Why justification comes through faith in Jesus Christ
Galatians 2:16 is a powerful verse that tackles one of the central themes of the Christian faith — the idea that we are made right with God, or “justified,” not by our actions but by our faith in Jesus Christ. This concept can seem complex at first, but when we break it down, the message is both simple and liberating.
What Does “Not Justified by Works” Mean?
To understand, let’s first define “works.” In the Bible, “works” often refers to following rules or laws, specifically the Old Testament laws given to the Israelites. These laws dictated everything from moral behavior to rituals and sacrifices. While these laws were important, Galatians 2:16 makes it clear that obeying them alone isn’t enough to earn God’s favor or forgiveness.
Paul, the author of Galatians, is saying that no matter how hard we try to follow these laws perfectly, we can’t achieve righteousness on our own. Simply put, our human efforts will always fall short because none of us can live without sin. Imagine trying to climb a ladder to heaven — no matter how high we climb, the top is always out of reach.
Faith in Jesus Christ: The Key to Justification
Instead of relying on our works, Paul tells us to depend on faith in Jesus Christ. Faith is trusting that Jesus has already done what we could not do. He lived a perfect life, obeyed every law flawlessly, and willingly died on the cross to take the punishment for our sins. By believing in Him and accepting His sacrifice, God sees us as righteous — not because of what we’ve done, but because of what Jesus has done for us.
This is what Paul emphasizes in Galatians 2:16. He writes: “Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ.” Notice how he repeats this point, stressing that we cannot rely on the law to make us right with God. Instead, it is faith that brings us into a relationship with Him.
Why Did Paul Repeat Himself?
You might wonder why Paul felt the need to say this twice in one verse. The repetition serves to underline how important this truth is. In a world where people often try to earn their way to God by being “good enough” or following rules, Paul’s message is a reminder that salvation is not something we achieve — it’s something we receive.
The repetition also reflects Paul’s urgency. He was writing to Christians in Galatia who had been misled by false teachings that said they needed to follow the Old Testament laws to be justified. Paul wanted to make it crystal clear that faith in Jesus is the only path to justification.
Breaking Free from the Burden of Works
One of the most liberating aspects of Galatians 2:16 is that it frees us from the impossible task of trying to earn our way to God. Imagine carrying a heavy backpack filled with guilt, fear, and the pressure to be perfect. Faith in Jesus allows us to set that backpack down and rest in the knowledge that His grace is enough.
This doesn’t mean that works are unimportant. Good deeds, kindness, and obedience to God’s teachings are still vital parts of the Christian life. However, they are not the *basis* of our salvation — they are the *result* of it. When we truly believe in Jesus and experience His love, good works naturally flow from that faith.
The Universal Truth: “No Flesh Shall Be Justified”
Paul’s final statement in Galatians 2:16, “for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified,” drives home the point that this applies to everyone. Whether you’re rich or poor, young or old, religiously devout or a newcomer to faith, no one can earn justification through their actions. This universal truth levels the playing field, reminding us that we’re all equally in need of God’s grace.
Faith vs. Works: A Balance
While Galatians 2:16 is clear that faith is the foundation of justification, it’s also important to understand the balance between faith and works. Works don’t save us, but they do demonstrate our faith. Think of it like a tree: faith is the root, and works are the fruit. A healthy tree naturally produces fruit, just as true faith naturally leads to good works.
James 2:26 complements Paul’s message by saying, “Faith without works is dead.” This means that while works don’t justify us, they are evidence that our faith is alive and genuine. The two go hand-in-hand, but it’s critical to remember that faith always comes first.
Applying Galatians 2:16 to Everyday Life
So how does this verse impact our daily lives? For one, it gives us peace. We no longer have to worry about being “good enough” for God. Instead, we can focus on growing our relationship with Him through prayer, studying His Word, and trusting in His grace.
It also changes how we see others. Since justification comes by faith and not works, we can’t judge people based on their actions alone. Instead, we’re called to show grace, just as God has shown grace to us.
Finally, Galatians 2:16 calls us to share this good news with others. Many people are still carrying that heavy backpack, trying to climb the ladder to heaven. By sharing the message of faith over works, we can help them find the freedom and hope that comes from trusting in Jesus.
Conclusion: Faith, Not Works
Galatians 2:16 is a verse that stands on its own, needing little explanation because its message is so clear. Paul’s words remind us that salvation is a gift, not something we earn. By placing our faith in Jesus Christ, we are justified — made right with God — and freed from the impossible burden of relying on our own efforts.
This truth is not only a cornerstone of the Christian faith but also a source of great joy and peace. Knowing that we are saved by grace through faith allows us to live with confidence, gratitude, and purpose, resting in the assurance of God’s unfailing love.
Minister A Francine Green
September 2025
afrancinegreen.com 