Divine Paradoxes: Resolving Seeming Contradictions in Christian Theology
Category 3: Doctrinal Paradoxes in Salvation
1. Introduction
Christian doctrine boldly proclaims that sinners are justified by faith alone (Romans 3:28), apart from works. At the same time, Scripture teaches that every person will be judged according to their works (Romans 2:6; Revelation 20:12). This tension—free justification by faith versus final judgement by deeds—poses a central theological paradox: If salvation is not earned, why do works still matter in final judgment?
2. Scriptural Foundations
2.1 Justified by Faith Alone
- Romans 3:28 – “Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.”
- Galatians 2:16 – “A man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ.”
- Ephesians 2:8–9 – “By grace are ye saved through faith… not of works.”
2.2 Judged According to Works
- Romans 2:6 – “Who will render to every man according to his deeds.”
- 2 Corinthians 5:10 – “We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ… to receive… according to what he hath done.”
- Revelation 20:12 – “The dead were judged… according to their works.”
3. Theological Meaning
This paradox is resolved by distinguishing between the basis of justification and the evidence of justification. Justification is entirely by faith, not meritorious works. Yet true faith inevitably produces fruitful obedience (James 2:17), which is evaluated and rewarded in judgment—not as a condition for salvation, but as its outworking.
4. Paradox Explained
| Salvation Aspect | Key Emphasis | Scriptural Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Justification | Declared righteous by faith alone | Romans 3:28 |
| Judgment of Works | Assessment of the life that followed | 2 Corinthians 5:10 |
| Works | Evidence of true saving faith | James 2:17, Matthew 7:20 |
5. Christ as the Fulfilment of Both Aspects
- Jesus justifies sinners by bearing their guilt (Romans 3:24–26),
- Yet He also rewards or rebukes based on their faithfulness (Matthew 25:21–30),
- His role as Saviour and Judge reveals the balance of grace and accountability (John 5:22–24).
6. Historical Theological Perspectives
6.1 Early Church
- Clement of Rome: Affirmed faith as the foundation, with works as confirming evidence.
- Augustine: Distinguished between initial justification by grace and final judgment by works as proof of that grace.
6.2 Reformation Thought
- Martin Luther: “We are saved by faith alone, but not by a faith that is alone.”
- John Calvin: Works are “the effects of righteousness, not the cause of it.”
6.3 Post-Reformation and Modern
- J.I. Packer: Faith justifies, but “works demonstrate the reality of faith.”
- N.T. Wright: Judgment according to works affirms the covenantal faithfulness of God.
7. Doctrinal Implications
- Believers are not saved by works, but will be judged according to them,
- Works are not meritorious for salvation but serve as fruit and evidence of faith,
- Assurance comes not from perfection but from faith working through love (Galatians 5:6).
8. Devotional Applications
- Examine whether your life displays the fruit of your faith (2 Peter 1:10),
- Serve in hope, knowing your labour is not in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58),
- Rest in Christ’s finished work, but pursue holiness as its natural outflow.
9. Summary Table
| Truth | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Justified by Faith | Declared righteous solely through belief in Christ |
| Judged by Works | Works evaluated as evidence of living faith |
| Works Do Not Earn Salvation | They reflect the inward reality of a transformed heart |
| Christ is Both Saviour and Judge | The one who justifies also assesses the fruit of grace |
10. Conclusion
The paradox that we are justified by faith, yet judged by works teaches a balanced gospel: salvation is entirely by grace, but grace never leaves the soul unchanged. At the judgment seat of Christ, what will be examined is not whether we earned salvation, but whether the faith we professed manifested itself in love, obedience, and service.
References
- The Holy Bible, King James Version (KJV)
- Augustine. On Grace and Free Will
- Luther, M. Commentary on Galatians
- Calvin, J. Institutes of the Christian Religion
- Packer, J.I. Concise Theology
- Wright, N.T. Justification: God’s Plan & Paul’s Vision