Welcome everyone, to The Reformed Theology Alliance! Today we’ll be exploring the deeply significant theological concept of "Justification by Faith Alone." This doctrine is central to the Reformed tradition and has profound implications for our Christian faith and daily lives. To kick things off, let’s clarify what we mean by "justification." In simple terms, justification is God’s act of declaring sinners to be righteous on account of Christ’s atoning sacrifice. The principle of justification by faith alone teaches that we are made right with God not by our works, but through faith in Jesus Christ. Justification is an act of God's grace that is received through faith, and it is crucial to understand that this faith is not merely intellectual assent but trust in Christ as our Savior. Let’s look at some biblical texts that support the Reformed view: 1. Romans 3:28 states, “For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law.” This verse emphasizes that justification is obtained through faith, excluding human efforts. 2. Ephesians 2:8-9 reminds us, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” Here, Paul underscores that salvation is a gift from God, reinforcing the notion that our works cannot earn God's favor. 3. Galatians 2:16 expresses this further: “Yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ.” Paul argued vigorously that the Jewish law cannot justify us, but rather, faith in Christ is the means of our justification. These texts reveal that justification is a pivotal aspect of salvation that signifies our transfer from being guilty in sin to being declared righteous before God. Now, let's consider opposing views on justification. One common stance is the Catholic view, which asserts that justification involves both faith and works. According to this perspective, while faith initiates justification, cooperation with God’s grace through good works is necessary to maintain that state of grace.