What Is Justification by Faith?
One of the most important doctrines of Christianity — especially in the Reformed tradition — is justification by faith. This doctrine answers the fundamental question: How can a sinner be made right with a holy God?
What Does “Justified” Mean?
To be justified means to be declared righteous by God. It’s a legal verdict where God, the righteous Judge, counts a sinner as righteous — not based on their own merit, but through the righteousness of Jesus Christ.
The Biblical Basis
Paul writes in Romans 3:28:
“For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law.”
This means that we are not made right with God by what we do, but by trusting in what Christ has done. Faith is the means by which we receive this gift of grace.
Martin Luther: The Doctrine on Which the Church Stands
Martin Luther, a key figure in the Reformation, called justification by faith:
“The article upon which the church stands or falls.”
Without it, the gospel is lost. With it, we understand that salvation is a gift from God, not something earned.
R.C. Sproul on Faith Alone
Reformed theologian R.C. Sproul taught:
“Justification is by faith alone, but not by a faith that is alone. True faith always produces fruit.”
In other words, while we are saved by faith and not works, genuine faith results in a transformed life — not as a cause of salvation, but as its evidence.
John MacArthur: God’s Righteousness Applied
John MacArthur explains:
“In justification, God imputes the righteousness of Christ to the believer’s account — a divine transaction that secures eternal life.”
This “imputation” is central: our sin was laid on Christ, and His righteousness is credited to us (2 Corinthians 5:21).
By Grace Through Faith
Ephesians 2:8-9 reminds us:
“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God...”
Faith is not a work — it is receiving Christ and resting in His finished work on the cross.
Peace with God
The result of justification? Peace. Romans 5:1 declares:
“Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Peace with God means no more wrath, no more condemnation — only grace, assurance, and eternal security.
Final Thoughts
Justification by faith is not merely a doctrine for theologians — it’s the lifeline of every believer. It gives us hope, assurance, and joy, knowing that our standing before God is based not on our performance, but on the perfect righteousness of Christ credited to us.