Thematic Bible
Thematic Bible
Justification » Of self, impossible
You have been severed from Christ, if you seek to be justified [that is, declared free of the guilt of sin and its penalty, and placed in right standing with God] through the Law; you have fallen from grace [for you have lost your grasp on God’s unmerited favor and blessing].
even if these three men, Noah, Daniel, and Job were in that land, by their own righteousness (right standing with God) they could only save (deliver) themselves,” says the Lord God.
“For though you wash yourself with lye
And use much soap,
The stain of your guilt is [still] before Me [and you are soiled and dirty],” says the Lord God.
“How then can man be justified and righteous with God?
Or how can he who is born of a woman be pure and clean?
For no person will be justified [freed of guilt and declared righteous] in His sight by [trying to do] the works of the Law. For through the Law we become conscious of sin [and the recognition of sin directs us toward repentance, but provides no remedy for sin].
And do not enter into judgment with Your servant,
For in Your sight no man living is righteous or justified.
“Yes, I know it is true.
But how can a mortal man be right before God?
Justification before God » Under the law » Man cannot attain to
“How then can man be justified and righteous with God?
Or how can he who is born of a woman be pure and clean?
For no person will be justified [freed of guilt and declared righteous] in His sight by [trying to do] the works of the Law. For through the Law we become conscious of sin [and the recognition of sin directs us toward repentance, but provides no remedy for sin].
If You, Lord, should keep an account of our sins and treat us accordingly,
O Lord, who could stand [before you in judgment and claim innocence]?
And do not enter into judgment with Your servant,
For in Your sight no man living is righteous or justified.
Yes, I know it is true. But how can mortal man be right before God? If one should want to contend with Him, he cannot answer one [of His questions] in a thousand.
Whereas Israel, though ever in pursuit of a law [for the securing] of righteousness (right standing with God), actually did not succeed in fulfilling the Law. For what reason? Because [they pursued it] not through faith, relying [instead] on the merit of their works [they did not depend on faith but on what they could do]. They have stumbled over the Stumbling Stone.
Man » Cannot be just with God
“How then can man be justified and righteous with God?
Or how can he who is born of a woman be pure and clean?
For no person will be justified [freed of guilt and declared righteous] in His sight by [trying to do] the works of the Law. For through the Law we become conscious of sin [and the recognition of sin directs us toward repentance, but provides no remedy for sin].
And do not enter into judgment with Your servant,
For in Your sight no man living is righteous or justified.
“Yes, I know it is true.
But how can a mortal man be right before God?