For in it God’s righteousness is revealed from faith to faith,[l] just as it is written: The righteous will live by faith.

Romans 1;17 

 Therefore, since we have been declared righteous by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

 Romans 5; 1

We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles, Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. (Gal. 2:15-16).

 My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness; Edward Mote, 1797-1874 

 

dictionary.comdefines Justification by faith; the act of God whereby humankind is made or accounted just, or free from guilt or penalty of sin.  Lorraine Day defines, justification to constitute righteous or “to make right.”  It does not mean to forgive or to pardon as if unjust, but to pronounce not guilty, to acquit, or to vindicate.  When we repent, God remembers our sin no more.

 Wikipedia defines it, in Christian theology, is God’s act of removing the guilt and penalty of sin while at the same time declaring a sinner righteous through Christ’s atoning sacrifice. In Protestantism, righteousness from God is viewed as being credited to the sinner’s account through faith alone, without works.

Eastern Bible Dictionary define it ;a forensic term, opposed to condemnation. As regards its nature, it is the judicial act of God, by which he pardons all the sins of those who believe in Christ, and accounts, accepts, and treats them as righteous in the eye of the law, i.e., as conformed to all its demands. In addition to the pardon (q.v.) of sin, justification declares that all the claims of the law are satisfied in respect of the justified. It is the act of a judge and not of a sovereign. The law is not relaxed or set aside, but is declared to be fulfilled in the strictest sense; and so the person justified is declared to be entitled to all the advantages and rewards arising from perfect obedience to the law (Rom. 5:1–10).

Nelson New Illustrate Bible Dictionary defines; where God’s declares that the demands of His Law have been fulfilled in the righteousness of His Son {Jesus Christ.} 

 The Greek word is Dikaiósis meaning; closely associated with the pressing need to be released from deserved punishment, or The believer is “made righteous/justified” by the Lord, cleared of all charges (punishment) related to their sins. 

 

Charles Spurgeon penned these words,” Any church which puts in the place of justification by faith in Christ another method of salvation is a harlot. “

 Tim Keller wrote. “The gospel of justifying faith means that while Christians are, in themselves still sinful and sinning, yet in Christ, in God’s sight, they are accepted and righteous. So we can say that we are more wicked than we ever dared believe, but more loved and accepted in Christ than we ever dared hope — at the very same time. This creates a radical new dynamic for personal growth. It means that the more you see your own flaws and sins, the more precious, electrifying, and amazing God’s grace appears to you. But on the other hand, the more aware you are of God’s grace and acceptance in Christ, the more able you are to drop your denials and self-defenses and admit the true dimensions and character of your sin.” 

 Martin Luther, “This doctrine [justification by faith] is the 

head and the cornerstone. It alone begets, nourishes, builds, preserves, and defends the church of God; and without it the church of God cannot exist for one hour

  John Calvin stated. “Justification is the main hinge on which salvation turns.”

John McAuthor wrote these words, “Justification is… a completed fact for the believer; it is not an ongoing process.”    

 

Personal Observation

Justification by faith is the most important doctrine within the Christian church. If God did not provide justification by faith, we would be no hope and totally lost. I love this doctrine, for it richness, and it great depth. 

Well simple in it understanding however, trying to get into the depth of this great truth leaves us with more questions than answers. Simply put Jesus is the Son Of God and became man and He knew no sins, and took our place, and gave us His righteousness. If we confess and repent of our sins, than His Father than declared us righteous and we will inherit Jesus Christ Righteousness, and He would credit us with His righteousness, and we will no longer bear the scar of our sins anymore.  As the Heidelberg Catechism stated in question and answer 60. “God grants and credits to us, the perfect satisfaction, righteousness, and holiness of Christ, as if I had never sinned nor were a sinner, as if I had been as perfectly obedient as Christ was obedient for me. There are five thought process we should consider in why Justification by Faith is an important piece of doctrine within the Christian community; As John Calvin penned, “Justification is the main hinge on which salvation turns. “Martin Luther also wrote ” Justification is the article where the church stand or falls” To understand Justification by Faith and why Jesus had to be a perfect substitute we need to understand what happen. First, God created Adam and Eve in His  image and they were without sin and lived in peace with God. Second, man violated God ordinance, and fell into sin than  they were separated from Him and how it effected all creation. Third, God is  a holy and righteous God and hates sin and had to punish the violater. Fourth, God loved us too much, to leave us in this sinful state. Lastly, humankind needed a substitute that had to be like God and man simultaneously, to take our place and bear the wrath of God and restore our relationship with God.  

Where Christ willingly went to the cross and sacrifice Himself and took our sins and His father wrath to bridge the gap between His Father and humankind. To those who confess, repent, and believe in Jesus Christ all pasts, presents, and futures sins will be remove from the individual, and remember no more in heaven.  In short,  the believer destination  is heaven bound and is  ticket is now  punch giving them the confidence work in God’s earthly kingdom.

Without this doctrine the Christian is without hope!