What is justification by faith — Meaning Explained

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.