JUSTIFICATION BY FAITH IN CHRIST ALONE
Justification is the doctrine that God pardons, accepts, and declares a sinner to be just, “made right with God,” on the basis of Christ’s righteousness. Justification is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ apart from works.
Paul was concerned that the Christians at Galatia, who had received salvation by faith in Christ, were exchanging their faith for a focus on law-keeping. Those saved by faith are to live by faith, not by works. Yet this tendency still befalls many believers today. We recognize our sin and total dependence on Jesus for salvation, but then try to live the Christian life in our own strength. A focus on law-keeping leads to self-righteousness, pride and an inordinate comparing of ourselves to others. Living by faith in Jesus, we work, but we do so according to Christ’s power. We work out what God is working in us (Phil.2:12-13). Our righteousness is us in Christ. And our life is Christ in us.
PRAYER: Our Father, thank You for making us right with You through our faith in Christ. Yet even our faith is from You, so that we are in awe of Your grace towards us. We rejoice in hope now that we know we have peace with God and not only that, but we have been changed from foes to friends because of Jesus. We therefore come to You as Your children, entering into Your throne room in Christ. We rest in You and depend on You for all things today. In Jesus’ name, amen.