Principles of Christian Living

Lesson 3

Lesson Text—Romans 3:20-23

Romans 3:20-2320 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the

prophets;

Lesson Text—Romans 3:20-23

22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

Lesson Text—Romans 3:24-25

Romans 3:24-2524 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God.

Lesson Text—Galatians 5:13-16

Galatians 5:13-1613 For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

Lesson Text—Galatians 5:13-16

15 But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.

Lesson Text—Galatians 5:17-18

Galatians 5:17-1817 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.

Focus Verse—I Corinthians 6:11

I Corinthians 6:11And such were some of you: but

ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and

by the Spirit of our God.

Focus Thought

God declares that the demands of

His law have been fulfilled in the

righteousness of His Son to those

who choose His redemptive work.

I. Justification by FaithCULTURE CONNECTION

A Nation of Laws

Whether one lives in the US or in Canada, he lives in a nation of laws—in fact, in a land where laws and lawyers are proliferating at an incredible and sometimes alarming rate. It is good to have laws to guide and protect society, but one does wonder if there can be too many laws.

I. Justification by FaithIn an article titled “Arresting the

Growth of Criminal Law in Texas,” Marc Levin, director of the Center for Effective Justice wrote, “Although they cannot compete with their Washington counterparts who have enacted more than 4,000 criminal laws, Texas lawmakers have created over 1,700 criminal offenses. These figures do not include countless criminal offenses created by cities and school districts. . . .

I. Justification by FaithThe traditional criminal offenses like murder, rape, and theft are found in the Penal Code, but the proliferation of criminal offenses now extends to nearly every other body of state law from the Agriculture Code to the Finance Code. . . . While some of the conduct that is criminalized may fall within the proper scope of criminal law, many of these statutes concern relatively innocuous individual and business activities that would be better addressed through incentives created by competitive markets or civil penalties”

I. Justification by FaithLaws are a necessary part of

civilized life, but they are inadequate. The law only reveals lawlessness; it is powerless to create model citizens. So it was with the Law of Moses; it only revealed mankind’s sinfulness. Law brings about the knowledge of sin, but only the work of Jesus Christ in a person’s life can bring about the work of justification. Only His Holy Spirit can write His laws within the human heart (Jeremiah 31:33; Ezekiel 36:26-27).

I. Justification by FaithContemplating the Topic

The biblical teaching on justification by faith is one of the most profound and spiritually liberating truths we could ever hope to discover. Yet many people, even those who are filled with the Holy Spirit, sometimes struggle with this truth because of certain misconceptions that exist surrounding justification in relation to the plan of salvation and works.

I. Justification by FaithIf we fail to understand these biblical doctrines and how they work together, we may struggle unnecessarily under a sense of condemnation that belongs only to those who have never put their faith in Jesus Christ.

As we study the Scriptures regarding these truths, it is vital to avoid falling into the traps of two extreme positions: (1) easy believism, which views faith in Jesus Christ as mere mental assent; (2) legalism, which relies on the performance of works to earn or merit salvation.

I. Justification by FaithBoth extremes are unbiblical, misleading, and dangerous. In order to avoid them, it is vital to understand what constitutes genuine faith and belief in Jesus Christ, how the plan of salvation fits into the subject of justification, and also what constitutes works.

In understanding the biblical teaching regarding justification by faith, we will avoid embracing a legalistic mindset, which would cause us to connect God’s love for us with our performance.

I. Justification by FaithThis is self-defeating, for we could never be good enough to merit or earn the free gift of salvation. Salvation comes to us because of God’s love and grace, not because of our goodness. (See John 3:16; Ephesians 2:8-9.) Salvation is certainly a transforming, life-changing event. However, it would be a mistake to think that after we are saved, our justification now depends on our success in measuring up to a standard of perfection.

I. Justification by FaithScripture never connects justification with human performance; it always connects justification with what God has done on our behalf.

The doctrine of justification is rooted in Abraham’s experience, who “believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness” (Romans 4:3). New Testament believers stand in solidarity with Abraham—the father of all who believe—in justification. (See Romans 4:11-16.) The event in view in Romans 4:3 is recorded in Genesis 15:5-6.

Genesis 15:5-6

“And he brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell

the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be. And he believed in the LORD;

and he counted it to him for righteousness” (Genesis 15:5-6).

I. Justification by FaithAt this point, Abraham’s response to God’s promise was minimal: “He believed in the Lord.” The word translated “believed” indicates that Abraham trusted God to keep His promise. However, to comprehend the biblical essence of justification, it is vital to understand that Abraham’s genuine faith in God began in Genesis 12:1.

