Faith Free Presbyterian Church

The sermon, drawn from Luke 18:9–14, centers on the doctrine of justification as a forensic, legal declaration by God that declares the sinner righteous not by their own works, but through faith in Christ alone. Through the contrast of the proud Pharisee and the humble tax collector, it emphasizes that true justification arises not from self-righteousness or religious performance, but from repentant faith and God's gracious imputation of Christ's righteousness to the believer. The message underscores that justification is an instantaneous, complete, and definitive verdict—distinct from the ongoing process of sanctification—wherein the guilt of sin is removed and the sinner is credited with Christ's perfect righteousness. The sermon warns against the Roman Catholic doctrine of justification as a process requiring cooperation with grace, affirming instead that salvation is entirely by grace through faith, securing unshakable assurance for the sinner who cries out, 'God, be merciful to me, a sinner.'