…nevertheless knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the Law but through faith in Christ Jesus, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, so that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the Law; since by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified. 

                                                                                                            Galatians 2:16

This week we are taking a look at knowledge necessary for us to accurately understand the issue of eternal salvation. This saving knowledge is summarized in today’s passage. Two important truths are found in this verse. (1) Mankind is not justified by works of the Law rather (2) mankind is justified by faith in Jesus Christ. The essence of justified is being as one ought to be. It is a state of rightness before God.

First, this passage repeats three times how mankind is not justified before God. Consider the following statements: “a man is not justified by works of the Law”, “not by works of the Law”, and “by works of the Law no flesh will be justified.” “Works of the Law” can be understood as doing the things one should do and avoiding the things that God finds unacceptable. It’s hard to imagine coming away from this passage believing that works of the Law play a role in salvation.

But the passage not only tells us how man is not justified, it also repeats three times how mankind is made right with God. Again, consider the following: “through faith in Christ Jesus”, “even we have believed in Christ Jesus”, and “so that we may be justified by faith in Christ.” Notice that the faith exhibited by the believer is in Jesus. The object of our faith is as important as the faith itself. Under the new covenant, God has chosen to save everyone who believes in Jesus and puts their trust in what He has accomplished for them on the cross. This process of becoming justified is completely apart from works performed by the saved individual.

I often wonder how much spiritual suffering occurs in the lives of believers simply because of the faulty concept that justification is somehow in their hands. Proclaiming the truth found in this passage is a vital part of accurately explaining the gospel (good news) to others and knowing that “a man is not justified by works of the Law but through faith in Christ Jesus” is essential to enjoying spiritual freedom in your life!