Christ's Works in Us Are Essential for Salvation (Justification)

Dear Reader,

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate that works are essential (efficacious) for salvation as they relate to the works of Christ performed by Him within us as we surrender our will to His will. We thus overcome in the same way He did, by surrender of His Will to His Father on a moment by moment basis. True faith rendered at the time of true repentance qualifies us to receive the Spirit of Christ dwelling within. He does the works and to say that they are not involved with our salvation is blasphemy against Him and His Holy Spirit.

Justification -- "The moment true faith in the merits of the costly atoning sacrifice is exercised, claiming Christ as a personal Saviour, THAT MOMENT the sinner is justified before God, because he is pardoned." Manuscript Releases Volume Eight 357.

Notice the words "TRUE FAITH" above. True faith provides for true repentance which provides for the indwelling of the Holy Spirit for power for overcoming sin. Since it is Christ's Spirit dwelling within that obeys for us and thereby actually imputes righteousness to us, works in and through us, effected by Christ, are meritorious toward salvation. With them, it is proven to us that Christ dwells within. Without them, it is proof to us that we have not been born again. The test is 1 John 5:2, 3. We cannot keep them, but Christ can keep them in and through us, so how could any man boast. This is what Paul really means when He says we are saved by grace and not of works lest any man should boast. He does not mean to say that works are not essential to salvation. He says so when He says that faith does not make void the law. However, he does mean that any works we perform of ourselves are useless. Christ performs them in us if we surrender to His will. Who then could ever boast.

"The grace of Christ is freely to justify the sinner without merit or claim on his part. Justification is a full, complete pardon of sin. THE MOMENT A SINNER ACCEPTS CHRIST BY FAITH, THAT MOMENT HE IS PARDONED. THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF CHRIST IS IMPUTED TO HIM, AND HE IS NO MORE TO DOUBT GOD'S FORGIVING GRACE." Bible Commentary Vol 6 1071.

The Imputed and the Imparted Righteousness of Christ

"The righteousness by which we are JUSTIFIED is imputed; the righteousness by which we are SANCTIFIED is imparted. The first is our title to heaven [Justification], the second is our fitness for heaven [Sanctification]." Messages to Young People 35.

The point I have been urging upon us all is the imputed righteousness of Christ as Ellen White explains it thusly. If you and A. Leroy Moore agree with the following treatise, we have no disagreement. To the degree that you or he disagrees with this statement, someone is high out of line:

May 10, 1893 Christ the Ground of Our Hope. -

The world's Redeemer endured sufferings commensurate to the guilt of a lost world. The sacrifice of Christ on Calvary's cross fulfilled the demands of the law, and when a sense of sin presses upon the heart, and the burden seems intolerable, Jesus invites the sinner to look to Him and live. There is power in Christ to cleanse the soul. "Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord; though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool." The gift of life has been freely, graciously, joyously offered to fallen man. Encircling the throne of God is the rainbow of promise, that God will receive every sinner who gives up all hope of eternal life on the ground of his own righteousness, and accepts the righteousness of the world's Redeemer, believing in Christ as his personal Saviour. It is when the sinner realizes that he is without hope, lost, condemned to eternal death, incapable of doing anything to redeem himself, but accepting of Christ as his complete Saviour, that the word of God is fulfilled, when He says, "I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more." {Messenger, May 10, 1893 par. 1}

"Under the covenant of grace, the conditions of eternal life are precisely the same as those given to man in Eden. The believing sinner, through his divine substitute and surety, renders obedience to the law of God. Mercy granted to man is the reward of the merit of Christ, who gave Himself for us that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and "purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works." Provision made for the salvation of men through the imputed righteousness of Christ, does not do away with good works, release us from our obligation to keep the law, nor lessen in the least its holy claim. Christ came to exalt the law and make it honorable, to reveal its exceeding breadth and changeless character. The glory of the gospel of grace is the imputed righteousness of Christ, providing a way of salvation through obedience to the law of God by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit." {E.G. White, Messenger, May 10, 1893 par. 2}

Note by Ron: Karl et all, this last underlining (above) is precisely what I have been trying to say. He imputes His righteousness by living it out in us via His indwelling Holy Spirit. Agreed?

Back to EGW comment:

"Christ must be the ground of our hope; for only through Him can we be heirs to eternal life. An immortal inheritance is presented to us on certain conditions. We cannot inherit a possession in this world unless we have a title that is without a flaw, and our right to an inheritance in the world to come, must also be clearly proved through a faultless title. The line through which the heavenly inheritance is to come is plainly revealed in the Word of God. We must come under the provisions of the Abrahamic covenant, and the requirements are, "If ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise." If we are Christ's, our title to the heavenly inheritance is without a flaw, and in harmony with the provisions of the covenant of grace. Through grace we shall be able to make our calling and election sure, putting on the excellency of Christ in spirit and character. No one will be entitled to the heavenly inheritance who has not been purified, refined, ennobled, and sanctified. Then let us be diligent to make our calling and election sure, that an entrance may be administered unto us abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. "Mrs. E. G. White. {Messenger, May 10, 1893 par. 3}.

This is what I thought Ellen White meant by the 1888 message of righteousness by faith in Christ's ability to dwell within by His Spirit and regenerate us so as to be safe to save.

"Christ actually bore the punishment of the sins of the world, that His righteousness might be imputed to sinners, and through repentance and faith they might become like Him in holiness of character. He says, 'I bear the guilt of that man's sins. Let Me take the punishment, and the repenting sinner stand before Thee innocent.' THE MOMENT THE SINNER BELIEVES IN CHRIST, HE STANDS IN THE SIGHT OF GOD UNCONDEMNED; FOR THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF CHRIST IS HIS; CHRIST'S PERFECT OBEDIENCE IS IMPUTED TO HIM. BUT HE MUST CO-OPERATE WITH DIVINE POWER, AND PUT FORTH HIS HUMAN EFFORT TO SUBDUE SIN, AND STAND COMPLETE IN CHRIST." Series A, No 7, page 25.

