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    In Context

    What is justification by faith — In Biblical Context

    Justification by faith is the doctrine that sinners are declared righteous before God not by works but through faith in Jesus Christ, a cornerstone of Protestant theology.

    Quick Answer

    Justification by faith is the doctrine that sinners are declared righteous before God not by works but through faith in Jesus Christ, a cornerstone of Protestant theology.

    "Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law." — Romans 3:28 (KJV)

    The Biblical Context

    Justification is a legal term meaning 'to declare righteous.' Paul's letter to the Romans argues extensively that no one can be justified by keeping the Law, because all have sinned. Instead, God freely justifies those who believe in Jesus Christ. Abraham was counted righteous because he believed God, not because of works. This doctrine became the central issue of the Protestant Reformation — Martin Luther called it 'the article on which the church stands or falls.' Justification is distinguished from sanctification: justification is a one-time declaration of righteous standing, while sanctification is the ongoing process of becoming more like Christ.

    Where It Sits in Scripture

    The core passage for this question, Romans 3:28, sits inside Romans 3. To grasp the full meaning, read the surrounding paragraph — the verses before set up the thought, the verses after carry it forward.

    "Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law."
    — Romans 3:28 (KJV)

    Supporting Passages

    Romans 5:1
    "Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ."
    Ephesians 2:8-9
    "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast."

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    Meaning

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