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AC. said:
the criticisms I receive are more centered around the concept that justification is a one time event rather than a process (and the events in the life of David and Abraham's as related in the Bible are used to make the case).

Is the declared righteousness of a believer a one time judicial declaration of righteousness imputed on the believer's account for Jesus' sake? Is the Bible clear on this (in the sense that Reformed theology explains JUSTIFICATION)
AC,

So, you are back to allowing yourself to be pummeled by those outside of Christ and who are alien to the truth of the Gospel again, eh?

Let the Scriptures be your guide:


Romans 4:3-8 (ASV) "For what saith the scripture? And Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned unto him for righteousness. Now to him that worketh, the reward is not reckoned as of grace, but as of debt. But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is reckoned for righteousness. Even as David also pronounceth blessing upon the man, unto whom God reckoneth righteousness apart from works, [saying], Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, And whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man to whom, the Lord will not reckon sin."


Now tell me, does that passage not make clear that justification was imputed to both Abraham and David upon their believing? And, is it not also clear that any type of works; singular or progressive, cannot justify?

And further:


Romans 5:1-2 (ASV) "Being therefore justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ; through whom also we have had our access by faith into this grace wherein we stand; and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God."

And

Romans 8:1-2 (ASV) "There is therefore now no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus made me free from the law of sin and of death."


As for a defense of the biblical (Reformed) view of justification, surely you have visited and read the articles here haven't you?: Sola Fide - Justification by Faith ALONE

On a more personal note, IF you are doubting that the faith which God the Spirit creates within a believer is insufficient as the God-ordained means to justify one in Christ alone, then you are in serious peril. Rest in Christ alone through faith alone which is God's work of grace alone. The Lord Christ accomplished ALL that was necessary through HIS perfect work (active obedience) and by HIS death on the cross (passive obedience) to save the worst of sinners. NOTHING is to be added to HIS atoning grace nor can it be which would 'help' in salvation. Salvation is of the LORD!

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simul iustus et peccator

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