What the Bible Says about Justification, pt. 2

THE ROLE OF WORKS IN JUSTIFICATION
As we have stated, we believe that works play no role in our justification. This is because our justification is not dependent upon us but upon the work of Christ on our behalf. The bible tells us, "But to him who does not work (ceases wholly from all efforts to obtain God's favor by his own doing), but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, His faith is counted for righteousness" (Romans 4:5). Works produce an obligation of debt. If I work I expect a wage or reward. But justification has been extended to man by the grace (unmerited favor) of God - "Being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus" (Romans 3:24). You cannot earn it. It is a gift that must be received by faith. In order to fully understand the fact that works play no role in our justification, we must see man as God sees him apart from Christ.

In Romans 5:6 we are told, "For when you were yet without strength, in due time, Christ died for the ungodly." Even if man wanted to do good works to be accepted by God, he cannot for he is "without strength." The Greek word used here is asthenes (as-then-ace', weak, infirm, feeble). Man does not have the strength to accomplish works that are capable of satisfying the judgment of God. Not only is he "without strength", but he also is described as "ungodly." The Greek word used here is asebes (as-eb-ace', destitute of reverential awe towards God, condemning God, impious). Apart from God man is only capable of evil continually (Genesis 6:5).

In Romans 5:8 we are told, "...that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." The Greek word used here for sin is hamartolos (ham-ar-to-los', not free from sin, pre-eminently sinful, especially wicked). Even when man does something recognized as "good" by the world, it is evil as it has been tainted by his selfish motivations.

And in Romans 5:10 unregenerate man's relationship with God is described as being "enemies." The Greek word used here for enemies is echthros (ech-thros', primarily denoting hated or hateful, hostile, and is used here of the unregenerate in their attitude toward God, An Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words, W. E. Vine).
Finally, God's judgment demands death for the sinner (Romans 6:23a). No amount of good works can satisfy that demand. It is a gift that cannot be earned by any work no matter how great or benevolent - "The gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ, our Lord" (Romans 6:23b).