Early November carries deep meaning for Christians across many traditions. In the UK, we pause to honour Remembrance Sunday. Across many Protestant churches in Europe, this season also prompts us to look back to the Reformation. On 31 October 1517, Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the church door in Wittenberg, an action that helped re-centre the church on the gospel of grace.
Luther later said that justification by faith is “the article by which the church stands or falls.” It is not simply one doctrine among many. It is the beating heart of the Christian message.
A recent sermon on Romans 3–4 reflected on this rich truth. What follows is a warm, accessible summary of Paul’s teaching and what countless believers have affirmed across the centuries: that we are made right with God not by our works, but by faith in Jesus Christ alone.
1. We All Need Righteousness
Paul begins by reminding us that no one is naturally righteous before God. Whether religious or secular, familiar with Scripture or not, every human being falls short of God’s perfect standard.
Even those who have never read the Ten Commandments have a built-in sense of right and wrong. Yet none of us live up to even our own standards. As Paul says, “The wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men.”
Righteousness is not optional. We all need it.
2. We Cannot Become Righteous by Being “Good Enough”
Many assume that doing our best and avoiding serious wrongdoing should make us acceptable to God. Paul, however, is direct: “By the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified.”
God’s law shows us our lack of righteousness; it does not produce it. Like a thermometer that measures but does not cook, the law diagnoses the problem but cannot cure it.
3. God Gives Righteousness as a Free Gift
Here is the beauty of the gospel: God gives what He requires.
Through Jesus Christ, He offers righteousness as a gift undeserved, unearned, freely given. Grace is not repayment. It is not a reward. Salvation is not wages earned but a gift placed into empty hands.
4. Justification Is God’s Legal Declaration
Justification is not about feelings or moods. It is a legal verdict spoken by God Himself. The Judge declares the believer “righteous.” There is no middle category between justified and condemned.
This righteousness is not something we grow into. It is credited to our account.
5. We Receive Christ’s Righteousness, Not Our Own
This truth transformed John Bunyan’s life. In Grace Abounding, he recalls realising, “Your righteousness is in heaven.”
That righteousness is Christ Himself.
Nothing we do can add to it, and nothing we fail to do can take away from it. Our standing before God rests entirely and securely in Jesus.
6. Our Sins Were Credited to Christ
Just as Christ’s righteousness is credited to us, our sin was placed on Him. Paul puts it clearly:
“He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”
This exchange - our guilt for His righteousness is the heart of salvation.
7. Justification Happens the Moment We Believe
Justification does not unfold slowly, nor does it depend on rituals or religious milestones.
The moment a sinner trusts Christ, God declares them righteous.
The Westminster Confession explains that although Christ died for His people, we are not justified until the Holy Spirit applies that work personally to us.
8. Free for Us, Costly for Christ
Grace costs us nothing, but it cost Jesus everything. Our justification required His blood. The cross is where divine justice and divine mercy came together.
9. One Way of Salvation for Everyone
No matter who we are Jew or Gentile, young or old, wealthy or poor, every person who has ever been saved has been saved the same way: by faith in Christ.
This was true for Old Testament believers as well. God “passed over” sins previously committed because Christ’s sacrifice was still to come.
10. No Room for Boasting
If salvation were even partly by works, we could take some credit. Because it is entirely by grace, the glory goes to God alone.
11. God’s Law Is Still Honoured
Justification by faith does not push God’s law aside. It honours it. Sin is not ignored; it is punished. Either we bear it, or Christ bears it in our place.
12. Justification Brings Deep Peace and Joy
David wrote, “Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven.”
Blessed means happy, relieved, free.
When we know that God no longer counts our sins against us, we find true peace. Luther said that when the conscience finally hears this truth, it “leaps for joy.”
13. Good Works Flow Naturally from Justification
Good works do not save us, but saved people do good works. True faith changes us. Luther said real faith “cannot help but do good works.”
Good works are the fruit of salvation, not the cause.
14. This Is Not a New Doctrine
Justification by faith is not a Reformation invention. It is woven through Scripture. Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness. David rejoiced in God’s imputed righteousness. Paul preached it. Jesus affirmed it.
The Church of England’s Articles call this teaching “most wholesome and very full of comfort.” Christians across history have found it so.
Conclusion: Have You Believed?
This doctrine is not just something to understand. It is something to receive.
The very moment you trust Jesus Christ with empty hands and a needy heart, you pass from death into life. No earning. No improving yourself first. No contribution. Just simple faith.
It humbles us because we bring nothing.
It fills us with joy because Christ gives us everything.
