In the “Sola Fide” series, we delve into the foundational principle of the Christian faith: justification by faith alone. This series explores how righteousness is attained not through our own efforts or adherence to the law, but through faith in Jesus Christ. Each week will illuminate the significance of this doctrine. We will also understand the overwhelming reign of grace over sin and the transformative power of being dead to sin
and alive to God. Through this series, you will gain a deeper appreciation of how “Faith Alone” shapes our relationship with God and our daily lives, and how this doctrine liberates us from the bondage of trying to earn our salvation.

This week delves into the doctrine of justification by faith alone. Paul explains that righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ and is not based on adherence to the law. This foundational concept is central to understanding salvation.

How does the doctrine of justification by faith alone shape your understanding of salvation and your relationship with God?

Read:
Romans 3:21-22
21 But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. 22 This righteousness is given through faith in[a] Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile,

Cross-Reference:
Philippians 3:9;
9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in[a] Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith.

 Galatians 2:16
16 know that a person is not justified by the works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in[a] Christ and not by the works of the law, because by the works of the law no one will be justified.

Reflection:
Righteousness from God is revealed apart from the law through faith in Jesus Christ.

Question:
How does the concept of righteousness apart from the law affect your view of salvation?

Prayer:
Lord, help me to fully grasp the righteousness that comes from faith and to rely on You alone for my salvation.

Read:
Romans 3:23-24 
23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.

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

Titus 3:7
7 so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.

Reflection:
All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, but are justified freely by His grace through Jesus.

Question:
How does understanding that you are justified freely by grace impact your daily life?

Prayer:
Father, thank You for justifying me by Your grace. Help me to live out this truth with gratitude and humility.

Read:
Romans 3:25-26
25 God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement,[a] through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished— 26 he did it to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.

Cross-Reference:
Hebrews 9:14
14 How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death,[a] so that we may serve the living God!
 
1 John 2:2
2 He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.

Reflection:
Jesus' sacrifice is the atonement for our sins, showing God’s justice and love.

Question:
How does the concept of redemption through Christ impact your understanding of God’s justice and mercy?

Prayer:
Jesus, thank You for being my redemption. Help me to live in the light of Your sacrifice and to reflect Your love.

Read:
Romans 3:27-28
27 Where, then, is boasting? It is excluded. Because of what law? The law that requires works? No, because of the law that requires faith. 28 For we maintain that a person is justified by faith apart from the works of the law.

Cross-Reference:
1 Corinthians 1:29-31
29 so that no one may boast before him. 30 It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. 31 Therefore, as it is written: “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.”
 
Galatians 6:14
14 May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which[a] the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.

Reflection:
Boasting is excluded because justification comes by faith, not by works of the law.

Question:
How can you avoid boasting in your own efforts and instead boast in what Christ has done for you?

Prayer:
Lord, help me to boast only in Your grace and not in my own achievements. Keep me humble and focused on Your work.

Read:
Romans 3:29-30
29 Or is God the God of Jews only? Is he not the God of Gentiles too? Yes, of Gentiles too, 30 since there is only one God, who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through that same faith.

Cross-Reference:
Acts 17:24-25
24 “The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by human hands. 25 And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything. Rather, he himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else.

Galatians 3:28
28 There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

Reflection:
God is the God of both Jews and Gentiles, and justification is by faith for all.

Question:
How does recognizing that God is for all people influence your view of inclusivity in the church and in your own life?

Prayer:
Father, thank You for being a God for all people. Help me to reflect Your inclusive love in my relationships and actions.

Read:
Romans 3:31
31 Do we, then, nullify the law by this faith? Not at all! Rather, we uphold the law.

Cross-Reference:
Matthew 5:17
17 “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.

James 2:8
8 If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,”[a] you are doing right.

Reflection:
Faith does not nullify the law but upholds it by fulfilling its true purpose.

Question:
How can you uphold the principles of the law through your faith in Christ?

Prayer:
Lord, help me to live out the principles of Your law through my faith in You and to honor You in all that I do.

Read:
Romans 4:1-8
 What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh, discovered in this matter? 2 If, in fact, Abraham was justified by works, he had something to boast about—but not before God. 3 What does Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.”
4 Now to the one who works, wages are not credited as a gift but as an obligation. 5 However, to the one who does not work but trusts God who justifies the ungodly, their faith is credited as righteousness. 6 David says the same thing when he speaks of the blessedness of the one to whom God credits righteousness apart from works:
7 “Blessed are those
    whose transgressions are forgiven,
    whose sins are covered.
8 Blessed is the one
    whose sin the Lord will never count against them.”[b]


Cross-Reference:
Genesis 15:6
6 Abram believed the Lord, and he credited it to him as righteousness.

James 2:23
23 And the scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,”[a] and he was called God’s friend.

Reflection:
Righteousness is credited by faith, not by works. Abraham’s faith was credited to him as righteousness.

Question:
How does Abraham’s example of faith encourage you in your own walk with God?

Prayer:
Father, strengthen my faith as You did with Abraham, and let my trust in You be counted as righteousness.