Are We Justified by Faith Alone or Lost in Spiritual Complacency?
Could our cherished belief in justification by faith be leading us into a perilous territory of spiritual complacency? This provocative question may unsettle some, especially evangelical pastors charged with shepherding the flock. Although justification by faith is a cornerstone of Christian doctrine, misunderstandings about its implications could foster a hollow version of faith — often termed "easy-believism." It's time to debunk common myths and illuminate the transformative power true faith holds.
As the Apostle Paul boldly articulated in Romans 3:28, "For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law." Yet, this emancipating truth is not an excuse for passivity. Rather, it underscores faith's active role in our lives, aligning with James 2:18 which challenges, "Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works." This isn't a contradiction, but a harmonious call to a faith that is alive, evident through love and obedience.
Justification by faith means embracing grace—a gift from God. Ephesians 2:8-9 reminds us that this salvation is "not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast." Despite this, some misconstrue it as permitting a static faith. Yet faith, as Charles Spurgeon described, is "a present resting and relying on [Christ’s] blood, person, righteousness, and covenantal faithfulness." It's dynamic and calls us to continual reliance on Christ.
Moreover, Romans 5:8-9 affirms, "But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God." This underscores the profound assurance and transformative power stemming from faith in Christ’s sacrifice.
Furthermore, as 2 Corinthians 5:17 elucidates, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." Justification introduces believers to this new identity, intertwined with sanctification. John Calvin insightfully observed, "Justification is the beginning of sanctification." To clarify, justification marks the moment a believer is declared righteous by faith through grace, while sanctification is the ongoing process of growing in holiness and righteousness, manifesting in good works.
In addressing 'easy-believism,' John Piper asserts, "Faith that remains alone and does not produce love or obedience is not saving faith." Authentic faith manifests in transformation visible in our actions and character. Indeed, the true gospel invites believers into a profound relationship with Christ, one that breathes life into good works as a natural expression of gratitude and love for God.
As pastors and leaders, our task is to guide others in discerning that justification by faith should inspire, not induce complacency. Misunderstandings rob us of the full spectrum of a vibrant, transformative relationship with Christ. Embrace the truth that in faith, we are not only justified but called to a journey of sanctification, reflecting God’s grace through steadfast obedience and boundless love. Let this serve as a call to action: examine your faith, ensure it is active, and let it bear fruit in every aspect of your life as a testament to God's transformative power.
