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Justified by Faith: Understanding Romans 5:1
Episode Summary
In this episode of Anchored in the Word, Dave Jenkins walks through Romans 5:1 and explains what it means to be justified by faith. Justification is a legal declaration from God that the sinner is righteous in His sight, not because of personal works or merit, but because of the finished work of Jesus Christ. Dave shows how this doctrine gives believers peace with God, assurance of salvation, and confidence to live the Christian life in the grace of Christ.Listen to the Episode
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Key Scriptures
- Romans 5:1 – Justified by faith and at peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
- Romans 3:24 – Justified by His grace as a gift through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.
- Ephesians 2:8-9 – Saved by grace through faith, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.
- Romans 8:1 – No condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
Episode Notes
What Is Justification
Justification is a legal term. It means to be declared righteous in the sight of God. It is the opposite of condemnation. To be justified is to be acquitted, forgiven, and counted as righteous, not because of our own works, but because of what Christ has done in His death, burial, and resurrection. Romans 3:24 reminds us that we are justified by His grace as a gift through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. This is a key aspect of the gospel message. We are justified by God’s grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone.Justification and Faith Alone
Romans 5:1 says, “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Faith is the means by which we receive justification. We do not earn our standing with God through good deeds, religious rituals, or spiritual performance. We cannot work our way to righteousness. It is a gift given to us by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone. Ephesians 2:8-9 makes this clear. Salvation is by grace through faith. It is not our own doing and not a result of works. Justification is entirely the work of God, not something we can accomplish on our own.Peace With God and Assurance
Justification matters because it directly affects our relationship with God. The moment we are justified, we are declared righteous and are no longer enemies of God but at peace with Him. Romans 5:1 assures us that we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Justification is the foundation for our assurance of salvation. Our confidence is not rooted in our feelings, our performance, or our spiritual consistency, but in the finished work of Christ. This truth frees us from living in fear of the wrath of God and from striving to earn His favor. In Christ we are accepted, secure, and loved.Justification and the Christian Life
Justification is more than a legal declaration. It sets us on a new trajectory. Those who are justified are also indwelt and empowered by the Holy Spirit to live in a way that reflects their new identity in Christ. Romans 8:1 says there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Being justified changes how we live. We are called to live in a way that honors God. Our actions, words, and relationships are to be shaped by the righteousness we have received by faith in Christ. We do not strive for perfection in our own strength, but we live with a new heart and a new purpose, reflecting the love and grace we have received.A Call To Trust Christ
If you are in Christ, your justification is secure. God sees you as righteous because of Christ’s work on the cross. This is not based on your performance but on His finished work. Take time to reflect on the truth of justification. Praise God for the peace you have with Him and let that truth shape how you live each day. If you do not yet know this peace with God, the invitation is open. Repent of your sin and believe the gospel that Christ died, was buried, and rose again on the third day. Receive by faith the justification that comes only through Jesus Christ.Reflection Questions
- How would you explain justification by faith to a new believer or to someone who is not a Christian?
- In what ways are you tempted to base your assurance on your performance instead of the finished work of Christ?
- How does knowing that you are justified and at peace with God change the way you approach trials, temptations, and daily life?
- Is there someone in your life who needs to hear the hope of justification by faith? How can you encourage them this week?
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Dave Jenkins is happily married to his wife, Sarah. He is a writer, editor, and speaker living in beautiful Southern Oregon. Dave is a lover of Christ, His people, the Church, and sound theology. He serves as the Executive Director of Servants of Grace Ministries, the Executive Editor of Theology for Life Magazine, the Host and Producer of Equipping You in Grace Podcast, and is a contributor to and producer of Contending for the Word. He is the author of The Word Explored: The Problem of Biblical Illiteracy and What To Do About It (House to House, 2021), The Word Matters: Defending Biblical Authority Against the Spirit of the Age (G3 Press, 2022), and Contentment: The Journey of a Lifetime (Theology for Life, 2024). You can find him on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube, or read his newsletter. Dave loves to spend time with his wife, going to movies, eating at a nice restaurant, or going out for a round of golf with a good friend. He is also a voracious reader, in particular of Reformed theology, and the Puritans. You will often find him when he’s not busy with ministry reading a pile of the latest books from a wide variety of Christian publishers. Dave received his M.A.R. and M.Div through Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary.
