Justification by Faith

This is an excellent introduction to the doctrine of justification. Rev. Grier traces the doctrine from the Old Testament through to present-day opinion.

Summary: two presuppositions — sinful humanity — the word “justify” — Justification in the Old Testament — three OT features — B.B. Warfield’s comparison — Zechariah 3:1-10 — Justification in the Gospels — anticipated in Jesus’ teaching — Justification in the Epistles — Romans 1:16-18, 3:21-26, 5:1, 17-19; 1 Corinthians 1:30 — 2 Corinthians 5:18, 21; Philippians 3:8-9 — the righteousness Paul speaks of — Luther in justification — the 95 Theses — Luther not precise on imputation — relationship between faith and justification — Calvin on Justification — Calvin more precise — Ambrose’s illustration — clarifying Calvin’s position — The Present-Day State of Opinion — Christ’s passive and active obedience — Spurgeon on Christ’s active obedience — A telegram from Gresham Machen’s deathbed — this doctrine hated in parts of Protestantism — Rome’s new stance — we refuse it.

---

About the author: William James Grier (1902-1983) was born in Co. Donegal, Ireland. He attended Queen’s University Belfast and later Princeton Theological Seminary, where he studied theology under Gresham Machen and Geerhardus Vos. On his return to Ireland, Grier was among the founders of the Evangelical Bookshop in Belfast in 1926 and of what became the Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Ireland in 1927. For many years, he edited the Church’s magazine and pastored the Stranmillis congregation of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church.