I. Justification by Faith“Now the Lord had said unto Abram,

Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee. . . . So Abram departed” (Genesis 12:1-4).

God called Abraham and he departed. That he departed from his homeland demonstrated that his faith, or belief in God, was genuine. That his faith in God was genuine was the basis of God’s granting to Abraham justification and righteousness.

I. Justification by FaithThe point is that the only requirement for justification is genuine faith in God, and genuine faith always results in obedience to God’s commands.

There are those who contend that individuals are saved by faith alone, not requiring anything further. However, that is where the plan of salvation comes in.

I. Justification by FaithJust as Abraham’s genuine faith in God was evident by his obedience when he departed from his homeland, so our faith in Jesus Christ is evident by our enthusiastic embracing of the gospel through our obedience to His command to repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins. Further, God fills us with the Holy Ghost with the initial evidence of speaking in other tongues. (See Acts 2:38.)

I. Justification by FaithJames also contended that we are not justified by faith that is alone, but also by obedience that grows out from faith (James 2:23-24).

Genesis 12:1-4

“And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God,

and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called

the Friend of God. Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only” (James 2:23-24).

I. Justification by FaithJames was pointing out that faith without works is dead and that works actually validate the genuineness of one’s faith. (See James 2:17-26.)

This is why it is vital to understand the relationship between justification, works, and legalism. The justification of God for salvation requires obedience, which demonstrates the genuineness of one’s faith.

I. Justification by FaithHowever, there is a difference in a person obeying God’s commands for redemption and that person’s endeavoring to achieve salvation on the basis of his own good works. The latter is what many individuals often refer to as legalism. We can do nothing to merit God’s grace and salvation. On the other hand, to obey God through repentance and water baptism in Jesus’ name is not legalism; it is the evidence of genuine faith, and without it our faith is dead.

I. Justification by FaithBecause Abraham genuinely

trusted in the Lord, which included his obedience of departing from his homeland to seek a place of which he had no knowledge, God imputed or accounted righteousness to Him. This is the essence of biblical justification, which is the only hope mankind has for experiencing redemption from sins.

I. Justification by FaithAfter a vivid description of the corrupt

lifestyles of those who will not inherit the kingdom of God, Paul wrote, “And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God” (I Corinthians 6:11). We can rejoice that like Abraham, the father of all who believe, God has counted us righteous. (See Romans 4:16; Galatians 3:29.) We cannot earn this righteousness, or right standing with God; it is God’s free gift in response to our obedient and genuine faith.

I. Justification by FaithSEARCHING THE

SCRIPTURES

Justification by Faith

A. The Law Brings the Knowledge of Sin

“Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge

of sin” (Romans 3:20).

I. Justification by FaithThis statement reiterates a theme

found elsewhere in Scripture: no one will be justified before God by the works of the law of Moses. (See Romans 3:28; 4:5; Acts 13:39; Galatians 2:16; 3:21.) God did not give Israel the Law as a means of salvation; He gave it to define sin. (See Romans 7:7.) The law did not create sin; people were sinners already. However, the law did define the sins already found in human hearts.

Romans 3:21

“But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being

witnessed by the law and the prophets” (Romans 3:21).

I. Justification by FaithRomans 3:21 is one of the many

verses that declare the New Covenant replaced the law of Moses, terminating it as an active covenant. Paul’s revelation of this would have shocked Jewish readers; the idea that the righteousness of God could exist apart from the Law was incredible to them. Even more surprising would be the idea that the Hebrew Scriptures themselves foretold the coming of a time when this would be true.

I. Justification by FaithHowever, the Old Testament did foretell the coming of the New Covenant and the passing away of the Old Covenant. This New Covenant would be something apart from the Law. It would not merely be a further development of the Law or another form of the same covenant.

Romans 3:22

“Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that

believe: for there is no difference” (Romans 3:22).

I. Justification by FaithThe term “the righteousness of

God,” both here and in Romans 3:21, has to do with God’s plan for bringing people into right relationship with Him. Under the New Covenant, people enter into a right relationship with God on the basis of their obedient faith in Jesus Christ.

Whereas the law focused on elaborate rituals, the New Covenant focuses on a person: Jesus Christ. This does not mean that no one who lived in the era of the law of Moses was justified.

I. Justification by FaithIndeed, as Hebrews 11 makes clear, the only way anyone has ever been justified, whether before the era of the law of Moses or during its operation, was by faith.

