But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. Then what becomes of our boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? By a law of works? No, but by the law of faith. For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law.
Romans 3:21-28
The Apostle Paul’s declaration in Romans 3:28 (“For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law.”)stands as one of the most important statements in Christian theology. Written to a church divided by cultural and religious differences, Paul asserts that justification—the act by which God declares a sinner righteous—is achieved through faith alone, distinct from any adherence to the law of Moses. The Greek term for justified, dikaioō, is a legal term, implying a verdict of acquittal for sinners rather than a process of moral improvement. When Paul adds “apart from works of the law,” he excludes human effort as a contributing factor to salvation. This is not a dismissal of moral living but a clarification of its place: good works are the fruit of salvation, not the root or cause of salvation. This verse declares the doctrine of salvation by grace alone, through faith alone, ensuring that the glory of redemption belongs entirely to God.
Connecting this doctrine to Lent requires careful consideration. Lent is a time of discipline, involving fasting, prayer, and almsgiving. For many believers, these practices can inadvertently foster a sense of spiritual performance, where the length of a fast or the intensity of prayer becomes a measure of gaining God’s favor. The Biblical perspective corrects this by reminding us that the disciplines practiced at Lent are responses of gratitude for God’s grace, not methods for us to earn it. Justification is a completed legal status granted by Christ’s finished work on the cross. Lent is not about climbing a ladder to reach God but about descending in humility to receive the mercy already offered. Lent is a prolonged meditation on the sufficiency of Christ, where self-denial serves to strip away reliance on self-righteousness, leaving only faith in the Savior.
A critical distinction in understanding faith alone lies in defining the nature of faith itself. Mere intellectual assent—agreeing with certain facts about Jesus—is insufficient for salvation. Even demons possess this level of knowledge, as noted in the Epistle of James. True saving faith, in the Biblical view, includes fiducia, or personal trust. It is a reliance on Christ’s righteousness as your own. During Lent, this means moving beyond knowing about the cross to resting in the cross. When we feel the weight of sin during confession or prayer, faith alone assures us that our standing before God depends on Jesus’ perfection, not our own emotional state or spiritual discipline. This trust transforms Lent, and even all of Christian life, from a burden of obligation into a journey of gratitude.
The Biblical perspective also guards against antinomianism (anti-legal-ism), the idea that grace permits moral license. While works do not justify, genuine faith inevitably produces them. This is where the evidences of genuine faith become vital. If faith is real, it will manifest in a transformed life characterized by love, obedience, and holiness. These works are not the ground of salvation but the necessary evidence of it. In the context of Lent, this means that our fasting and prayer should naturally overflow into acts of charity and patience. If a believer observes the disciplines of Lent but remains unchanged in their relationships or character, it warrants self-examination regarding the vitality of their faith. Yet, the motivation for these works must remain gratitude rather than guilt. We obey because we are saved, not to become saved.
Embracing faith alone during Lent involves a shift in daily focus. When temptation arises, we are reminded that our identity is secure in Christ, freeing us to resist sin out of love rather than fear. When failure occurs, the doctrine of imputation—that Christ’s righteousness is credited to us—provides immediate restoration without the need for penance. This freedom allows for honest prayer and authentic community, where struggles can be shared without shame. Furthermore, it encourages a reliance on the Holy Spirit for sanctification (progressive growth in holiness). The Spirit works through the means of grace, such as Scripture and sacraments, to strengthen faith.
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of faith that saves us apart from our own works. As we walk through this season of Lent, guard our hearts against the temptation to try to earn Your love through our efforts. Teach us to trust wholly in the finished work of Jesus Christ, resting in the assurance that we are justified by His righteousness alone. Grant us the courage to examine our lives for the evidences of true faith, not to boast, but to glorify You. May our fasting and prayers be expressions of gratitude, fueled by the Spirit who seals us as Your children. Keep us humble in our failures and confident in Your grace, that we may finish this season with eyes fixed on the cross. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Consider this question: In what areas of your spiritual life do you find yourself relying on your own performance rather than resting in the finished work of Christ?
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