Justification by faith alone is a foundational doctrine of Christianity that traces its roots back to the Apostle Paul in the first century. In a nutshell, justification refers to God declaring a sinner righteous before Him on the basis of faith, rather than by merit or works. This doctrine emphasizes that we cannot earn salvation through our own efforts, but that it comes as an unearned gift of God’s grace, received through faith in Jesus Christ. The importance of this doctrine cannot be overstated, as it speaks to the very heart of the gospel message.
There are several key reasons why justification by faith is such an indispensable Christian doctrine:
1. It upholds the supremacy and sufficiency of Christ’s atoning work
Justification by faith alone maintains that Christ’s death on the cross fully paid the penalty for our sins. There is nothing we can add to His finished work to earn God’s favor. As Paul says in Romans 3:28, “For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law.” If we could merit salvation through our own righteous deeds, even partially, it would diminish the completeness of Christ’s sacrifice on our behalf. Justification by faith alone points to the supremacy and sufficiency of Christ’s atoning work.
2. It eliminates boasting and pride
If people could earn their salvation through works, it would inevitably lead to pride and boasting. One could boast before God that they earned their right standing through their own righteous living. But as Ephesians 2:8-9 declares, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” Justification by faith eliminates pride by making clear we contribute nothing to our salvation – it is purely an unmerited gift.
3. It brings assurance of salvation
If our right standing before God depended on our own righteous works, we could never have full assurance of our salvation. Our works are never perfect enough to merit God’s favor. As Martin Luther struggled with this as a monk, justification by faith alone brought him assurance, knowing he was declared righteous by God’s grace, not his own faulty works. It provides the same assurance to believers today.
4. It upholds God’s sovereignty and holiness
A works-based salvation system puts some control in the hands of the individual. But justification by faith exalts God’s sovereignty in salvation. As Romans 9:16 states, “So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy.” Additionally, God’s holy nature cannot tolerate sin. Justification maintains God’s holiness, as He declares sinners righteous not because of their works but because their sin was punished fully in Christ.
5. It motivates gratitude and obedience
Far from encouraging lax living, justification by faith alone motivates obedience and gratitude. When believers realize the magnitude of the gracious gift of salvation they have received, the natural response is to live in a manner pleasing to God (Titus 2:11-14). After eleven chapters expounding justification by faith, Paul says “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice…” (Romans 12:1). Grace motivates holiness.
6. It unifies believers across ethnic, social and gender boundaries
In a works-based system, divisions easily emerge between groups who feel their works “out-merit” others. But since justification comes freely by God’s grace, received through faith alone, all ground is level at the foot of the cross. As Paul declares, “…there is neither Jew nor Greek…for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28). Distinctions fade as all glory in the gracious gift.
7. It guards against legalism and license
A works-based system often devolves into legalism, where people obsess over their works. The flip side of this is license, where people presume on God’s grace and disregard obedience. Justification by faith guards against both errors. Legalists are reminded works cannot earn salvation. Antinomians are reminded that authentic faith inevitably produces good works.
8. It was taught by Jesus
While Paul most systematically expounded this doctrine, justification by faith was taught by Jesus Himself. When addressing the Pharisees’ works-based righteousness, Jesus declared that the tax collector who cried out, “God, be merciful to me, a sinner!” went home justified before God (Luke 18:9-14). Salvation is by grace through faith, not works.
9. It was taught by the Reformers and Church fathers
In addition to Paul, justification by faith was taught by many important figures in church history. Augustine emphasized that we are justified by grace alone through faith. The Reformers like Luther and Calvin fervently upheld this doctrine. While variations exist on the theology of salvation, justification by faith alone has broad historical support.
In summary, the biblical doctrine of justification by faith alone in Christ’s finished work is central to Christianity. It glorifies God’s grace, illuminates the insufficiency of our works to earn salvation, and unites believers across all superficial distinctions. No wonder Luther called justification by faith Christianity’s essential doctrine – it is the heart and soul of the gospel message.