Timothy Keller Sermon- Justified by Faith

Timothy Keller- Justified Faith

"Justification is not merely an abstract theological concept. It is the sense of approval and belonging that every person desires. Justification is more than having our sins forgiven. It means that in God’s eyes, we are given Jesus’ perfect record. We are treated as if we had lived the perfect life that Jesus lived. We are given the love that Jesus deserved. We have the same access to the Father that Jesus has. The good news is that all of this comes, not from us doing anything, but simply by faith." -From the sermon page.

Romans 3:21-28 : 21 But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. 22 This righteousness is given through faith in[a] Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. 25 God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement,[b] through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished— 26 he did it to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.
27 Where, then, is boasting? It is excluded. Because of what law? The law that requires works? No, because of the law that requires faith. 28 For we maintain that a person is justified by faith apart from the works of the law.

I wanted to find a Timothy Keller sermon on Galatians to listen to today because I have been going through his book with my small group.  I found this sermon which was somewhat similar to the word of Galatians and I loved it.  It talks about the freedom that comes with the gospel.  That no works that we can do will ever get us right with God.  Jesus has already done that for us.  That if we do works of service to get closer to God we're only doing them for ourselves.  They are selfish in nature.  They must come from a place of gratitude toward Jesus because of what he has done for us.  I love these messages because I think that it is something I need to work on, something I need to get through my head.  It's a learning process that I can certainly see growth in over the last 6 months.  It's great to be able to look back and see the changes God has made in my heart.