Justification by Faith

“Justification by faith” is the cornerstone and central doctrine of the Christian faith. “By faith” means “through trust,” and “justification” means “to be declared innocent by God and to have one’s rightful standing restored before Him.” Its core meaning is that a sinner is saved solely by God’s grace (a gift), by trusting in Jesus Christ alone and not by relying on personal works, and is declared righteous by God.

To be “justified” is to be “on the right side” in a court of law, having a right relationship with God. Deuteronomy 25:1 says, “If there is a dispute between men and they come to court and the judges decide between them, they shall acquit the righteous and condemn the wicked.” The phrase “acquit the righteous” is the same original word for “justify.” Therefore, “justification” is a judge’s verdict in a court of law. It is the same when a person is justified before God. Romans 4:5 speaks of “justifying the ungodly,” which does not mean changing a sinner into a righteous person; it means that through Christ, a sinner enters a new relationship with God and is declared innocent. Justification is not a subjective, moral righteousness; it is God’s verdict, which clears all charges and declares a person innocent, freeing them from all condemnation and punishment.

“Abram believed the LORD, and he counted it to him as righteousness.” What made Abram most acceptable to God was not his actions or what he did for God, but his faith—his belief in all that God had said. Therefore, the LORD counted it to him as righteousness. Because all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, justification by faith is the only way for a person to be saved.

The Bible records

[2 Corinthians 5:19] That is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation.

[Romans 5:1-2] Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

[Romans 4:5] And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness.

Edited and compiled based on the Chinese Union Version Bible and Comprehensive Biblical Interpretation.