What is the basis on which God justifies us?
God justifies us on the basis of His righteousness, not our own. The text says, 'it's His righteousness, and it's on that basis that He justifies us, if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end.' This righteousness is partaken of in Christ.
Les teaches that justification is not based on our own merit but on His righteousness. He points out that the text says it is His righteousness, and it is on that basis that He justifies us, if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end. Les acknowledges that some see the word 'if' as making it conditional, but he maintains that once we are in Christ, we will partake and remain steadfast because God will see to it. He then contrasts this with Israel's unbelief in the wilderness, where only Joshua, Caleb, Moses, and Aaron escaped judgment, while the rest fell. The warning is not to harden hearts, but the justified rest on Christ's righteousness.
For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end;