The righteousness of God is available “unto all and upon all them that believe” (Romans 3:22). It makes no difference if a person is a Jew or Gentile. (See Galatians 3:28.) In its context, this verse is still addressing Paul’s Jewish audience. (See Romans 2:17.)

I. Justification by FaithHe hoped this statement would help them realize the error of their claim to superiority over Gentiles. Ethnic origin has no bearing on New Covenant salvation; faith is the determining factor.

B. All Have SinnedB. All Have Sinned

“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).

Romans 3:23 presents the conclusion of the argument Paul began in Romans 1:18. All have sinned (past tense) and come short (present tense) of the glory of God. It is important to note that not only has every person sinned in the past, but all

continually come short of God’s glory.

I. Justification by FaithNo one consistently, day after day, moment after moment, walks without fail in perfect conformity to the glory of God. We need the blood of Jesus to continually cleanse us from our sins even as we walk in the light, that is, with our faith in Jesus Christ. (See I John 1:7; John 8:12.)

I. Justification by FaithBiblical perfection is a process, not

a destination. The words “perfect” and “perfection” were translated from the Greek word teleios, which means “complete” or “completeness” (Strong’s Concordance). Believers are in a process of continually growing in Christ toward perfection, toward completeness. Anyone who claims perfection is at best mistaken and unaware of just how high God’s perfection is; at worst they are liars. (See I John 1:8-10.)

C. We Are Justified FreelyC. We Are Justified Freely

“Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God” (Romans 3:24-25).

I. Justification by FaithThe fact that we are justified freely

means justification is a gift of God; the recipient of justification does not earn or deserve that gift. This free justification comes by the grace of God. Though the full theological meaning of grace extends beyond its merely being the unmerited favor of God, it certainly includes that idea. If justification is given by His grace, it further reinforces the idea that justification is a free gift.

I. Justification by FaithGod gives this free gift of justification on the basis of “the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.” The word translated “redemption” means to loose or set free.

Propitiation has to do with the satisfaction of God’s righteous demands. (See I John 2:2; 4:10.) The shedding of Jesus’ blood fully and completely satisfies God’s demand for judgment upon sin. Indeed, the word translated “offering” in Isaiah 53:10 indicates that the death of Christ exceeded the demands of justice.

I. Justification by FaithFaith is the means of attaining the

satisfaction with God that is available through the blood of Jesus. Even during the era of the Old Covenant, people were justified not by the works of the law of Moses, but by faith. The phrase “to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God” (Romans 3:25) describes the means by which God forgave the sins of those living during the time of the Old Covenant.

I. Justification by FaithIn anticipation of the atonement that would be provided by the death of Jesus, God extended His forgiveness to those who approached Him by faith. It helps us to understand how this could be if we remember that Jesus was “the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world” (Revelation 13:8).

II. Called to Spiritual LibertyCalled to Spiritual

Liberty

Many believers struggle with the idea of justification by faith. Perhaps they fear if it is really true that we receive right standing with God as a free gift without any performance requirement, some who claim faith in Christ will live in ungodly ways.

I. Justification by FaithThose who hold this view err in two ways: (1) They forget that even the law of Moses, with its 613 commandments, was unsuccessful in its call for perfect obedience. (See Deuteronomy 28:1; Galatians 5:3; James 2:10.) Rules do not empower people to do what is right. (See Romans 8:3.) (2) They forget that genuine faith, which reveals itself through obedience to the gospel, is a powerful, life-changing force that when coupled with the transforming power of the Holy Spirit both enables and encourages people to do what is right.

A. We Are Called to Be FreeA. We Are Called to Be Free

“For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another” (Galatians 5:13-15).

I. Justification by FaithIt is important to understand in

context that the liberty spoken of in Galatians 5:13 is not liberty to sin, but liberty from the requirements of the law of Moses. After an extended allegory explaining the radical differences between the covenant established at Sinai and the covenant established at Calvary (Galatians 4:21-31), Paul wrote, “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage” (Galatians 5:1).

I. Justification by FaithThis “yoke of bondage” is the law of Moses. (See Acts 15:10; Galatians 2:4; 4:24-25.)

Although the law of Moses called on the Israelites to love God and to love their neighbors, it did not enable them to do so. (See Deuteronomy 6:4; Leviticus 19:18; Matthew 22:36-40.) The reason is that it was “weak through the flesh” (Romans 8:3). It was not a life-giving covenant (Galatians 3:21). Instead, it was a schoolmaster, a disciplinarian, to bring the people of Israel to Christ (Galatians 3:24).

