The Bible is trustworthy even when it's difficult to understand. 20 For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin. - Romans 3:20 28 For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law. - Romans 3:28 24 You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone. - James 2:24 While both Paul and James use the word “Justification,” do they have the same meaning in mind? Romans 3:28: “Logizometha gar dikaiousthai pistei anthrōpon chōris ergōn nomou.” James 2:24: “Horate hoti ex ergōn dikaioutai anthrōpos kai ouk ek pisteōs monon” dikaioo = To justify, to declare righteous, to acquit Genre and Context Impact Interpretation and meaning The Gospel as the Revelation of the Righteousness of God (Rom. 1:1–17) God’s Righteousness in His Wrath against Sinners (Rom. 1:18–3:20) The Saving Righteousness of God (Rom. 3:21–4:25) Hope as a Result of Righteousness by Faith (Rom. 5:1–8:39) God’s Righteousness to Israel and to the Gentiles (Rom. 9:1–11:36) God’s Righteousness in Everyday Life (Rom. 12:1–15:13) The Extension of God’s Righteousness through the PaulineMission (Rom. 15:14–16:23) Final Summary of the Gospel of the Righteousness of God (Rom. 16:25–27) “4 What then shall we say was gained by Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh? 2 For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. 3 For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.” 4 Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due. 5 And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness, 6 just as David also speaks of the blessing of the one to whom God counts righteousness apart from works: 7 “Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; 8 blessed is the man against whom the Lord will not count his sin.” - Romans 4:1-8 20: speaking of Abraham, Paul says, “20 No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, 21 fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised. 22 That is why his faith was “counted to him as righteousness.” 23 But the words “it was counted to him” were not written for his sake alone, 24 but for ours also. It will be counted to us who believe in him who raised from the dead Jesus our Lord, 25 who was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification. - Romans 4:20-25 “ Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." - Romans 5:1 Faith in Jesus is the condition by which we are declared righteous by God. 14 What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? 17 So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. 18 But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. 19 You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder! 20 Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless? 21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar? 22 You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works; 23 and the Scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness”—and he was called a friend of God. 24 You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone. - James 2:14-24 “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. - James 1:22 Genuine faith is revealed through genuine works. “Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world. - James 1:27