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Justification by Faith Alone: Why the Church Cannot Lose Sola Fide
By Dave Jenkins | Contending for the WordHow can a guilty sinner stand righteous before a holy God? Scripture directs us to the perfect righteousness and finished work of Jesus Christ, received through faith alone.In this episode of Contending for the Word, Dave Jenkins explains why justification by faith alone remains essential to the gospel, the church’s faithfulness, and the Christian’s assurance.Listen or Watch
Faith Alone Receives Christ
Faith does not earn salvation. Christ’s person and work provide the ground of our justification, and faith is the means by which we receive Him.Drawing from Romans 3–5 and Galatians 2, Dave explains why sinners cannot establish their own righteousness before God. Our acceptance rests entirely upon Christ, who obeyed perfectly, bore the judgment His people deserve, and rose from the grave.Justification and Sanctification
Justification concerns our righteous standing before God. Sanctification concerns God’s work of growing us in holiness. These blessings are distinct, yet the God who justifies His people also sanctifies them.The believer’s continuing struggle with sin does not mean Christ’s righteousness is incomplete. Christians pursue holiness from a position of acceptance in Christ.Saving Faith Produces Good Works
Paul and James confront different errors. Paul rejects works as the basis of justification. James exposes an empty profession of faith that produces no obedience.Ephesians 2:8–10 holds these truths together: salvation is God’s gracious gift, received through faith, and those saved in Christ are created for good works. Obedience is the fruit of God’s saving grace.Assurance That Rests in Christ
When we make our performance the foundation of our acceptance before God, we become vulnerable to pride or despair. Justification directs our confidence to Christ.His righteousness does not fluctuate with our spiritual performance. This truth frees believers to confess sin honestly, pursue holiness earnestly, and rest in the Savior who has accomplished everything necessary for their justification.Key Scriptures
- Romans 3:20–28
- Romans 4:1–5
- Romans 5:1, 19
- Galatians 2:16–21
- 2 Corinthians 5:21
- Ephesians 2:8–10
- James 2:14–26
- Romans 8:1, 33–34
Continue Growing in Biblical Truth
Explore more Christ-centered teaching at Contending for the Word and subscribe to the Servants of Grace YouTube channel.Share this episode with someone who needs encouragement to look to Christ, rest in His righteousness, and walk in grateful obedience.
Dave Jenkins is happily married to his wife, Sarah, and lives in beautiful Southern Oregon. He is a writer, editor, and speaker who loves Christ, His people, the Church, and sound theology.
Dave serves as the Executive Director of Servants of Grace Ministries and the Executive Editor of Theology for Life Magazine. He is the Host and Producer of the Equipping You in Grace Podcast and a contributor to and producer of Contending for the Word.
He is the author of The War of Worldviews: Truth, Lies, and the Battle for the Christian Mind (Theology for Life, 2026), Contentment: The Journey of a Lifetime (Theology for Life, 2024), The Word Matters: Defending Biblical Authority Against the Spirit of the Age and The Word Explored: The Problem of Biblical Illiteracy and What To Do About It (House to House, 2021).
You can connect with Dave on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, YouTube, or subscribe to his newsletter.
When he is not engaged in ministry work, Dave enjoys spending time with his wife, going to movies, sharing a meal at a favorite restaurant, or playing a round of golf with friends. He is also a voracious reader, particularly of Reformed theology and the Puritans, and is often found working through a stack of new books from a wide range of Christian publishers.
Dave earned his M.A.R. and M.Div. from Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary.
