In his sermon titled "Faultless Before God," Pastor Larry Criss addresses the foundational Reformed doctrine of justification by faith and the assurance it brings to believers. He develops several key points, stressing that humans stand guilty before a holy God, as illustrated in Revelation 6:15-17, where the unrepentant fearfully seek to hide from divine wrath. Criss contrasts this with the hopeful image of the saved multitude in Revelation 7:9-14, who are made faultless through the blood of the Lamb, underscoring a theology of grace and election based entirely on God’s initiative, as seen in Romans 5:1-2. The significance of his message lies in the assurance it provides to believers that their acceptance before God is not based on personal merit but solely on Christ's atoning work. This assurance fosters a profound security and peace, as believers recognize that their standing is secure in God’s grace.
Key Quotes
“What will He not do for His Son's honor and His Son's glory, for Christ's sake?”
“The only reason... is because they're with the Lamb.”
“What can wash away my sin? Nothing! Nothing but the blood of Jesus.”
“We begin this race with grace and we'll finish it with grace.”
The Bible emphasizes that no one can stand before God based on their merit, but only through Christ's righteousness.
Standing before God Almighty is not a trivial matter according to Scripture. Revelation 6:15-17 shows the terror faced by those without Christ, who realize their inability to stand before His holiness. However, the good news is that through the blood of the Lamb, as discussed in Revelation 7, there is a multitude that stands faultless before His throne. They are clothed in Christ's righteousness, which is the basis for their acceptance. Without the blood of Christ, we would all face condemnation; instead, we can rejoice in our position in Him (Romans 5:1-2).
Revelation 6:15-17, Revelation 7:9, Romans 5:1-2
Justification by faith is affirmed in Scripture, particularly Romans 5:1, which states we are justified through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Justification by faith is not merely a theological point but a central tenet of the Gospel found throughout Scripture. In Romans 5:1, Paul declares that we are justified by faith and have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. This assurance of peace signifies an end to enmity and the beginning of a gracious relationship with God. Moreover, the entire concept emphasizes that it is through Christ's atoning sacrifice, not our works, that we gain acceptance before God—making it clear that our standing before Him is based on His grace and not our merit.
Romans 5:1
Election assures believers of their security in Christ and emphasizes God’s sovereignty in salvation.
Election is important for Christians as it highlights God's sovereignty and grace in the process of salvation. The doctrine of election teaches that God chose certain individuals to be recipients of His saving grace, not based on their works but according to His purpose (2 Timothy 1:9). This assures believers that their salvation is secure, as it was initiated and sustained by God. Understanding election cultivates a sense of humility and gratitude, recognizing that it is solely by God's mercy that one is saved. Without such a doctrine, the focus could easily shift to human effort rather than divine grace.
2 Timothy 1:9
Romans 5:1-2 teaches that through faith in Christ, we have peace with God and access to His grace.
Romans 5:1-2 articulates a profound truth about the believer's relationship with God, stating that we are justified by faith, leading to peace with God. This peace signifies not merely a cessation of conflict but a deep friendship and acceptance stemming from our justification. Furthermore, it emphasizes that believers stand in grace—a continuous state of divine favor. This grace is not something we attain through our efforts but is a gift from God, allowing us to rejoice in the hope of sharing in His glory. It assures us of our secure position as beloved children of the Father, a reality that transforms how we live and walk in faith.
Romans 5:1-2
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