Justified by Faith, Not by Works
We all feel the pressure to measure up. Whether it’s at work, school, or even in friendships, there’s this constant question: “Am I enough?” That same mindset can sneak into our faith. We start thinking God’s acceptance depends on our performance. But the gospel tells a different story, one Paul fiercely defends in Galatians 2.
Why? Because at stake was the heart of the gospel, justification by faith.
What Is Justification?
Justification is a big church word that simply means this: God declares you righteous—not because of what you’ve done, but because of what Jesus has done for you.
Justification is a legal term. It declares a person “not guilty.”
J.I. Packer
"To justify is not to change the person’s character, but to change his relation to the law. It is a judicial act, declaring that the law no longer condemns but acquits."
Not that the person has never sinned, but that regardless of what they’ve done, the court declares them righteous and the community now will treat them as an innocent person because the court and the judge has spoken.
This is not the same as forgiveness. But they’re related—
Forgiveness says: “Your sins will not be held against you.”
Justification says: “You are declared righteous in the eyes of the Judge.”
This is why Paul can say in Galatians 2:16:
“A person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ.”
It’s not about keeping rules, measuring up, or proving yourself. You don’t earn God’s love, you receive it by faith.
Why It Matters
Justification isn’t just a doctrine for theologians, it’s a daily reality that shapes all of life.
It gives us identity. You’re not defined by your performance, but by Christ’s finished work.
It gives us certainty. You don’t have to wonder where you stand with God, He has already declared you righteous.
It gives us freedom. No more striving to earn approval. You are free to love, serve, and walk in grace.
Paul ends this section with one of the most powerful verses in Scripture:
“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.” (Galatians 2:20)
That’s the heart of justification.
You don’t live for approval anymore, you live from approval.
Jesus’ righteousness is yours.
His life is in you.
Why? Because at stake was the heart of the gospel, justification by faith.
What Is Justification?
Justification is a big church word that simply means this: God declares you righteous—not because of what you’ve done, but because of what Jesus has done for you.
Justification is a legal term. It declares a person “not guilty.”
J.I. Packer
"To justify is not to change the person’s character, but to change his relation to the law. It is a judicial act, declaring that the law no longer condemns but acquits."
Not that the person has never sinned, but that regardless of what they’ve done, the court declares them righteous and the community now will treat them as an innocent person because the court and the judge has spoken.
This is not the same as forgiveness. But they’re related—
Forgiveness says: “Your sins will not be held against you.”
Justification says: “You are declared righteous in the eyes of the Judge.”
This is why Paul can say in Galatians 2:16:
“A person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ.”
It’s not about keeping rules, measuring up, or proving yourself. You don’t earn God’s love, you receive it by faith.
Why It Matters
Justification isn’t just a doctrine for theologians, it’s a daily reality that shapes all of life.
It gives us identity. You’re not defined by your performance, but by Christ’s finished work.
It gives us certainty. You don’t have to wonder where you stand with God, He has already declared you righteous.
It gives us freedom. No more striving to earn approval. You are free to love, serve, and walk in grace.
Paul ends this section with one of the most powerful verses in Scripture:
“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.” (Galatians 2:20)
That’s the heart of justification.
You don’t live for approval anymore, you live from approval.
Jesus’ righteousness is yours.
His life is in you.
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