“We are accounted righteous before God, only for the merit of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ by faith, and not for our own works or deservings. Wherefore that we are justified by faith only is a most wholesome doctrine, and very full of comfort” – The Thirty-Nine Articles of Religion (Article XI) (Anglican/Church of England)
“we are justified “freely” or “by grace” through redemption in Jesus Christ. And therefore we cling to this foundation, which is firm forever, giving all glory to God, humbling ourselves, and recognizing ourselves as we are; not claiming a thing for ourselves or our merits and leaning and resting on the sole obedience of Christ crucified, which is ours when we believe in him. That is enough to cover all our sins and to make us confident, freeing the conscience from the fear, dread, and terror of God’s approach… “if we had to appear before God relying– no matter how little– on ourselves or some other creature, then, alas, we would be swallowed up.”- Belgic Confession (Reformed)
“it is clear and certain that this faith alone justifies us as St. Paul says, Rom. 3:28: For we conclude that a man is justified by faith, without the deeds of the Law. Likewise 3:26: That He might be just, and the Justifier of him which believeth in Christ. Of this article nothing can be yielded or surrendered [nor can anything be granted or permitted contrary to the same], even though heaven and earth, and whatever will not abide, should sink to ruin. For there is none other name under heaven, given among men whereby we must be saved, says Peter, Acts 4:12. And with His stripes we are healed, Is. 53:5. And upon this article all things depend which we teach and practice in opposition to the Pope, the devil, and the [whole] world. Therefore, we must be sure concerning this doctrine, and not doubt; for otherwise all is lost, and the Pope and devil and all things gain the victory and suit over us. ” – Smalcald Articles (Pt. II. Art. 1 “The first and chief article”) (Lutheran)
Unlike the IKEA Gospel, the salvation promised by the testimony of God Incarnate (Jn 3:16, 3:18, 5:24, 6:47), is that He has saved us Himself. This has made Jesus our Lord and Saviour. Lord because He not us, chose to do it and give it to us. Saviour because He finished the work and leaves it for us to trust in, it cannot be bought or worked for.
Rather than a theological minutiae, this doctrine (Sola Fide) changes a person’s entire religion, if not their God entirely. Luther wrote that a god is whatever we trust in. If we trust in ourselves to be saved, or our own cooperation, work, or free will, we have made ourselves Lord and Saviour and become idolatrous. We don’t have the saving God of Israel, we have our own invention, and we will be damned, having unrepentantly violated the first commandment, and rejected the gracious salvation of Christ. This is why there are 4 churches on every old town street corner. This is why there are so many different bibles and denominations and why missionaries got sent out to Africa and the world over. Because this doctrine, this gospel is the difference between the Truth of God and the Lies of man, Good and Evil, Heaven and Hell, and as someone who has staked his soul upon Christ’s righteousness, I believe in it.
“Even though heaven and earth… should sink into ruin”
It is this Gospel that unfairly says that God loved Jacob and hated Esau (Rom 9:13). It says that man is not good, that man doesn’t naturally love God, but rather hates Him, hates Him enough to kill him, nailing Him to the cross, torturing our Lord and Saviour to death. What did man contribute to Christ on the cross: agony, mockery, murder, and sin. What did Christ win for man on the cross: absolution, innocence, and righteousness. Does mankind choose this salvation? Does he have to cooperate or contribute something of his own? No. Hell No. The Apostle says that to mix works and grace would mean it isn’t grace anymore (Rom 11:6). Holy Writ tell us that salvation “depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy.” (Rom 9:16)
“not on human will or exertion, but on God” (repeat it to yourself)
That is the unfair Gospel that pronounces the guilty, innocent, because of Jesus Christ, and damns the holiest of Pagans who trusts in his own righteousness. The Gospel that offered forgiveness to the criminal on the cross, and offered condemnation to the morally rigorous pharisees. You can weep in awe when you hear and trust in it, or you can become bitter and hardened, and look for another way to God, the Gospel according to IKEA, Rome, or Salt Lake City.Image may be NSFW.
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