The doctrine of justification has been called the storm center of the Reformation. For Paul, it was the heart of the gospel of Jesus Christ. From Galatians 2:15 through 5:1, we will learn how this concept shaped Paul’s message and devotion. This subject of justification by faith is spoken of by others in the NT, but it is most often the words written by Paul that we turn to when we seek to defend this beautiful doctrine.
Justification is God’s act of pardoning sinners and accepting them as righteous for Christ’s sake. When God justifies someone, He permanently puts right their relationship with Himself. 2 Cor. 5:21 reminds us, “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” This is the foundation of our acceptance by God.
R. C. Sproul, ed., The Reformation Study Bible: English Standard Version (Orlando, FL; Lake Mary, FL: Ligonier Ministries, 2005), 1696.
Daniel Bush and Noel Due, Live in Liberty: The Spiritual Message of Galatians (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2015).
