The doctrine of justification is the chief Christian doctrine:
- 1. Without this doctrine everything else is useless.
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.
- This doctrine separates the Christian Church from all false religions.
Gal. 5:4: Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the Law; ye are fallen from grace.
All false religions teach people to seek justification before God on the basis of their own works and merits. For this reason there are so many false religions.
Luther says: “These articles of the Creed, therefore, divide and separate us Christians from all other people upon earth. For all outside of Christianity, whether heathen, Turks, Jews or false Christians and hypocrites, although they would believe in, and worship one true God, yet they know not what His mind towards them is, and cannot expect any love or blessing from Him; therefore they abide in eternal wrath and damnation. For they have not the Lord, Christ, and, besides, are not illumined and favored by any gifts of the Holy Ghost.” - Only the Biblical doctrine of justification gives and presents to wretched sinners true, lasting and unwavering comfort in life and death.
Matt. 9:2: Son, be of good cheer, thy sins be forgiven thee.
- This doctrine alone gives all glory to God.
Ps. 115:1: Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy, and for thy truth’s sake.
