Watch Your Doctrine
Justification by Faith
It has been said that the doctrine of justification is the doctrine on which the church stands or falls. And yet for generations, there has been much confusion on this doctrine. In this session, Pastor Colin clarifies what it means to be justified and helps us understand faith’s vital role.
Justification by Faith Transcript PDF
Discussion Questions:
- Read Romans 4:1–8. What does it say about justification? Why is justification by faith called a blessing?
- Why is it good news that justification means “to declare righteous” and not “to make righteous”?
- How does the doctrine of union with Christ challenge the person who says, “I was saved when I was 12 and I’ll live like hell if I want to!”? What benefits does union with Christ give the Christian?
- What is the difference between justification and sanctification? How are they connected?
- Pastor Colin said, “faith is like an empty hand open to receive.” What does this mean? How does understanding grace transform us?
- “You are not saved by the strength of your faith but by the strength of your Savior.” How does that truth give you hope?
Respond to the teaching in prayer:
- Praise God that He justifies the ungodly who trust in Jesus Christ!
- Confess your sin and need for God’s help in growing in sanctification.
- Thank Him that we are saved by the strength of our Savior, not the strength of our faith.
- Ask God to grant you more faith and a deeper understanding of how union with Christ transforms us.
Resources To Go Deeper:
Article: 3 Gifts that Become Yours through Faith in Christ by Pastor Colin
Article: Why “Christ Lives in Me” is Good News by Pastor Colin
Article: What God Promises to Those With Christian Faith by Pastor Colin
Theological Articles: The Doctrine of Justification by Philip Eveson and Union with Christ by Richard B. Gaffin, Jr.
Sermon Series on Union with Christ: How You Can Flourish by Pastor Colin
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