Understanding Justification by Faith and Works in Ellen White's Writings

Justification by faith is the third angel's message in verity and carries the divine credentials of God, for its fruit is unto holinessMMM 351.1+2. It is an inspiring and all-important subject that must be presented to a perishing world as the only hope of salvation7BC 964.3+2.

The Essence of Justification

• A Free Gift: Justification is a free gift from God, imputed to us not because of any human merit, but through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus1888 812.2+2.

• Wholly of Grace: Because no good works can purchase salvation, it must be received wholly by grace through believing in Jesus1888 812.2.

• The Merits of Christ: True justification means taking the righteousness of Christ as a free gift, as it is impossible for humanity’s obedience to ever satisfy the law of God1888 818.1+1.

• Living by Faith: To be justified is to live by faith, which brightens even the darkest hours with the beams of the Sun of RighteousnessRH September 3, 1889, par. 10.

Faith and Works

• The Role of Faith: Faith is an assent of the understanding to God's words that binds the heart in willing consecration and service to Him1888 818.1.

• The Fruit of Faith: Good works do not earn salvation, yet they are the sure and precious fruit of faith and the only criterion by which we shall be judged13LtMs, Ms 67, 1898, par. 16.

• The Law and the Gospel: Justification does not set aside the law; rather, it binds the law and the gospel into a perfect wholeTM 94.1+1. We are to show our love for Christ by keeping His commandments John 14:15.

The Historical Importance of the Message

• Recovering Lost Truth: For many years, the doctrine of justification by faith was lost sight of, just as the enemy designed, but it has been restored as a message of light and truth for this timeRH April 1, 1890, par. 7+2.

• The Minneapolis Conference: At the 1888 Minneapolis meeting, a broader and fuller conception of righteousness by faith was presented to the peopleGP 112.3+1.

• A Message for the World: This message is intended to lighten the earth with its glory and awaken the people of God from a lukewarm conditionRH April 1, 1890, par. 7.

Our Personal Responsibility

• Opening the Heart: We must open the door of our hearts to welcome Jesus as a heavenly guest to avoid suffering great lossRH September 3, 1889, par. 10+1. He stands at the door and knocks, waiting for us to hear His voice and let Him in Revelation 3:20.

• Total Dependence: We are to have no trust in ourselves but must depend entirely on the power and grace of the living God2SAT 60.4.

• Constant Need: We continually need the covering of Christ's righteousness, not just for our past sins, but for our daily walk with HimGP 112.3.

Biblical Foundation

• Justification without Deeds: The Scriptures conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law Romans 3:28.

• Peace with God: Being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ Romans 5:1.

• Inherited Righteousness: We should desire to be found in Him, not having our own righteousness from the law, but the righteousness which is of God by faith Philippians 3:9.

• Victory through Faith: This is the victory that overcomes the world, even our faith 1 John 5:4.

It is a beautiful truth that while we are justified by faith alone, the Bible also teaches we are justified by works because true, saving faith is never alone—it is a living principle that inevitably produces the fruit of obedience. 🌿

In this Bible study, we will explore how the various "methods" of justification—grace, blood, faith, and works—all work together in perfect harmony to reveal the complete plan of salvation.

The Source and the Evidence

The confusion often arises when we fail to see that justification has a divine source and a human manifestation. We can understand this by looking at the four ways the Bible describes being justified:

• By Grace (The Source): "Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus" (** Romans 3:24**). Grace is the origin of all justification; it is God’s part.

• By His Blood (The Channel): "Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him" (** Romans 5:9**). The blood of Christ is the divine channel through which justification flows to humanity.

• By Faith (The Appropriation): "Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ" (** Romans 5:1**). Faith is the method by which you personally lay hold of the provision God has made for everyone.

• By Works (The Evidence): "Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only" (** James 2:24**). Works are the outward evidence and the "perfecting" of the faith that has already laid hold of Christ.

The Harmony of Paul and James

Many people think the apostles Paul and James were at odds, but they were actually looking at the same sun from different angles. Paul emphasizes that no man can be justified by his own legalistic efforts (** Romans 3:20), while James emphasizes that a "faith" which does not result in a changed life is dead and cannot save ( James 2:17**).

• Faith Works by Love: True faith is an active principle. As the Scripture says, "For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love" (** Galatians 5:6**).

• The Example of Abraham: Abraham was justified by faith when he believed God’s promise (** Romans 4:3). However, that faith was shown to be genuine and "made perfect" years later when he offered Isaac on the altar ( James 2:21-22). The work did not create his righteousness; it fulfilled the Scripture that said he believed God ( James 2:23**).

The Purpose of Works in the Believer's Life

We must be very clear: good works are not the price of salvation, but they are the result of it. 🍎

• A New Heart: When we are justified, God promises, "A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you" (** Ezekiel 36:26). This inner transformation leads us to "be transformed by the renewing of [our] mind" ( Romans 12:2**).

• Created for Good Works: We are God's workmanship, "created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them" (** Ephesians 2:10**).

• The Standard of Judgment: While we are justified by faith, we are judged by our works, because our works tell the story of whether our faith was real or merely a profession (** Matthew 7:21; ** Romans 2:13).

Faith and Works: The Two Oars

Think of faith and works as two oars in a boat. If you pull with only the oar of "faith only," you go in circles. If you pull with only the oar of "works," you also go in circles. You need both to make progress toward the heavenly shore.

• Obedience is Better than Sacrifice: God delights in a heart that listens to His voice (** 1 Samuel 15:22**).

• Establishing the Law: Do we then make void the law through faith? "God forbid: yea, we establish the law" (** Romans 3:31). Faith gives us the power to fulfill the righteousness of the law through the Spirit ( Romans 8:3-4**).

In summary, for the person who is truly in Jesus Christ, it makes no difference which "method" of justification is mentioned. If you are justified by grace, you will have faith; and if you have true faith, the works of Christ will inevitably appear in your life as the fruit of His Spirit dwelling in you (** Galatians 2:20**). ⚓️