IMO, it is clear that JESUS is THE Savior (thus, self is not)... and thus whatever is needed for justification (narrow) is/was/will be supplied by Jesus (and thus, not self)... and thus we need to look to Jesus for all the reasons we will enter heaven.
The Bible points to JESUS and to several things about Him: Jesus' morality/holiness/perfection.... Jesus' love..... Jesus' obedience..... Jesus' life.... Jesus' death.... and especially Jesus' resurrection (that last point appears to be the biggest).
WHY these things are critical to our justification is a point the Bible never makes clear. Through the centuries, many theories have been proposed (these are called "Atonement Theories" in theology). For example, "Vicarious Atonement" (popular in modern Protestantism) and "Christus Victor" (spoken of often by Luther and Calvin, etc.). There are several of these. IMO, ALL of them have a good, solid, biblical basis but none of them (alone) seems to fully "answer" it (for example, the Vicarious Atonement Theory largely leaves out the Resurrection).
But what is critical is that we look to the Cross and Empty Tomb.... to JESUS... and not in the mirror. However He accomplished our justification (narrow), the point is JESUS did. Our faith is to be direct to Him - not to anything in self, not to any denomination, not to any Catechism, not to any mere man (no matter how boastful, egotistical or power-hungry). "Life High the Cross." "Nothing in my hands I bring, simply to Thy Cross I cling."
Soli DEO Gloria...... Sola Gratia - Solus CHRISTUS - Soli Fide.
- Josiah
