Justification By Faith, Not Works

The Bible paints a very bleak picture of humanity. It is totally depraved with no hope of remedying its deplorable state. All men are "under the law" meaning they are under a curse to perfectly keep the Law or suffer eternal death. Since all men have sinned, they are without hope. But here the majesty of our God is manifested - salvation is an act of God's love whereby by His grace, He provides the remedy for man's lost state. Man must by faith accept Christ as "the Righteous One." Faith is an instrument whereby we appropriate the work of Christ on our behalf. Three great doctrines are discussed: justification, redemption, and propitiation. Without understanding these crucial doctrines, one does not understand the gospel. Faith is contrasted to personal works. Mankind needs an "alien" righteousness in order to be saved.