Justification is at the heart of the gospel—it is God’s legal declaration that the sinner is righteous in His sight, not by works, but through faith in Christ. It is not a process but a one-time, complete act of God’s grace. Bishop Charlie Masters (ANiC, Diocese of the Living Word) writes, “In justification, God does not merely overlook our sin—He removes it and clothes us with the righteousness of Christ. It is the great exchange: our guilt for His grace.” (Grace That Justifies, 2022)

This righteousness is not inherent in us; it is imputed to us—credited to our account through union with Christ. Fr. Isaac Rehberg (ACNA, All Saints San Antonio, TX) explains, “We are justified by faith alone, not because faith is a work, but because it unites us to the One who has done all the work—Jesus Christ.” (Declared Righteous, 2021)

Justification brings peace with God. It ends our alienation and restores our relationship with the Father. Fr. Caleb Evans (Anglican Orthodox Church, St. Stephen’s Mission, GA) teaches, “To be justified is to stand no longer condemned. The Judge becomes your Father, and the courtroom becomes a place of grace.” (Peace Through Christ, 2020)

This doctrine was central to the English Reformation and remains foundational for Anglican teaching. The Thirty-Nine Articles of Religion declare: “We are accounted righteous before God, only for the merit of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ by faith, and not for our own works or deservings.” (Article XI). Fr. Thomas Buchan (Anglican Union, St. Mark’s Anglican Church, VA) adds, “Justification is the root of all true comfort. Without it, there is no peace, no assurance, no salvation.” (By Faith Alone, 2021)

Canon George Grant (ACNA, Parish Presbyterian Church, TN) concludes, “Justification silences every accusation. The gospel does not say ‘try harder’—it says ‘Christ has done it.’ In Him, we are accepted, beloved, and free.” (Recovering Anglican Piety, 2019)