Justified by Faith Alone in Christ Alone (Chapter 11, Paragraph 1)

“Those whom God effectually calleth, He also freely justifieth…”

This echoes Romans 8:30—those whom God calls, He also justifies. Justification is not earned after conversion—it immediately follows effectual calling. It is freely given, not conditioned on any merit.

“…not by infusing righteousness into them…”

This is a direct rejection of the Roman Catholic view that righteousness is infused or gradually earned through sacraments and obedience. Justification is not a process of becoming righteous, but a declaration that one is righteous.

“…but by pardoning their sins, and by accounting and accepting their persons as righteous…”

Justification is twofold: the remission of sin and the imputation of righteousness. God removes our guilt and declares us righteous in His sight.

“…not for anything wrought in them, or done by them, but for Christ’s sake alone…”

This excludes all works—past, present, or future. Justification is not based on our performance but on Christ’s person and work.

“…not by imputing faith itself, the act of believing, or any other evangelical obedience to them…”

Even faith is not the ground of our righteousness. It is the instrument, not the basis. The righteousness of Christ alone is our foundation.

“…but by imputing Christ’s active obedience unto the whole law, and passive obedience in His death…”

Christ not only died for us—He lived for us. His active obedience (His sinless life) and passive obedience (His substitutionary death) are both credited to our account.

“…for their whole and sole righteousness…”

This leaves no room for self-righteousness. Christ is our righteousness from start to finish (1 Cor. 1:30).

“…they receiving and resting on Him and His righteousness by faith, which faith they have not of themselves; it is the gift of God.”

Faith is how we receive justification—but even faith is a gift (Eph. 2:8–9; Phil. 1:29). Thus, the entire act of justification is a work of divine grace.

Application for the Believer:

Rejoice that your standing with God does not depend on your performance, but on Christ’s perfect obedience and atoning death. Rest in the finished work of Jesus. When your conscience accuses you, remember: you are justified—not because you are sinless, but because Christ was sinless for you. This is the ground of your peace with God and your boldness in prayer. Let this truth free you from legalism, fear, and despair. And proclaim it joyfully: the gospel is not “do,” but “done.” In Christ, you are fully accepted, forever forgiven, and eternally secure.