In this blog post, I will provide you with an explanation of why the Bible mentions both justification by grace and justification by faith in Jesus Christ, and how these concepts can be reconciled within Christian theology.
Understanding the Concepts:
To comprehend the apparent tension between being justified by grace and by faith, it’s essential to grasp what each of these terms means within Christian theology.
Justification by Grace:
Justification by grace emphasizes that our salvation is a gift from God, freely given out of His love and mercy, rather than something we can earn through our own merits or actions. This idea is primarily drawn from passages like Ephesians 2:8-9: “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”
Justification by Faith
Justification by faith underscores the importance of faith in Christ as the means by which we access God’s grace and receive salvation. Romans 3:28 states, “For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law.”
Harmonizing the Two Concepts:
At first glance, it might seem contradictory that the Bible teaches both justification by grace and justification by faith. However, these two concepts are not in opposition; rather, they complement each other beautifully within Christian theology.
- Grace Initiates: Grace is the starting point of salvation. It’s God’s unmerited favor and love for humanity. God’s grace is what provides the opportunity for salvation in the first place, regardless of our works or merits. It’s like a gift waiting to be received.
- Faith Responds: Faith, on the other hand, is the response of the individual to God’s grace. It’s the trust and belief in Jesus Christ as the Savior. Faith is the bridge that connects us to the grace of God. We are justified through faith because it’s the means by which we appropriate and receive the grace of God.
Theological Consistency of Justification by Grace and Justification by Faith
Christian theology maintains that both grace and faith are essential components of the salvation process. Grace is the foundation, and faith is the channel through which we receive the benefits of God’s grace. This theological consistency underscores that salvation is entirely a work of God, initiated by His grace and received through faith.
In summary, the Bible teaches both justification by grace and justification by faith, not as contradictory concepts but as complementary aspects of the same divine plan of salvation. Grace is God’s unearned favor that makes salvation possible, and faith is our response that connects us to His grace. Together, they reflect the profound depth of God’s love and the way He offers salvation to humanity.
ADDITIONAL READING
Are we Justified by Blood or Faith in Jesus Christ? | Harmonizing the Concepts
The Condition for Justification According to the Bible: A Deeper Dive