"Obedience to the Law of God is Sanctification....Sanctification is not an instantaneous but a progressive work...Just as long as Satan urges his temptations upon us, the battle for self-conquest will have to be fought over and over again; but by obedience, the truth will sanctify the soul." Faith and Works 85.

"THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS INSTANTANEOUS SANCTIFICATION. True sanctification is a daily work, continuing as long as life shall last." Sanctified Life 10

What is Laodicea faulted for? She is faulted for three things:

• Works that are lukewarm rather than hot or cold. The only way she could achieve hot works is to let Christ work His works within the mind. This is righteousness by faith in action surrender to the will of Christ.
• She is faulted for not buying gold tried in the fire. This refers to faith and love tried in the fire of obedience to the fiery law of God.
• She is faulted for feeling rich, increased with goods and in need of nothing, while she is naked (void) of all the requirements (conditions) for salvation.

Jhn 14:10 Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.

Rom 8:9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

Phl 2:5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

1Th 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

Phm 1:6 That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.

Hbr 13:21 Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom [be] glory for ever and ever. Amen.

2Th 1:12 That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Rom 8:10 And if Christ [be] in you, the body [is] dead because of sin; but the Spirit [is] life because of righteousness.

Rom 8:11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.

2Cr 13:5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?

Gal 4:19 My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you,

Phl 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform [it] until the day of Jesus Christ:

Rev 2:26 And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:

Col 1:27 To whom God would make known what [is] the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:

Eph 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Gal 3:2 This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?

1Ti 2:10 But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.

Act 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Phl 1:29 For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;

1Pe 5:14 Greet ye one another with a kiss of charity. Peace [be] with you all that are in Christ Jesus. Amen.

2Pe 1:8 For if these things be in you, and abound, they make [you that ye shall] neither [be] barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Rev 3:2 Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God.

Rev 3:15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.

Rev 9:20 And the rest of the men which were not killed by these plagues yet repented not of the works of their hands, that they should not worship devils, and idols of gold, and silver, and brass, and stone, and of wood: which neither can see, nor hear, nor walk:

Rev 20:12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is [the book] of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.

Rev 20:13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.

1Ti 6:18 That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;

2Ti 1:9 Who hath saved us, and called [us] with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,

2Ti 3:17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

2Ti 4:14 Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works:

Tts 3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

Tts 3:8 [This is] a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.

Gal 3:5 He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, [doeth he it] by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?

Hbr 6:1 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,

Gal 3:10 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed [is] every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.

Gal 5:19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are [these]; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,

Eph 2:9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

2Cr 11:15 Therefore [it is] no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.

Rom 9:11 (For [the children] being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth;)

Rom 9:32 Wherefore? Because [they sought it] not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone;

Rom 11:6 And if by grace, then [is it] no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if [it be] of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.

Jhn 14:11 Believe me that I [am] in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works' sake.

Jhn 14:12 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater [works] than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.

1Th 2:13 For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received [it] not [as] the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.

Jhn 6:28 Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?

Jhn 8:39 They answered and said unto him, Abraham is our father. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham's children, ye would do the works of Abraham.

Jhn 9:4 I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.

Jhn 10:25 Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Father's name, they bear witness of me.

Jhn 10:32 Jesus answered them, Many good works have I shewed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me?

Jhn 10:37 If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not.

Jhn 10:38 But if I do, though ye believe not me, believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, that the Father [is] in me, and I in him.

Hbr 6:1 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,

Hbr 9:14 How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

Hbr 10:24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:

Jam 2:14What [doth it] profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?

Jam 2:17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.

Jam 2:18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.

Jam 2:20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?

Jam 2:21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?

Jam 2:22 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?

Jam 2:24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only

Rev 2:19 I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last [to be] more than the first.

Rev 2:23 And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.

The point I have been urging upon us all is the imputed righteousness of Christ as Ellen White explains it thusly. If you and A. Leroy Moore agree with the following treatise, we have no disagreement. To the degree that you or he disagrees with this statement, someone is high out of line:

Under the covenant of grace, the conditions of eternal life are precisely the same as those given to man in Eden. The believing sinner, through his divine substitute and surety, renders obedience to the law of God. Mercy granted to man is the reward of the merit of Christ, who gave Himself for us that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and "purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works." Provision made for the salvation of men through the imputed righteousness of Christ, does not do away with good works, release us from our obligation to keep the law, nor lessen in the least its holy claim. Christ came to exalt the law and make it honourable, to reveal its exceeding breadth and changeless character. The glory of the gospel of grace is the imputed righteousness of Christ, providing a way of salvation through obedience to the law of God by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. {Messenger, May 10, 1893 par. 2}

Christ must be the ground of our hope; for only through Him can we be heirs to eternal life. An immortal inheritance is presented to us on certain conditions. We cannot inherit a possession in this world unless we have a title that is without a flaw, and our right to an inheritance in the world to come, must also be clearly proved through a faultless title. The line through which the heavenly inheritance is to come is plainly revealed in the Word of God. We must come under the provisions of the Abrahamic covenant, and the requirements are, "If ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise." If we are Christ's, our title to the heavenly inheritance is without a flaw, and in harmony with the provisions of the covenant of grace. Through grace we shall be able to make our calling and election sure, putting on the excellency of Christ in spirit and character. No one will be entitled to the heavenly inheritance who has not been purified, refined, ennobled, and sanctified. Then let us be diligent to make our calling and election sure, that an entrance may be administered unto us abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
Mrs. E. G. White. {Messenger, May 10, 1893 par. 3}