We make no apologies for returning directly to the theme of justification by faith, which is the only real reason for the existence of this magazine. Here, as Luther often said, is the central Christian article, which builds, defends and preserves the Christian church. If it is lost, all is lost. We cannot learn this article too well, and unless we constantly sharpen the sword of truth, there is good reason to believe that its edge will become dulled. It is often implied that a strong affirmation of justification by the imputed righteousness of Christ will take the teeth out of the moral imperatives.
Nothing is further from the truth.
It was Rome's claim that the Reformers' doctrine was subversive to sanctification, but this was Rome's most fundamental error. Dr. William C. Robinson has written an excellent summary of Dr. Witherspoon's pamphlet on the connection between the doctrine of justification by the imputed righteousness of Christ and holiness of life. We consider that in this summary Dr. Robinson gives us the essence of Christian life and experience. Some of our readers may be able to identify the author for us. Spurgeon preached in a similar vein on occasion.