I. Justification by FaithBut with the coming of Christ, Israel was no longer under the Law (Galatians 3:25). Placing their faith in Christ Jesus would liberate them from the demands of the Law. Those who refuse the bondage of a works-based approach to God are set free by their faith in Jesus to serve one another in love. The New Covenant gives believers freedom from the Law through Christ Jesus, who fulfilled its rigorous demands.

B. Walk in the SpiritB. Walk in the Spirit

“This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law” (Galatians 5:16-18).

I. Justification by FaithThe fact that God created humans

with freedom of choice creates a tension that will not be released until the final outworking of our redemption. (See Romans 8:23; Ephesians 1:14.) The beginning of this tension appeared in the Garden of Eden: God commanded Adam not to eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil but nevertheless gave him the freedom to do so. So it is, even for those who are Spirit-filled.

I. Justification by FaithThe Holy Spirit is able to lead and empower them to do the right thing, but they have not lost their ability to exercise the power of choice to disobey. This is what makes a text like Galatians 5:16-18 necessary. Believers are not automatons. The Spirit enables them to walk in the Spirit, but they must choose to do so. Those who do walk in the Spirit will not respond to the lust—the strong desire—of the flesh.

I. Justification by FaithThe Scriptures use the word “flesh”

in a variety of ways. Only the context in which the word appears can determine whether it is a reference to the physical body, human existence in general, or the characteristics of fallen or sinful human nature. The Book of Galatians contains an additional possibility for the use of the word flesh: Paul connected the flesh with the idea of attempting to establish a relationship with God on the basis of the law of Moses.

I. Justification by Faith

“This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Are ye so

foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by

the flesh?” (Galatians 3:2-3).

I. Justification by FaithHere, and in his allegorical use of Abraham’s sons, Paul connected the flesh with the Mosaic Covenant. (See Galatians 4:23-29.) Although we should not press this connection beyond the intent of the text, neither should we ignore the evidence. (See also Galatians 5:19, 24; 6:12-13.) A similar idea appeared in Romans 7:5.

Romans 7:5, NKJV

“For when we were in the flesh, the sinful passions which were aroused

by the law were at work in our members to bear fruit to death”

(Romans 7:5, NKJV).

I. Justification by FaithAt this point in his letter to the

church in Rome, Paul specifically addressed the Jewish believers. (See Romans 7:1.) His use of “we” included Paul as one of them. His description of the Jewish believers as having at one time been “in the flesh” had to do with their experience under the Law. Rather than empowering them to do the right thing, the Law stirred up their sinful passions. This characterizes all efforts to relate to God on the basis of rules. (See also Romans 7:8-14.)

I. Justification by FaithOn the other hand, this does not

mean the Law was sinful in itself. (See Romans 7:7.) It was fleshly in that it was a temporal, earthbound covenant that sought to govern the lives of the Israelites without the benefit of regeneration. (See Deuteronomy 29:4.) The Book of Hebrews concurs with the connection between the Law and flesh when it refers to the Law as carnal (sarkikos, “fleshly”). (See Hebrews 7:16.)

I. Justification by FaithCertain rules and disciplines are

good and important for the believer. Further, they are for the benefit of the believer, to strengthen him in his relationship with God by keeping him away from certain traps and potential fleshly temptations that could entice and distract him from his focus and purpose in the kingdom of God. However, rules and disciplines can never be the source or basis of relationship with Christ. No person is able to be justified by the Law (Galatians 3:11).

I. Justification by FaithWe need the leading of the Holy Ghost in every area of our lives.

The Holy Spirit leads us in a variety of ways. He prompts us to avoid evil and to make right choices. Perhaps we could think of this in terms of the conscience, but for those who are filled with the Spirit, the conscience functions in a dimension beyond that of the conscience of those who are unregenerate. Also, it is possible for a person to sear his conscience by repeatedly ignoring its voice. (See I Timothy 4:2.)

I. Justification by FaithThe Holy Spirit speaks to us through Scripture (Hebrews 12:5), spiritual leaders (Hebrews 13:7, 17), spiritual gifts (I Corinthians 14:3, 6, 22-31), and even through creation (Psalm 19:1-4). The Holy Spirit will never lead us to indulge our fallen nature or to think we can gain favor with God on the basis of the law of Moses or any legalistic system derived from it.

A. Living CondemnedTwo Ways to Live

A. Living Condemned

“Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1).

“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit” (Romans 8:1).

