I’m Justified by Grace Alone

In the summer of 2014 I was browsing in the Lifeway Christian bookstore in Centerville GA. While there I noticed a book dealing with a very common, and often controversial topic of discussion. I had been doing an in depth study of the breadth and power of God’s grace and I thought the book would be of help to me.

There were some good things in the book. It did acknowledge that God’s grace is the primary agent in salvation and that divine grace is free and available to every man. But there was a subtle theme running through the dialogue that made me uncomfortable. The implication was that we were somehow responsible for our full sanctification; that our human efforts were instrumental in reaching that goal. The teaching was that spiritual progress in our lives was contngent upon our willingness and ability to conform ourselves to God’s will.

In Romans 7:18 the apostle Paul clearly acknowledges that he lived with a perpetual battle. He said it this way… “For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.” (emphasis added) Paul is not saying that conquering sin is impossible, but that he has no power to attain that status within himself. Our primary responsibility is simple… we must:

1. Consciously acknowledge God’s abiding presence in our lives.
2. Be acutely sensitive to the voice of the Spirit of God who lives within us.
3. Yield ourselves to the revealed will of God.

In essence, sanctification, like salvation is a work of God’s grace within us. We contribute nothing to it, other than our obedience, just as we contribute nothing to our salvation, other than our belief. “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.” Philippians 2:13

If we are willing to focus our attention on, and conscientiously submit to the revealed will of God for our lives, we will find the victory that we seek.

I’m Justified by Grace Alone was written in the weeks tht followed. I then gave the words to our pianist (Mary Ann Wood) and she put a beautiful melody to the song.

I’m Justified by Grace Alone

My life was filled with senseless pain, Upon my soul sin left its stain.

My guilt was more than I could bear, And nagging fear turned to despair.

A sovereign God reigned over all, Presiding in His judgment hall.

Demanding perfect righteousness, To satisfy His holiness.

My selfish heart was ruled by sin. I had no hope of peace within.

The path of life I did not know. And my despair turned into woe.

God deeply loved our fallen race. And sought to share with us His grace.

He sent His son to pay our debt. And grace and truth on Calvary met.

Chorus

I’m justified by grace alone, I have no goodness of my own.

For my sin Jesus did atone, I’m justified by grace alone.

My Savior died upon the cross, To heal my pain He suffered loss.

He died alone to set my free, And gave His righteousness to me.

Now I’m redeemed by faith in Him, No longer guilty of my sin

I’ll praise the lamb upon His throne, I’m justified by grace alone,

Chorus

I’m justified by grace alone, I have no goodness of my own.

For my sin Jesus did atone, I’m justified by grace alone.

I’m bound for heaven by His grace alone!