In an evangelistic interaction, Christian apologist Doug Wilson was telling a woman what he plans to say to God on judgment day, if God asks him the question: “On what basis do you believe you should be allowed to enter into the glory of my Kingdom?”
He would answer, “On the basis of Christ’s merits alone, for by my merits I would only inherit judgment. I have leaned on the redemptive work of Christ, counting Him as sufficient for my redemption and salvation.”
As Doug Wilson wrapped up this pointed illustration of justification by faith, the woman was obviously moved. Her response? “Wow. On judgment day I sure hope I can remember to say that.”
Our justification before God is not based on a right understanding of justification. In other words, our justification before God is not based on our theology of “justification by faith”, or a thorough and correct understanding of God’s grace, no matter how compelling. Rather, our justification before God is based on a true experience of grace, and a genuine leaning upon Jesus as the only means for our redemption.
I ask you, just as surely as I ask myself. Christian, are you experiencing the reality of a life leaning on Jesus for your justification? Or is justification by faith your theology, and justification by another means your reality?
(HT: John Piper, BCS Table Talk 10.22.2009)
Indeed, it is easy to fall into a sort of orthodox fideism where we have our faith in the doctrines of justification by faith alone, rather than letting the doctrine being a description of the faith that unites us to Christ who alone can save.
oh how i hope i my assurance is the true one founded on him. i am sure, and uncertain. i guess there should be no surprise at the paradoxical nature of the faith experience in the heart.
good reminder jeff that the experience of grace is the safe harbor for our worries and doubts. i would so much rather understand grace less and experience it more, than to understand it so well, and experience it so little.
Thanks for posting this Jeff! That table talk has really hit me, and now I’m seeing how salvation hinges on us seeing the Bible not just as an answer book, but as the Bread of Life! If John 3:16 is seen just as an answer, it’ll become boring and old hat to us because it is “overused.” But if it is bread to our soul, if the Gospel is daily bread to our soul, John 3:16 will truly be good news, not old news.