Study Guide: Doctrine of Justification

(Use this study guide for deeper study of sermon preached on May 4, 2025)

The word “doctrine” refers to the body of teachings or beliefs that are considered authoritative and foundational to the Christian faith. These teachings are based on the Bible and help guide the beliefs and practices of Christ followers. Doctrines are essential for maintaining the integrity of the Christian faith and they help to ensure unity among believers because they reflect the core truths of Christianity.

The doctrine of justification is one of the most profound and life-changing aspects of the Christian faith. It declares believers righteous before God, not based on their own merit but on the work completed by Jesus Christ. In Romans 5:1, Paul writes, “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Justification is a legal declaration that we are not guilty, even though we were once sinners. It is through faith in Jesus Christ, and His atoning sacrifice on the cross, that we are made right with God. This foundational truth assures believers that they can stand before a holy God without fear or condemnation.

The significance of justification is that it removes the barrier of sin between us and God. In Romans 3:24, Paul explains that we are “justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” We are made righteous not by our works or efforts, but by God’s grace alone. This truth changes the way we live, as it frees us from the burden of striving to earn God’s approval. Justification means that, through Christ, we are fully accepted by God and are given the righteousness of Jesus as our own. This unmerited favor is the heart of the gospel and is what empowers us to live with confidence and joy, knowing we are loved and forgiven.

Justification also brings with it the assurance of eternal life. In Romans 5:9, Paul reminds us, “Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him?” Through justification, believers are assured of their salvation and are given the hope of eternal life with God. This doctrine is vital to our faith because it anchors us in the truth that, despite our imperfections, we are secure in Christ. Justification transforms our identity, as we are no longer defined by our failures, but by Christ’s righteousness. This powerful truth compels us to live in gratitude, worship, and obedience, knowing that we are forever reconciled to God through Jesus Christ!

Study Outline

Take some time to look up and read these verses in your Bible, highlight, or spend time reflecting as you read.

1. Justification by Faith

- Romans 3:28 – "For we maintain that a person is justified by faith apart from the works of the law."

- Galatians 2:16 – "...a person is not justified by the works of the law, but through faith in Jesus Christ."

2. Justification by Grace

- Romans 3:24 – "...and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus."

- Titus 3:7 – "...so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life."

3. Justification through Christ’s Blood

- Romans 5:9 – "Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God's wrath through him!"

- 1 Peter 2:24 – "He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness."

4. Justification Apart from Works

- Ephesians 2:8-9 – "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast."

- Romans 4:5 – "However, to the one who does not work but trusts God who justifies the ungodly, their faith is credited as righteousness."

5. Justification and Peace with God

- Romans 5:1 – "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ."

- Isaiah 32:17 – "The fruit of that righteousness will be peace; its effect will be quietness and confidence forever."

6. Justification Leads to Sanctification

- Romans 6:22 – "But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life."

- 1 Corinthians 6:11 – "And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God."

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

The following questions can be used for personal reflection, small group discussions, Bible studies, or for journaling.

• Why is justification based on faith and not on works?

• What role does Jesus’ sacrifice play in justification?

• How does being justified affect your daily walk with God?

• What are some common misconceptions about justification, and how can we address them biblically?

• How does the doctrine of justification influence the way we share the gospel with others?

• In what ways does justification bring assurance of salvation?

• Can a person be justified without showing evidence of a changed life? Why or why not?

• Does repentance play a role in justification? How?

• How should an understanding of justification impact the way we treat others, especially those who struggle with sin?

• Why do some people struggle to accept justification by grace alone, and how can we help them understand it better?

• How do faith and works (doing good) relate to each other in the life of a justified believer?

• How does understanding justification help us resist legalism and self-righteousness?