Introduction
The world’s religions teach people to earn favor with God through correct behavior. Because these religions are based only on natural knowledge they are unable to show people how to become acceptable to God. Christianity, however, is the religion revealed by God in the Bible. The Bible reveals that we are accepted by God through the forgiveness of sins in Christ.
- Why do we say, “I believe in the forgiveness of sins”?
We say, “I believe in the forgiveness of sins,” because the Bible assures us that God the Father has by grace forgiven all sinners and declared them righteous in Christ.
- How can God declare sinners righteous?
God can declare sinners righteous because, ont eh basis of the redemptive work fo Christ, He has acquitted all people of the the guilt and punishment of their sins, and imputed to them the righteousness of Christ. He therefore regards them in Christ as though they had never sinned (general justification or objective justification). (See Questions 158 and 159.)
- How do you receive this forgiveness or justification?
I receive this justification when the Holy Spirit thorugh the means of grace leads me, the sinner, to believe that God has gforgiven all my sins for Christ’s sake (personal justification or subjective justification). (See Questions 178, 184, 189, 190 and 193.)
- What benefits have you receive from your justification?
As benefits of my justification, I have received- adoption as God’s child,
- peace with Him,
- free access to His daily blessings and
- the sure hope of the glorious inheritance, the life everlasting.
- Why must we firmly hold and teach this doctrine of justification by grace, for Christ’s sake, through faith?
We must always firmly hold and teach this doctrine of justification by grace, for Christ’s sake, through faith, because it- is the chief doctrine of the Christian religion,
- distinguishes the Christian religion from false religions, all of which teach salvation by works,
- gives enduring comfort to the repentant sinner and
- gives all glory to God. (See “grace” in the Glossary.)
- What change took place when the Holy Spirit broiught you to faith in Christ?
When the Holy Spirit brought me to faith in Christ, I was converted and regenerated. - What is conversion?
Converion is the activity of the Holy Spirit by which He through the Gospel turns me from sin and death to life and holiness in Christ. (See Questions 10, 11, 12, 13, 103 and 104.)
- What is regeneration?
Regeneration is the activity of the Holy Spirit by which He through the Gospel makes me a new and holy creature of God with the new spiritual life of faith and the desire and strength for that which is good. (See Questions 182 and 189.)
- Do we who have been made new and holy creatures of God still need the work of the Holy Spirit?
We need a daily sanctification, or renewal of the Holy Spirit, because even though we are justified and freed from the guilt of our sins, we still have our corrupt nature with all its sins and evil lusts. (See Question 152.)
- How is this daily sanctification accomplished?
This daily sanctification is accomplished when the Holy Spirit thorugh the means of grace renews in me the desire and strength to forsake sin and to grow in holiness and good works. (See Questions 182, 189 and 212.)
- What are good works in the sight of God?
In the sight of God, good works are the works of faith which the Holy Spirit leads the Christian to do- out of love,
- according ot the Ten Commandments and
- for the welfare of one’s neighbor (See Question 103.)
Bible Example: The widow gave her last coins.
Bible Example: Mary anointed Jesus.
Bible Example: Mary and Martha were host to their Lord.
Bible Example: Dorcas made clothing for the poor.
Conclusion
God has declared the world righteous in Christ (objective justification). He justifies each sinner personally and grants the forgiveness of sins when the Holy Spirit gives faith in Christ (subjective justification). Although the believer will never be entirely free from sin in this life, the believer wants to turn daily from sin to good works. The Holy Spirit renews the believe with a daily sanctification so that in the new life of faith, the Christian can offer good works as a thank offering to His Savior God.
Hymn
Blest is the man, forever blest,
Whose guilt is pardoned by his God,
Whose sins with sorrows are confessed
And covered with his Savior’s blood.
Blest is the man to whom the Lord
Imputes not his iniquities;
He pleads no merit of reward
And not on works but grace relies. (ELH 416:1-2)
Bible Readings
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