Uploaded June 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 hours ago
Is peace with God found through faith alone, or through a combination of faith and works?
In this episode, we examine the biblical doctrine of justification by faith alone and compare it with the teachings of Eastern Orthodoxy as expressed in the Synod of Jerusalem and the Confession of Dositheus.
We'll look at official Orthodox statements concerning salvation, faith, works, baptism, and justification, and ask whether these teachings align with the gospel proclaimed by Christ and His apostles.
Through an examination of passages such as Romans 3–5, Romans 8, Galatians, Ephesians 2, and Titus 3, we'll explore:
• What it means to be justified before God
• The examples of Abraham, David, and Paul
• Whether works contribute to our justification
• The difference between the root of salvation and its fruit
• Assurance of salvation and peace with God
• The consequences of adding works to the gospel
The central question is simple:
Are sinners declared righteous solely through faith in Christ, or through faith combined with works?
Join us as we compare Scripture with the official teachings of Eastern Orthodoxy and examine whether justification is based entirely on Christ's finished work or on a synergistic process involving human cooperation.
00:00 Why Peace With God
00:59 Orthodox Confession Background
01:59 Decree 3 and Works Salvation
03:44 Decree 9 Redefines Faith
07:55 Can We Keep Commandments
11:29 Justification Courtroom Verdict
14:57 Christ Pays Our Debt
17:35 Imputation and Assurance
19:54 Abraham Paul and James
24:36 Faith Alone Not Synergy
31:27 Grace That Breaks Sin
34:54 No Condemnation Assurance
39:43 Decree 13 Faith Plus Works
45:07 Galatians Warning Against Addons
49:57 Baptism Theosis and Merit
56:39 Final Call Trust Christ Alone
Is peace with God found through faith alone, or through a combination of faith and works?
In this episode, we examine the biblical doctrine of justification by faith alone and compare it with the teachings of Eastern Orthodoxy as expressed in the Synod of Jerusalem and the Confession of Dositheus.
We'll look at official Orthodox statements concerning salvation, faith, works, baptism, and justification, and ask whether these teachings align with the gospel proclaimed by Christ and His apostles.
Through an examination of passages such as Romans 3–5, Romans 8, Galatians, Ephesians 2, and Titus 3, we'll explore:
• What it means to be justified before God
• The examples of Abraham, David, and Paul
• Whether works contribute to our justification
• The difference between the root of salvation and its fruit
• Assurance of salvation and peace with God
• The consequences of adding works to the gospel
The central question is simple:
Are sinners declared righteous solely through faith in Christ, or through faith combined with works?
Join us as we compare Scripture with the official teachings of Eastern Orthodoxy and examine whether justification is based entirely on Christ's finished work or on a synergistic process involving human cooperation.
00:00 Why Peace With God
00:59 Orthodox Confession Background
01:59 Decree 3 and Works Salvation
03:44 Decree 9 Redefines Faith
07:55 Can We Keep Commandments
11:29 Justification Courtroom Verdict
14:57 Christ Pays Our Debt
17:35 Imputation and Assurance
19:54 Abraham Paul and James
24:36 Faith Alone Not Synergy
31:27 Grace That Breaks Sin
34:54 No Condemnation Assurance
39:43 Decree 13 Faith Plus Works
45:07 Galatians Warning Against Addons
49:57 Baptism Theosis and Merit
56:39 Final Call Trust Christ Alone
