What Is Justification by Faith Alone?

by J. V. Fesko

Publisher:

P&R

, 2008

Overview

Ever since Martin Luther, the famous sixteenth-century Reformer, nailed his 95 theses to the castle door of Wittenberg, the doctrine of justification by faith alone has been one of the great truths of the Reformed faith. In this concise booklet, J.V. Fesko takes a fresh look at this critical doctrine, explaining biblical teaching, examining classic Reformed statements, and answering common questions. He explains the doctrine of justification in uncomplicated, nontechnical language.

Contents

Top Highlights

“Christ’ (Rom. 5:1). In other words, we can have peace and assurance in our souls because we no longer know God as our judge but instead know him as our heavenly Father because of the work of our older brother, Jesus Christ (cf. Col. 1:15; Heb. 2:10–18). The believer no longer has to bear the guilt and shame of sin, because Christ has borne it for him.” (Pages 30–31)

“In the doctrine of justification by faith alone, we must realize that legalism is a poor substitute for the all-sufficient work of Christ. How can the believer add to the already perfect and sufficient work of Christ? God’s grace is, as the famous hymn says, amazing!” (Page 30)

“To count, credit, or impute righteousness to a person means that this righteousness is alien; it is not native to Abraham. It is here in Genesis 15:6 that we see the doctrine of justification by faith alone, or sola fide.” (Page 14)

“Yet, Abraham receives this righteous status by looking through faith to the promise of God.” (Page 14)

“The believer’s good works are not the cause of his justification, but rather the effect.” (Page 29)

Product Details

• Title: What Is Justification by Faith Alone?
• Author: J. V. Fesko
• Series: Basics of the Faith
• Publisher: P&R
• Print Publication Date: 2008
• Logos Release Date: 2014
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
• Subjects: Justification (Christian theology); Reformed Church › Doctrines
• ISBNs: 9781596380837, 1596380837
• Resource ID: LLS:WHTSJSTFCTFTHLN
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Metadata Last Updated: 2022-09-30T03:47:56Z

About J. V. Fesko

J.V. Fesko is an ordained minister in the Orthodox Presbyterian Church, and is also academic dean and associate professor of systematic theology at Westminster Seminary California.