Justified Now—Not by Works, but by Grace (Chapter 11, Paragraph 6)

“The justification of believers under the Old Testament was, in all these respects, one and the same with the justification of believers under the New Testament.”

The chapter concludes by affirming that there has only ever been one way of justification—by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. Old Testament saints were justified looking forward to the promised Messiah; we are justified looking back at the fulfilled promise (Rom. 4:1–5).

“Although Christ, by His obedience and death, did fully discharge the debt of all those that are justified…”

Christ’s atonement was not limited in its sufficiency but particular in its intent and effect. He paid the debt for the elect, once for all.

“…and did, by the sacrifice of Himself in the blood of His cross, make a proper, real, and full satisfaction to God's justice in their behalf…”

There is no double payment for sin. Christ fully satisfied divine justice. Therefore, no believer stands condemned (Rom. 8:1).

“Yet, inasmuch as He was given by the Father for them…”

This reaffirms divine sovereignty in salvation. Christ was not a general provision, but a gift of the Father for His people (John 6:37–39).

“…and His obedience and satisfaction accepted in their stead…”

God the Father accepts Christ’s life and death as if it were ours. This is the heart of imputation—the righteousness of Another credited to us.

“…they are not justified personally, until the Holy Spirit does in due time actually apply Christ unto them.”

This ties justification to the effectual call. No one is born justified. It happens when God grants faith, and the sinner embraces Christ (Gal. 2:16).

“And though they can never fall from the state of justification…”

This affirms the perseverance of the saints. Those truly justified are eternally secure (John 10:28–29).

“…yet they may, by their sins, fall under God's fatherly displeasure…”

Disobedience affects our walk, not our standing. We may lose comfort, but never salvation.

“Works done before the grace of Christ… are not good works, as they proceed not from faith in Jesus Christ…”

Even our best efforts before salvation are not truly good, because they lack faith and the right motive (Heb. 11:6).

“…neither do they make a man meet to receive grace from God…”

There is no preparation for grace by works. Grace is free and sovereign—it is not earned by piety or effort (Rom. 11:6).

“…nor is there any justification by the law of nature or the works thereof.”

Natural law (what is written on our hearts) condemns us, not justifies us (Rom. 2:14–15). We cannot meet even our own standard, let alone God’s.

“…but it is the rule of life and informs us of our duty…”

God’s law still instructs the believer’s walk, not their justification. It is a mirror, not a ladder.

Application for the Believer:

Cling to the righteousness of Christ alone. The moment you shift your trust to your performance—your Bible reading, your charity, your obedience—you begin to undermine the gospel. Your best deeds, apart from Christ, could never earn God’s approval. Rejoice that your justification is not fragile or fluctuating; it is grounded in the finished work of the perfect Savior. Let this drive you not to spiritual laziness, but to joyful, grateful obedience. You are accepted—not because you are worthy, but because Jesus is. So walk freely, humbly, and confidently in His grace.