Going Home Justified: Luke 18:14; by Dr. Joel Beeke

This sermon is the most thorough sermon I’ve heard on justification by faith alone. He also says a lot about sanctification. I recommend note taking if your understanding of these doctrines is weak.

Sermon points:

  • Luke 18:14; Romans 3:20-28
  • Justification by faith alone was a Protestant Reformation high point
  • It is the gospel and / or synonymous with the gospel
  • Justification by faith is the greatest antidote to heresy
  • 85% of protestants cannot define justification
  • Pentecostals look for a second blessing, something beyond justification, something higher, there is nothing higher
  • Sanctification is the ongoing discovery of the glory and power and comprehensiveness of justification by faith alone
  • The parable of the Publican and the Pharisee was told by Jesus
  • Going Home Justified: Three related thoughts: 1)a merciful foundation, 2) a joyous experience, 3) a general rule
  • The despised Publican went home justified; the esteemed Pharisee went home Not justified
  • Justification: acquitted in the courtroom of God with a right to eternal life
  • Forgiveness of sin is only the half of it; Christ’s righteousness is also imputed to the sinner, meriting eternal life: Christ’s active and passive obedience explained
  • Foundation of Justification is Jesus Christ and His blood
  • What role has faith? Explained
  • Errors taught about the role of faith, explained
  • How the sinner is UNITED to the Lord Jesus Christ
  • Assurance; types, experiences…explained
  • Benefits of Justification enumerated
  • The mercy the Publican received; the humbling – from God, carefully explained
  • Sanctification carefully explained
  • Question: Do you think more of yourself now than you did five years ago? [regarding your walk with the Lord]. If you said yes, then Dr. Beeke would be questioning your entire conversion: rationale carefully explained
  • Two Thoughts: 1) a fundamental problem regarding the source of the humiliation, 2) a fundamental truth that should guide us in evangelization and preaching: the warrant of faith and the way of faith carefully explained
  • Two groups of people deny either one or the other of the above truths: the hyper Calvinist; the Arminian
  • Where are you today? Will you put your hope only in Christ or look to something in yourself?

 

 

For a different perspective of the above, consider purchasing the dvd, Luther with Joseph Fiennes and Claire Cox. In an hour and a half, you will have a foundational understanding of the Protestant Reformation, the setting from which the doctrine of justification was rediscovered to Christendom.

For other posts on justification, see Categories, Justification; New Christian Orientation.