Larry's World

9 January 2021

On Justification

When I come before the judgment throne, I will plead the promise of God in the shed blood of Jesus Christ. I will not plead any work that I have done, although I will thank God that he has enabled me to do some good. I will plead merit other than the merits of Christ, knowing that the merits of Mary and the saint are all from him; and for their company, their example, and their prayer throughout my earthly life I will give everlasting thanks. I will not plead that I had faith, for sometimes I was unsure of my faith, and in any event, that would be to turn faith into a meritorious work of my own. I will not plead that I held the correct understanding of "justification by faith alone," although I will thank God that he led me to know ever more fully the great truth that much misunderstood formulation was intended to protect. Whatever little growth in holiness I have experienced, whatever strength I have received from the company of the saints, whatever understanding I have attained of God and his way - these and all other gifts received I will bring gratefully to the throne. But in seeking entry to that heavenly kingdom, I will ... look to Christ and Christ alone.

                Richard John Neuhaus