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

The first appears mainly as a polemic against the idea of justification by works of the law.

From St. Paul's Epistle to the Ephesians A Practical Exposition by Gore, Charles

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

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

St. Paul has been repudiating the principle of justification by works of the law.

From St. Paul's Epistle to the Romans, Vol. I A Practical Exposition by Gore, Charles

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