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Study 22 of 49

Justification by Faith

Declared righteous — the verdict that precedes the change

Hands-free narration of this study — good for the car.

Synopsis

Justification is God's legal declaration that the believing sinner stands righteous in Christ. It is instantaneous, complete, and unchanging in itself, resting wholly on Christ's merit. It does not make us righteous in character — that is sanctification — but it gives us the standing from which all growth proceeds.

Key points

  • Justification is a declaration, not a process.
  • It is received by faith alone, apart from works of law.
  • It gives peace with God as a present possession.

Key texts

  • Romans 5:1
  • Romans 3:24-28
  • Romans 4:5
  • Titus 3:5-7
  1. Comprehension

    1. Define justification and distinguish it from forgiveness and from sanctification.

  2. Scripture

    2. Read Romans 5:1. What follows justification immediately?

  3. Scripture

    3. Read Romans 4:5. Whom does God justify?

  4. Doctrinal Clarity

    4. Is justification a process or an act? Why does the answer matter pastorally?

  5. Contrast

    5. Contrast being declared righteous with being made righteous.

  6. Doctrinal Clarity

    6. Why must justification be by faith alone if boasting is to be excluded?

  7. Application

    7. Do you have peace with God today, and on what ground?

  8. Application

    8. How would you explain justification to a person with no church background?