Receiving Eternal Life, Not Removing Sins
The argument of effectuality (Jesus’ payment of the sin penalty is only efficacious for those who become believers) in salvation often leads to confusion about the nature of justification. Justification, as used in this paper, is the receiving the gift of eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ, not the removal of sins (John 3:16; Eph 2:8-9).
Nature of Saving Faith
Saving faith is simple belief in Jesus for eternal life (John 6:47). It’s crucial to distinguish between merely believing facts about Jesus and trusting in His promise of eternal life. Many people believe the facts about Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, yet do not believe that by faith in Him they have everlasting life (John 5:24).
Believing Biblical facts, such as the death, burial, and resurrection (DBR), could lead one to saving faith, but those facts alone do not grant eternal life. One must believe in the gift (eternal life) and the Giver (Jesus is the Christ). It is a single sip or look (John 3:14; 4:14).
Gospel Message Focus
The gospel message centers on receiving eternal life rather than sin removal (John 3:16; 5:24). However, there’s a lack of consensus among Christians about what exactly is required for salvation. Some erroneously claim that turning from sin or experiencing a change in lifestyle is necessary for salvation (Romans 4:1-4) without distinguishing the types of justification (e.g. before men) and sanctification.
While sin is a significant factor in the gospel message as evidenced by the necessity of the cross, the focus remains on the gift of eternal life. The DBR of Jesus are crucial elements of the gospel, explaining how salvation was accomplished, but one must believe in the Who and what. If belief in the DBR was necessary, it would create a theological dilemma regarding pre-crucifixion believers and contradict Jesus’ statement in John 14:6. Additionally, Jesus offered eternal life to hearers without mentioning His DBR (John 3:16).
Justification and Eternal Life
Justification before God is by faith alone, apart from works (Eph. 2:8-9; Romans 4:5). The moment of simple faith in Christ for eternal life is the point at which God and humans “meet”, permanently settling one’s destiny. The phraseology utilized by Jesus (eternal life) along with the “never” passages in John stipulate the security of the believer. This truth refutes works-based salvation and Lordship Salvation views. On the cross, Jesus paid the penalty of sin for the entire world and all time (1 John 2:2). He removed the sin barrier ensuring all are saveable. Therefore, by accepting the free gift of eternal life in believing that Jesus, as the Messiah, can grant it, we are justified due to Jesus’ already paying the sin penalty.
Understanding justification before God in this manner emphasizes the free gift of salvation and allows believers to have confidence in their eternal destiny based on Christ’s promise, not their performance.
