We believe that our blessedness lies in the forgiveness of our sins because of Jesus Christ, and that in it our righteousness before God is contained, as David and Paul teach us when they declare that man blessed to whom God grants righteousness apart from works.[54] And the same apostle says that we are justified “freely” or “by grace” through redemption in Jesus Christ.[55] 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, without doing what our first father, Adam, did, who trembled as he tried to cover himself with fig leaves. In fact, 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. Therefore everyone must say with David: “Lord, do not enter into judgment with your servants, for before you no living person shall be justified.”[56] (Emphasis added).
The Roman Catholic Church continues to teach “justification by faith and works“. Much has been written in the Standard Bearer about how certain Protestants are trying to reach some kind of unity or relationship with the Roman Catholic Church. The Roman Catholic Church lures these Protestants into such a unity or relationship but at the price to the Protestants of giving up their doctrine of “justification by faith alone”.
Hopefully, this Article 23 will remind us of the importance of “justification by faith alone”.
My devotion today can also be applied to this lesson. My Scripture reading for this morning was Hebrews 12:25-29:
“See to it that you do not refuse Him who is speaking. For if those did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, much less will we escape who turn away from Him who warns from heaven.
And His voice shook the earth then, but now He has promised, saying, “YET ONCE MORE I WILL SHAKE NOT ONLY THE EARTH, BUT ALSO THE HEAVEN.” This expression, “Yet once more,” denotes the removing of those things which can be shaken, as of created things, so that those things which cannot be shaken may remain.
Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe; for our God is a consuming fire.”
This Scripture begs the question: “What can be shaken – faith “resting on the sole obedience of Christ crucified” or faith “resting partially on our works”?
In conclusion, stand on the sound doctrine of “justification by faith alone”. Stand on what can not be shaken: “resting on the sole obedience of Christ crucified”. Thank you.
Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions 