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Justification is God's act of declaring sinners righteous based on Christ's work, not our own merit. When we trust in Jesus, His righteousness is credited to us and our sins to Him. We're declared 'not guilty' before God—a legal standing, not gradual transformation. It's by faith alone in Christ alone.
Why this answer? It starts with Romans 3:24, then cross-checks Romans 5:1 and Galatians 2:16 so the summary stays anchored in Scripture.
This answer explains justification as God's verdict in Christ: sinners are declared righteous by grace through faith, not by earning a new standing through works.
The biblical definition of justified centers on being declared righteous before God—not through human effort but through faith in Jesus Christ. Romans 3:24 teaches that sinners are justified by grace as a gift. This forensic justification is a legal verdict: God credits Christ's imputed righteousness to believers, giving them right standing with God. The Reformers captured this truth with the phrase sola fide—by faith alone. When we are justified by faith, God sees us through Christ's perfect record, as though we had never sinned. This justification by grace means our credited as righteousness comes entirely from what Christ accomplished on the cross, not from our own works or moral achievement.
“And are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.”
- Romans 3:24
Salvation is God's deliverance of humanity from sin and its consequences through Jesus Christ. It includes forgiveness of sins, reconciliation with God, and the gift of eternal life. Salvation is by grace through faith, not by human effort or good works.
Grace is God's unmerited favor—His love and mercy given freely to humanity despite our unworthiness. In Christian theology, grace is the foundation of salvation, given through faith in Jesus Christ, not earned by works (Ephesians 2:8-9).
Sanctification is the ongoing process of becoming more like Christ after salvation. While justification is instant (declared righteous), sanctification is gradual (being made holy). The Holy Spirit transforms us as we cooperate through spiritual disciplines. We're already 'saints' (set apart) but still growing in holiness.
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Answers are informed by Scripture and trusted theologians including Matthew Henry, John Calvin, and John Wesley. Always verify with Scripture and consult your local church for pastoral guidance.