CM-061 - WCF 11.1: Justification by Grace Alone, Through Faith Alone

Westminster Confession of Faith 11.1 “Those whom God effectually calleth, He also freely justifieth: not by infusing righteousness into them, but by pardoning their sins, and by accounting and accepting their persons as righteous; not for anything wrought in them, or done by them, but for Christ’s sake alone; nor by imputing faith itself, the act of believing, or any other evangelical obedience, to them, as their righteousness; but by imputing the obedience and satisfaction of Christ unto them, they receiving and resting on Him and His righteousness by faith; which faith they have not of themselves, it is the gift of God.” In this episode of Confessional Moments, we begin our study of Westminster Confession of Faith chapter 11 by examining the doctrine that stands at the very heart of the gospel—justification by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone. Written in the wake of the Protestant Reformation, this paragraph carefully defines justification in contrast to the errors of Rome. The Confession teaches that justification is not a process of becoming righteous, but a legal declaration by God in which He pardons sin and counts the believer as righteous solely on the basis of Christ’s obedience and satisfaction. This righteousness is not infused into us, but imputed to us, and received by faith alone.   Scripture Reading & References Romans 3:23–26 Romans 4:5–8 2 Corinthians 5:21 Philippians 3:8–9 Ephesians 2:8–9   Key Doctrinal Themes Justification – God’s legal declaration that a sinner is righteous in His sight, based solely on the righteousness of Christ imputed to them and received by faith alone. Imputed Righteousness – The crediting of Christ’s perfect obedience and atoning death to the believer’s account, forming the sole ground of justification. Pardon of Sin – The full forgiveness of all sin, whereby God removes guilt and no longer counts transgression against the believer. Faith as Instrument – Faith is the means by which we receive and rest upon Christ, not a work that earns righteousness but the empty hand that receives it. Grace Alone – The truth that justification is entirely the free gift of God, not based on anything foreseen in or performed by the sinner.   About the Host Confessional Moments is hosted by Pastor Tim Beauchamp, teaching elder at Trinity Presbyterian Church (PCA). Pastor Tim is committed to helping Christians grow in doctrinal clarity, spiritual maturity, and confidence in Christ through the riches of the Reformed confessional tradition.   Church Website Trinity Presbyterian Church (PCA) www.trinitychurchguam.org