I. Justification by FaithAs a consequence of justification by

faith, believers are free from condemnation and enjoy peace with God. As Romans 5:1 indicates, justification has already occurred for all believers on the basis of their faith. The reference to peace is not so much to emotional peace, although that certainly follows knowledge of the truth about one’s right standing with God, but to the fact there is no longer any enmity between God and those who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ.

I. Justification by FaithOn the other hand, condemnation

results from self-reliance or from attempting to relate to God on the basis of the law of Moses or any similar system. When a believer is in Christ Jesus, that is, when he is identified with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection (the new birth), the basis for condemnation is removed. (See Romans 6:3-8.) There can be no condemnation, for the believer’s status with God is based on the righteousness of Jesus Christ.

I. Justification by FaithChrist’s righteousness is reckoned to the believer’s account. (See Romans 8:33-34; I Corinthians 1:30; II Corinthians 5:21.)

Believers who are in Christ Jesus do not walk “after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” Consequently, they are free from condemnation. By virtue of the fact that believers are in Christ Jesus, they draw their life from the Spirit, not from the flesh.

I. Justification by FaithRomans 8:1 does not imply that believers cannot be tempted or that they will never sin. However, it does point out that anyone who is a genuine believer cannot surrender to life “in the flesh.” If he does sin, the Holy Spirit within him will convict him (not condemn him), wooing him to repent.

I. Justification by FaithDo some people who are in Christ

Jesus nevertheless experience a sense of condemnation? Certainly. If we do not know and embrace any aspect of truth in connection with our relationship with God, we will not enjoy the full freedom associated with that truth. Like a pauper who does not know he is the heir of a vast fortune, a believer who is unaware of or who does not grasp the realities of the full benefits of his identity with Christ will not experience the full dimension of the privileges that are his.

B. Living JustifiedB. Living Justified

The experience of justification was different for Abraham and for all who lived prior to the time of Christ’s coming. Although they “obtained a good report through faith,” they “received not the promise” (Hebrews 11:39). Thankfully, that is not the limit of the life of faith for those who live in the era of the New Covenant. God has provided something better for us. (See Hebrews 11:40.)

I. Justification by FaithWe enjoy justification in conjunction with the fullness of the Holy Spirit. (See Acts 1:4-5.) Just one of the many benefits of this spiritual fullness is the fruit of the Spirit, which produces the characteristics of Christ in the believer’s life. (See Galatians 5:22-23.) A person cannot develop these characteristics by sheer self-will; they are the Spirit’s fruit manifesting themselves through the believer.

I. Justification by FaithJust as the genuineness of

Abraham’s faith revealed itself through his obedience to God’s commands, so the genuineness of our faith in this Messianic era reveals itself through our obedience to the gospel, which transforms our lives. Faith is not a substitute for obedience; it is the threshold of obedience. Paul described this as “the obedience of faith” (Romans 16:26). Faith and obedience are inseparably connected both in justification and in the full measure of one’s redemption that follows.

I. Justification by FaithThe connection between genuine faith, salvation, and obedience is captured in these immortal words: “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:8-10).

I. Justification by FaithInternalizing the Message

Justification by faith is a biblical truth in which God accounts or reckons the righteousness of Jesus Christ to those who put their genuine faith in Christ. No one can be justified by adhering to the law of Moses. Instead, the Law identified sin and results in the conclusion that all have sinned in the past and continue to fall short of God’s glory during the present.

I. Justification by FaithThe only solution to the universal

sinfulness of the human race is justification by faith in Jesus Christ. This justification is possible only through the redemption Jesus Christ provided.

Justification is a call to liberty, but not liberty to sin. Christ’s work on our behalf sets us free from the bondage of any attempt to have relationship with God on the basis of our own efforts, and we are free to love and serve one another.

I. Justification by FaithThis happens as we turn from efforts at self-justification, place our full and genuine faith in Jesus Christ, and obey His commands to repent of our sins and be baptized in His name. We will receive the Holy Ghost, and His Spirit will both regenerate and guide us in a new life in Christ.

Now that we have been justified, we enjoy life free from condemnation. We do not relate to God on the basis of our flesh, but by the power of the Holy Spirit.

I. Justification by FaithAs the Spirit works in us, He produces in us the characteristics of the life of Christ: love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance (Galatians 5:22-23). This is the good life, life free from guilt, self-reliance, and fruitless efforts to earn God’s favor. Therefore, we enjoy a life of trust in God, freedom from condemnation, and assurance of salvation.