What Is Meant By Justification By Faith?

As reported by Douglas Moo, justification by faith is such an important topic of discussion and theology that it was this very point that brought Martin Luther to a full understanding of what salvation truly was. Justification by faith is the very heart of the gospel, the very essence of the letter written to the Romans and found at the very heart of God’s Holy Scripture.[1] Paul further elaborates on these results and what Paul means by three truths is that people can only be justified by faith. The first truth Paul reveals is that humans can’t boast. We play no part in the justification process. Second, all people are able to experience the benefits of God, both the Jew and the gentile and lastly, the law is not put aside or abolished it has been established through the death of Christ on the cross. This is all due to faith and grace. This is worth reiterating, there is nothing we are able to do to obtain justification. It is a free gift that only God could have provide for us. I head a preacher say one time that our very best to God is still sin.[2] Moo then expounds further on his explanation of justification by faith saying it is for both Jew and Gentile, circumcised and uncircumcised in the same way, through faith. He also states:

“Those who are in Christ fulfill the demand of the law. Suggesting that Paul is alluding to this idea when he claims that his teaching of justification by faith “upholds the law.” It does so by bringing people into relationship with Christ so that Christ’s own perfect fulfillment of the law might be applied to them.[3]

[1] (Moo 2002, 23)
[2] (Moo 2002, 86-87)
[3] (Moo 2002, 88)