How Do We Know That We are Justified?

Before we expound on this question, we must address a fundamental argument that seems to come up whenever this question is raised. That is the different views between Paul’s teachings and the teachings of James. First, we will start from the root (faith) and work our way into the branches (believers) and then to the fruit (justification and sanctification). According to the Willmington’s Guide to the Bible, the root of justification is faith. This is in sharp contrast with the teaching that James teaches, or is it? James states that through works man is justified.[1] James 2:24 says, “You see that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone.”[2] Paul says the root of justification is faith. So we are able to see that there is really no argument between these two apostles. What they demonstrate is, according to Paul’s view, faith is the root of justification, while James teaches that works is the fruit of justification.[3] The supposed contradiction here is very evident when you look at the context in which these men wrote on the subject of justification. Basically, Paul concentrates his writing and teaching on the root of justification and James concerns himself with the fruit that is bore from justification.[4] After reading several sources on the subject of “Fruit of Justification,” the common theme was that the fruit of justification produces sanctification, which is the process that a Christian will go through to become Christ like and Christ minded. Another fruit of justification is tranquility of mind. This can be classified as serenity or a peace of mind apart from guilt. Louis Berkhof seems to have captured the exact definition and explanation of the fruits of justification in the following quote:

“The Bible clearly teaches that the fruit of justification is much more then pardon. They who are justified have “peace with God,” “assurance of salvation,” Romans 5:1-10, and an “inheritance among them that are sanctified,” Acts 26:18, the following points of difference between justification and sanctification should be carefully noted:

1. Justification removes the guilt of sin and restores the sinner.
2. Justification takes place outside of the sinner in the tribunal of God, and does not change his inner life, though the sentence is brought home to him subjectively.
3. Justification takes place once for all. It is not repeated.”[5]

Many theologians present their case and the evidence that a person is justified by their works and others say it is realized through a person’s sanctification. Sanctification is the process by which we are made Holy. This process is a result of a changed lifestyle for those who have committed their lives to Christ.[6] One point of view is our works do not save us, not one bit. It doesn’t even factor. On the other hand, justification by faith will always produce good works. It is the evidence of justification by faith.
[1] (Willmington 1984, 738)
[2] (NASB Study Bible 1999)
[3] (Willmington 1984, 738)
[4] (Willmington 1984, 511)
[5] (Berkhof 1996, 513)
[6] (Chad Brand 2003, 1443)