Justification by Faith Alone

Read the text

Romans 3:19–4:8

Read the primary passage aloud twice. On the first reading, listen for the burden of the text. On the second, mark repeated words, contrasts, commands, promises, causes, and conclusions.

• Galatians 2:15–21
• Philippians 3:7–11
• James 2:14–26

Language desk

Words that clarify—not words that perform.

Confirm each gloss by its use in this context. A lexicon offers possibilities; the sentence, paragraph, author, and canon determine what a word is doing here.

Form the doctrine

The theological claim

Christ’s righteousness is counted to believers, whose faith receives rather than earns.

Defense drill

Say it under pressure.

Read Romans 3:19–4:5 continuously and reconcile Paul with James by context.

• State the opposing claim in a form its adherent could recognize.
• Open the controlling passage and establish the immediate context.
• Make one clear argument before adding supporting texts.
• Ask a diagnostic question, listen to the answer, and return to Christ and the gospel.

Wednesday assignment

Carry the truth into the week.

Explain justification in 90 seconds using courtroom and union-with-Christ language.