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Justification in Christ Elder Truman Keel

Article of Faith Number 5

We believe that sinners are only justified in the sight of God by
the imputed righteousness of Jesus Christ, which is unto all and
upon all that believe.

This Article seems to embrace several primary thoughts. It first states it is possible to
be justified but by one way only. Secondly, it declares that the justification under

consideration is in the sight of God and not man. Thirdly, it gives us the means by
which we are justified. Fourthly, it identifies those who the means is applied to and
with the fruits being their justification in the sight of God. Job says in (Job 9:2) “I

know it is so of a truth: but how should man be just with God?” Job readily admits
man can be just with God.

By using the word only, the brethren, expressed their belief that any and all other
means of being justified in the sight of God were excluded and eliminated. No other

way exists. (Acts 4:12) “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none
other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” There is
only one source of justification, which is necessary for heaven and immortal glory.

(Job 9:20) “If I justify myself, mine own mouth shall condemn me: if I say I am per-
fect, it shall also prove me perverse.”

God is the offended deity and demands justice. The full penalty must be paid. (Job

9:32) “For He is not a man, as I am, that I should answer Him, and we should come
together in judgment.” You can’t negotiate with God. What ever occurs in reconcil-
ing this matter, God is the offended one and man the offender, and therefore God

must be satisfied with the results. (II Cor. 5:18) “And all things are of God, who hath
reconciled us to Himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of recon-
ciliation.”

continued