sinner, is two sides of the same coin. My OP states that you cannot have the one without the other, as Jesus states in Mark 1:15. There are some who teach that repentance is not a pre-requirement for salvation, but follows it. This I believe to be Biblically impossible, and a sinner cannot get saved (regenerated) without godly sorry. No sinner can be "justified" without truly repenting, simply "believing" cannot do this. Can you give some examples where "believing" and "repenting" are used interchangeably in the NT? The Greek of Mark 1:15 shows the two are related by yet distinct: "μετανοεῖτε καὶ πιστεύετε ἐν τῷ εὐαγγελίῳ"

 

[Saved-By-Grace]

How much sin to repeat and forsake would God require in order to be able to save a lost sinner than?

true godly repentance that brings salvation to the sinners soul, is genuine heart-felt sorrow for living a life apart from the Lord, and living to oneself in sin, and acknowledging this separation from the Lord due to this life-style, and seeking forgiveness from the Lord, and accepting what the Lord Jesus has done by His life and death on the cross. Confession and acceptance is required by all sinners before they can be regenerated by the Holy Spirit. This is what every sinner must DO to be saved. However, this is not a meritorious work that the sinner does, but rather a complying with the just demands of a Holy God, Who has so commanded that sinners must DO before they can be JUSTIFIED by Him.

 

[Saved-By-Grace]

Good night from old England

 

[Katarina Von Bora]

or perhaps repentance is a step of faith

Rob

The scriptures teach that repentance is a gift.

Acts 5:31English Standard Version (ESV)

31 God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins.


Acts 11:18English Standard Version (ESV)

18 When they heard these things they fell silent. And they glorified God, saying, “Then to the Gentiles also God has granted repentance that leads to life.”


2 Timothy 2:25English Standard Version (ESV)

25 correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth


Ephesians 2:8-10English Standard Version (ESV)

8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

 

[Saved-By-Grace]

The scriptures teach that repentance is a gift.

Acts 5:31English Standard Version (ESV)

31 God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins.


Acts 11:18English Standard Version (ESV)

18 When they heard these things they fell silent. And they glorified God, saying, “Then to the Gentiles also God has granted repentance that leads to life.”


2 Timothy 2:25English Standard Version (ESV)

25 correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth


Ephesians 2:8-10English Standard Version (ESV)

8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Indeed, true repentance from any sinner is only possible after the working and convicting of the Holy Spirit in their heart. No person can produce faith that saves them in and of themselves, the Bible says that faith comes from hearing the Word of God, which the Holy Spirit uses in the hearts of sinners. Salvation from start to finish is the work of the Triune God, lest any boast!

Good night.

 

[PatrickMcIntyre]

you will find that the Bible also says it includes repentance from and the forsaking of sins before salvation. I am bewildered that some suppose this is not the case, and suppose that to repent somehow is a "work" that the sinners does?

Hello Saved-By-Grace. Common repentance requires no saving faith, but for the born again Christian, saving repentance is always the fruit and consequence of saving faith. Saving repentance is only possible if a person already has saving faith by saving grace. If someone tries to repent of a sin they do not have the power to overcome because they are not born again, then that repentance, by definition, is not saving repentance. If someone repents of a sin they DO have the power to overcome because they are born again, then that repentance, by definition, is saving repentance, and also by definition, by saving faith. Saving repentance and saving faith are called "saving" not because they cause salvation, but because they are a fruit of salvation. There are theologians that discuss the order of salvation, but I don't think anyone on this blog is interested in the different theories. It is possible that you are raising this issue because you are sad some people think you can accept Jesus as Savior without at the same time accepting Him as Lord. If that's the issue you want to raise, I suggest you start a new thread. Calvinists don't believe that saving faith can takes place without regeneration. So if you start a new thread of, "saving faith must bear good fruit or it isn't saving faith", I think you'll get more "amens". God bless you.

