Justification by Faith

Galatians 2:16 ”knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified.”

This verse is in the context of Paul’s emphasis on liberty from the law. He attempts to remove every belief and even adherence to some laws. The process of justification by faith should be the primary teaching in churches as Jesus was very particular about this.

Justification

To be justified is a much higher privilege than being forgiven.  Romans 5:1,2 explains what it means to be justified. We have peace and access to grace and glory. We are considered as righteous as the law has been completely fulfilled through the death of Jesus Christ. This righteousness is given to us as we have received the judgement and with this pain and humiliation, we would not sin anymore. This is what true repentance is. If there is no repentance at the cross, there is no justification.

Faith

Now, faith is defined as the assurance and conviction of things hoped for and unseen (Hebrews 11:1). Faith comes without evidence. If there is no faith, God is required to keep convincing us by miracles and signs which becomes a relationship where only God is working to improve.  God has given his biggest contribution for this relationship by sending His Son. No relationship works if one person has to keep proving to the other, we need to build trust and expect trust. This is the same with God and us. There is no relationship or faith if we depend on Pastors, prophets or evangelists.

Justification by faith

Justification by faith is the doctrine which cannot be accepted in a secular world where we are focused on our needs. The secular world has different standards and requires a person not to harm others and live a prudent life. This does not serve the purpose God has with us. Being good is not right as per the Father, being faithful is.

In Romans 3:23-26, we read that God’s righteousness is demonstrated when he passed over our previous sins and then again when he justified us by our faith in Jesus. These are two distinct processes and reasons why Jesus was set apart as a sacrifice of grace. The death of Jesus has bought us forgiveness and our faith in Him makes us righteous. And in both these processes, God’s righteousness is displayed. That is, God’s righteousness is when we love him. This is why Jesus had given this commandment as the highest in Mathew 22:37. This commandment was not part of the Ten Commandments which were considered as the most important. In Deuteronomy 6:5, we read this commandment as a summary or a purpose of the Ten Commandments.

As per Galatians 3:22-25, the law just was preparing us for the correct justification. The Old Testament brings us to Christ. Every law was given to us for us to understand how important the death of Christ is to mankind. If the OT was not given to us, we would have just received grace without dignity.

Examples in OT

Hebrews 11 is the chapter that clearly explains this doctrine to us. Abel brought the firstborn and the best ones to the Lord and Cain did not bring the first fruits. This was an action of faith where you have strong faith in the Lord and give the best, whereas bringing just something for tradition’s sakes is hated by God. Enoch pleased God by showing his faith by believing in the existence of God. We know about Noah, Abraham and Sarah on their total trust in God.

All these men were not just good, but were focused in their relationship with God. This is a dependent’s life. In Genesis 15:6 we read that this faith was accounted as righteousness. This was after Abraham’s obedience in going away as per God asked him and after his communion with Melchizedek. This is the righteousness God defines. We are not expected to be just good in a secular way, but close and faithful to the Almighty. This relationship only matters in the universe. Not being good to mankind or world peace.

Boasting

Romans 4:2, Romans 3:27 explain how boasting is excluded completely in this justification. Jesus appreciated faith everywhere, but nobody in the Bible boasted on their faith. This is the essence of Christianity where everybody is equal.

The importance of Christ

From Gal 2:20,21 we read that the relationship with God and us changes after the death of Christ. We surrender completely to God saying that we do not live, but it is the life of Christ that is living. All desires and purposes focus of the needs of the one who lives. I live because I have faith that Jesus loves me and has died for me.