· Bible dictionary

Justification

God's gracious declaration that the believer in Jesus is righteous in his sight — based on Christ's work, received by faith alone.

Justification is a legal term: the judge declares the accused not guilty. In the gospel, God justifies "the ungodly" through Christ's death and resurrection.

Paul teaches it most fully in Romans and Galatians. It is by faith apart from works of the law.

Justification does not stop with declaration — it changes how the justified live, in gratitude and trust.

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Original BibleDawn entry. Drafted with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy.