JUSTIFICATION

The Bible and Lutherans teach that God judged all sinners righteous in his sight when Jesus Christ died on the cross for us. God declared everyone free from the guilt and punishment owed for our sins. The sinner receives this free gift of forgiveness, not by doing good deeds, but only by faith. A person is justified when he or she believes in Christ and his redemptive work. It is a gift from God.

Ephesians 2:8,9 It is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is a gift of God—not by works so that no one can boast.

2 Corinthians 5:19 God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them.

Romans 3:22-24 This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Jesus Christ.

Romans 3:28 For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from observing the law.

Romans 4:5 To the man who does not work but trusts in God who justifies the wicked, his faith is credited as righteousness.

Mark 16:16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved.