…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 

A virtuous life married to correct knowledge about salvation yields a powerful and effective force for the kingdom of God. Peter instructs us to add to our faith, virtue and to add to our virtue, knowledge. Virtue and knowledge compliment each other if virtue is understood in light of today’s passage. Understanding that our salvation is not by works but by faith in Jesus is essential for any Christian desiring to avoid the disappointment and despair that can come from a life focused on self-performance.

Justification or “being justified” simply means “being made right with God.” Salvation and justification are not mutually exclusive. To be saved is to be justified and to be justified is to be saved. As Christians, we live virtuous lives in response to our salvation, not as a means of obtaining salvation. This is not semantics. This truth can mean the difference between a despairing, defeated Christian and a powerful, prolific one.

If knowledge about faith in Jesus and virtuous living were a train, faith would be the engine and virtuous living would be the freight cars. Faith in Jesus pulls the train and where you find faith in Jesus, virtuous living follows right behind. However virtuous living cannot pull the train of salvation. Nothing we do in the area of “good works” is capable of saving our souls. This is made evident in today’s passage, which will now be examined by dividing this knowledge into two truths.

Truth #1: No One Will Be Justified By Works Of The Law

Works of the Law can be thought of in the positive and the negative. Works of the Law are the things that we should be doing as well as the things that we should be avoiding. The problem with works is that none of us can keep them all of the time. James reminds us that if we are faithful to keep all of the Law yet stumble in one part, we are guilty of the whole thing (James 2:10). The truth that “no one will be justified by works of the Law” is knowledge that we, as believers, should understand for our own benefit as well as assisting us in accurately conveying the good news to the world. Below is today’s passage emphasizing Paul’s three reminders that justification is not by works:

…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 

Truth #2: We Are Only Justified By Faith In Jesus Christ

Conversely, justification is by faith in Christ Jesus. While salvation and righteousness come through faith, it is important to point out that the object of our faith is the key. It is not enough to say, “I have faith” rather we should make sure that our faith is in Jesus. As Christians, we are not trusting in a concept, idea, or religion; we are trusting in a Person, the living Lord Jesus. Our trust is in Him and our devotion is to Him. The truth that justification is only by faith in Jesus is essential knowledge for anyone desiring salvation and for those who wish to accurately convey the message of the gospel. Below is today’s passage emphasizing Paul’s three reminders that justification is by faith in Jesus (notice that in each mention of faith, the object of that faith is identified):

…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

Healthy Christian living is a virtuous life being lived in response to salvation, not virtue as a means of obtaining salvation. Thank God for salvation in Jesus then walk in the freedom of that knowledge today!