 

[Martin Marprelate]

Yes, repentance and faith for the salvation of the sinner, is two sides of the same coin. My OP states that you cannot have the one without the other, as Jesus states in Mark 1:15. There are some who teach that repentance is not a pre-requirement for salvation, but follows it. This I believe to be Biblically impossible, and a sinner cannot get saved (regenerated) without godly sorrow. No sinner can be "justified" without truly repenting, simply "believing" cannot do this.

I agree with this.

Can you give some examples where "believing" and "repenting" are used interchangeably in the NT? The Greek of Mark 1:15 shows the two are related by yet distinct: "μετανοεῖτε καὶ πιστεύετε ἐν τῷ εὐαγγελίῳ"

OK. have a look at Peter's Pentecost sermon. In Acts 2:38, the people are told to 'repent.' There is no mention of believing. But then in v.44, the talk is of 'all who believed.' There is no mention of repentance. Now unless you are crazy enough to suppose that these are two separate sets of people, some of whom repented but didn't believe and some of whom believed but didn't repent then the two terms are synonymous.

 

[Katarina Von Bora]

Those baptized of John were repentant, it didn't save them.

You need to understand that it is God that grants repentance:


Acts 5:30-32
King James Version (KJV)

30 The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree.

31 Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.

32 And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.


Acts 11:18
King James Version (KJV)

18 When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.


Listen to Paul speak of you...


Romans 2:3-5
King James Version (KJV)

3 And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God?

4 Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?

5 But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God;


You are once again rejecting the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the Sovereignty of God in Salvation.

You demand repentance of others and it is you in need of God granting you repentance.


God bless.

Absolutely correct.

Indeed, true repentance from any sinner is only possible after the working and convicting of the Holy Spirit in their heart. No person can produce faith that saves them in and of themselves, the Bible says that faith comes from hearing the Word of God, which the Holy Spirit uses in the hearts of sinners. Salvation from start to finish is the work of the Triune God, lest any boast!

Good night.

Indeed, true repentance from any sinner is only possible after the working and convicting of the Holy Spirit in their heart. No person can produce faith that saves them in and of themselves, the Bible says that faith comes from hearing the Word of God, which the Holy Spirit uses in the hearts of sinners. Salvation from start to finish is the work of the Triune God, lest any boast!

Good night.

Finally, you are beginning to understand the gospel of Jesus Christ. Salvation is of the LORD totally. No free will involved. Nothing man can do will save them.

 

[Katarina Von Bora]

in case you have not fully read the OP, I have not said that God does not have to take the first step in the salvation of the sinner. We are not discussing this here. I have said that repentance and faith, what Jesus Himself taught (Mark 1:15) are equal pre-requirements for any sinner to be saved, as that it is what the sinner must DO, but this is NOT an "earned" thing.

There is no such thing as things a sinner must DO. Salvation is of the Lord completely.

 

[hawg_427]

The teaching that a sinner is justified before God solely on the basis of their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, is not the complete Gospel on salvation, as the other important factor has been omitted, - REPENTANCE

The first words of the Lord Jesus Christ in Mark's Gospel, are, "REPENT and BELIEVE in the Gospel" (Mark 1:15)

Again, in Luke chapter 13, the words of the Lord Jesus Christ;

"but unless you REPENT, you will all likewise perish" (verses 3, 5)

At the end of His Ministry in Luke chapter 25, we read the words of Jesus;

"and that REPENTANCE for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem" (47)

The very first sermon preached in the early Church, as recorded in Acts chapter 2, we read of Peter's response to those who had been convicted by the Gospel Message, "“Brothers, what shall we do?” (v.37), to which Peter said, “REPENT and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit" (38)

And, in the next chapter, the Disciples again say;

"REPENT therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out" (3:19)

To say that a sinner is "Justified" on the basis of faith ALONE, cannot be Biblically correct, as REPENTANCE, is as much as a precondition to a sinner being saved, than FAITH is. It is NOT something that follows conversion, as some teach, which is plainly wrong from the Word of God.[/QUOTE

 

[hawg_427]

We are saved by the teachings in Paul's Gospel. 1 For. 15:1-4 if my poor memory serves me.