p. 11 | Justification by Faith by J. Q. FOY

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Oct 3, 1907

Justification by Faith

By J. Q. FOY

J. Q. FOY

The important subject of justification by faith is made so plain by a few texts of Scripture that it is necessary for little else to be said in order that thoughtful minds may comprehend it. Here are the texts: “Being therefore justified by faith, we have peace with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Rom. 5:1, A. R. V. In connection with this read Rom. 2:13. “For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.”

Since according to the second text only the doers of the law are justified, and from the first text it is equally clear that we are justified by faith, it follows that we are made doers of the law by faith; and reading these two texts into one, we have the following: Being therefore made doers of the law by faith, we have peace, etc.; and this is in harmony with the psalmist: “Great peace have they that love thy law; and they have no occasion of stumbling.” Ps. 119:165.

The apostle James makes the subject equally clear, as follows: “Was not Abraham our father justified by works, in that he offered up Isaac his son upon the altar? Thou seest that faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect. . . . Ye see that by works a man is justified, and not only by faith [a dead faith. See verse 17].” James 2:21, 22, 24.

From the above texts the conclusion is evident that we can be justified only by living faith, of which works is an essential part.

“Do we then make the law of none effect through faith? God forbid: nay, we establish the law.” Rom. 3:31.

Battle Creek, Mich.