Justification by Faith

“For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from the works of the law.” Romans 3:28

The concept of justification by faith appears several times in Paul’s letter to the Romans. It is a major theme and point of emphasis in his epistles.

Its crucial importance is foundational to the gospel of Jesus Christ. This powerful phrase reveals to us that we are declared righteous (a meaning basic to the idea of justification), before a holy God based on the accomplished work of Christ alone. Jesus’ righteousness provides the basis for such a declaration that we are pardoned by God as a result. The beauty of such a declaration is based on the fact that a thing is what God calls it to be. We are declared pardoned and are so, based on God’s declaration to us through faith in Christ.

The only condition required by us for the application of this justification is faith alone. A faith that is based on trust, which relies and rests on Jesus’ finished work. Any other condition besides faith in Christ turns the gospel into works and law. This kind of faith is a gift from God and applied to the believer through the powerful Holy Spirit. This kind of faith is a result of grace and not our meeting certain conditions to have this gift (Ephesians 2:8-10 and Philippians 1:29). Even the act of repentance is partnered with this kind of faith and even in one sense follows faith since a person must believe that God will forgive them when they repent of their sins. Biblical faith in Christ is an indispensible gift. Salvation is by grace alone.

Author and teacher Hywel R. Jones has correctly remarked, that without this kind of justification “there is no Christian life.” Justification is the foundation of the Christian life. The force of Paul’s words in Romans 3:28, quoted above, underscore the critical reality. Paul’s statement at the beginning of the passage, “For we hold,” (NIV – “We maintain”) means that we do so with strong conviction and continual commitment. The force of the verb “to hold” carries the idea of continual action and presentation, without wavering. It is the continual reinforcement that the gospel is and remains “good news.”

When it comes to Justification by Faith I am not talking about a mere doctrinal formulation, but the foundation of a passionate faith. Luther’s colleague and fellow Reformer, Philip Melanchthon in his 1555 Topics on the Christian Faith, speaks to this issue by saying, “Faith is not only knowledge and thought, but something in the will and heart, a burning reliance on the Son of God.”

Gary L. Finkbeiner