Reformed theology

Dr. C. Matthew McMahon’s Shorter and Longer Summaries of Calvin’s Institutes

“Justification is the ‘chief thing’ which holds up all religion. Calvin explains this importance by wrapping up all the doctrine thus far. Man is utterly helpless to save himself and needs a Mediator. He has no excuse when standing before God and being judged. He is a sinner. He is under the Law that weighs down upon him. He has nothing to say in his own defense. God with Divine Grace must now confront divine Law before him. Thus, God must justify the sinner. He cannot be justified by any of his works and needs God to justify him on behalf of Jesus Christ. ‘Justification by Christ’ is the answer.”