Why is justification by faith such an important doctrine?

Response

The concept of justification by faith distinguishes biblical Christianity from other belief systems. In various religions, and even within certain sects of what is referred to as “Christianity,” individuals strive to earn their way to God. Only in genuine, biblical Christianity is salvation attained through grace by means of faith. It is only when we adhere strictly to the teachings of the Bible that we understand that justification comes through faith alone, apart from works.

The term justified signifies being “declared or treated as righteous.” For a Christian, justification involves God not only pardoning the believer’s sins but also attributing to them the righteousness of Christ. The Bible emphasizes in multiple instances that justification is solely attained through faith (e.g., Romans 5:1; Galatians 3:24). Justification is not achieved through our own efforts; instead, we are clothed in the righteousness of Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8; Titus 3:5). By being declared righteous, the Christian is liberated from the burden of sin.

Justification is a divine accomplishment that occurs instantaneously, in contrast to sanctification, which is a continual process of transformation leading to a likeness of Christ (the act of “being saved,” cf: 1 Corinthians 1:18; 1 Thessalonians 5:23). Sanctification follows justification.

Comprehending the doctrine of justification is crucial for a Christian. Firstly, understanding justification and grace serves as a catalyst for good deeds and spiritual development, thereby connecting justification to sanctification. Additionally, the fact that justification is a completed work of God provides believers with assurance of their salvation. In the eyes of God, believers are justified.Believers have the righteousness necessary to attain eternal life.

Once a person is justified, there is nothing else they need to gain entrance into heaven. Justification comes through faith in Christ, based on His work on our behalf, rendering our own works inadequate for salvation «Therefore we conclude that a person is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. », (Romans 3:28). Various religious systems with intricate theologies exist that propagate the false doctrine of justification by works. However, they are promoting “a different gospel—which is really no gospel at all” (Galatians 1:6-7).

Without a comprehension of justification by faith alone, we cannot fully grasp the magnificent gift of grace—God’s “unmerited favor” becomes “merited” in our minds, leading us to believe we merit salvation. The doctrine of justification by faith helps us uphold “pure devotion to Christ” «But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. », (2 Corinthians 11:3). Adhering to justification by faith prevents us from falling for the falsehood that we can earn heaven. No ritual, sacrament, or deed can make us deserving of Christ’s righteousness. It is solely by His grace, in response to our faith, that God has imputed to us the holiness of His Son. Both the Old and New Testaments affirm, “The just shall live by faith” (Habakkuk 2:4;Romans 1:17;Galatians 3:11;Hebrews 10:38).