Which statement best describes justification?

Which statement best describes justification?

• A. Earned by good works.
• B. Received as a free gift through faith in Christ.
• C. Requires baptism for salvation.
• D. Not necessary for salvation.

Answer: (B)

Justification means God declares a person righteous in His sight because of Christ’s atoning work, and this declaration is received by faith. It’s a free gift of grace, not something earned by our good deeds. That’s why describing justification as something received by faith in Christ as a free gift best captures the idea. Earning by good works would imply merit-based justification, which isn’t the teaching here. Saying baptism is required for salvation treats baptism as the basis of salvation rather than a public confession of faith. And stating that justification isn’t necessary for salvation discounts the essential role of faith in receiving God’s gift. In this view, faith in Christ alone justifies, with good works following as a response to that faith.

Justification means God declares a person righteous in His sight because of Christ’s atoning work, and this declaration is received by faith. It’s a free gift of grace, not something earned by our good deeds. That’s why describing justification as something received by faith in Christ as a free gift best captures the idea.

Earning by good works would imply merit-based justification, which isn’t the teaching here. Saying baptism is required for salvation treats baptism as the basis of salvation rather than a public confession of faith. And stating that justification isn’t necessary for salvation discounts the essential role of faith in receiving God’s gift. In this view, faith in Christ alone justifies, with good works following as a response to that faith.