JUSTIFICATION

JUSTIFICATION – The act whereby God forgives the sins of a believer and begins to transform him or her into a righteous person. No person can earn justification by works of righteousness, for justification is the gift of God given to those who respond to the gospel with faith. God also helps those who cooperate with His grace to become righteous. Saving faith is not mere belief but a commitment to Christ that is manifested by works of righteousness ^{(Rom. 5:1, 2; Gal. 2:16; Phil. 2:12, 13; James 2:24).}