justification by works

American  

noun

Theology.

1. the belief that a person becomes just before God by the performance of good works: the doctrine against which Luther protested in inaugurating the Protestant Reformation.

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Example Sentences

This is the method of justification by works.

From Sermons to the Natural Man by Shedd, William G. T. (William Greenough Thayer)

Here was a russet-coated Taunton volunteer in jackboots and bandolier, holding forth on the justification by works.

From Micah Clarke His Statement as made to his three grandchildren Joseph, Gervas and Reuben During the Hard Winter of 1734 by Doyle, Arthur Conan, Sir

Paul is now getting ready for the second argument of his Epistle, to the effect that to seek justification by works of the Law, is to reject the grace of God.

From Commentary on the Epistle to the Galatians by Graebner, Theodore

The gracious soul believes in Christ for justification, from a sense of utter inability to obtain justification by works.

From Works of John Bunyan — Volume 02 by Bunyan, John

I do not believe in justification by works nor by sacraments, yet I do believe in their wonderful effect, through grace alone, upon our character and future condition.

From Bertha and Her Baptism by Adams, Nehemiah