"For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from observing the law" (Rom. 3:28).
Last time, we focused on the need to trust God, to rely on His strength, and to believe in His promises. That kind of faith is an active trust which flows out of a regenerate heart. Today we will be more particular in our examination of faith by focusing on the kind of faith necessary for our salvation. In other words, we will be looking at that cardinal doctrine of the Protestant Reformation “justification by faith alone.” Justification by faith alone is the heart of the Gospel. The Good News that we are to proclaim to all nations is that we are saved not by our own works but by the righteousness of Christ, which is accounted to us through faith.
Let us look at the classic passage which defines the doctrine of justification by faith: Romans 3:21–31. Paul begins back in middle of chapter 3 explaining to the Roman church that no one is righteous. He is painting in the background which is necessary in order to understand justification by faith. We are all sinners in need of redemption. We cannot redeem ourselves, we cannot justify ourselves (be declared righteous) by works: “Therefore no one will be declared righteous in His sight by observing the law” (Rom. 3:20 NIV). Without the intervention of God’s grace in our lives, we have no hope. We cannot be declared righteous by our own works.
So what is the answer? Paul tells us in chapter 3: “But now righteousness from God, apart from the law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe.… For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from observing the law” (Rom. 3:21–28 NIV). Because we cannot obtain righteousness by ourselves, we need the righteousness of another, of Jesus Christ. That righteousness comes “from God” because it belongs to Him. It does not come from our observance of the law. Therefore, those who have faith in Jesus Christ, who believe that His righteousness is sufficient to cover all sin, are justified before God. That’s the Good News! Salvation is all of grace. Even our faith, the instrument through which we obtain the righteousness of Christ (Eph. 2:8–9), is a gift from God. Praise to the grace of our beloved Lord, Jesus Christ!
Looking at Romans 5 (and Rom. 6), what should your response be to the doctrine of justification by faith alone?
