Sola Fide ("Faith Alone") | CLV2 |

 

Sola Fide ("Faith Alone")

The doctrine of Sola Fide asserts that justification before God is by faith alone, apart from works. This foundational truth was a central theme in the Apostle Paul’s writings and was the heart of the Protestant Reformation’s rejection of works-based righteousness. Below is an exegetical study of its theological foundation.

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I. Justification by Faith

A. Romans 3:28 – Justification Apart from Works

"Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law." (Romans 3:28, KJV)

Exegesis:

1. "We conclude" – Paul is summarizing his argument from the previous verses, where he demonstrated that both Jews and Gentiles are under sin (Romans 3:9-20).
2. "A man is justified by faith" – The Greek word for "justified" (δικαιόω, dikaioó) means "to declare righteous." Justification is a legal declaration, not an earned status.
3. "Without the deeds of the law" – The law cannot justify a person; rather, it reveals sin (Romans 3:20). Paul excludes works of the Mosaic Law as a means of righteousness.

Interpretation:

• Paul’s teaching contradicts the idea that keeping the law or performing good deeds contributes to salvation.
• Faith alone (pistei) is the sole instrument of justification.

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B. Galatians 2:16 – Faith vs. Works of the Law

"Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified." (Galatians 2:16, KJV)

Exegesis:

1. "A man is not justified by the works of the law" – Paul directly refutes any form of legalism.
2. "But by the faith of Jesus Christ" – The phrase can mean "faith in Christ" (objective genitive) or "the faithfulness of Christ" (subjective genitive), both affirming salvation through Him.
3. "That we might be justified" – Justification is received through belief, not meritorious works.
4. "For by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified" – This echoes Psalm 143:2, affirming that human effort cannot meet God’s standard of righteousness.

Interpretation:

• Paul contrasts faith and works, emphasizing that faith in Christ alone is the means of justification.
• The law’s purpose is to expose sin, not to save (Galatians 3:24).

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C. Genesis 15:6 – Abraham Justified by Faith

"And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness." (Genesis 15:6, KJV)

Exegesis:

1. "He believed in the LORD" – The Hebrew verb 'aman (אָמַן) means "to trust, rely upon." Abraham placed his trust in God’s promise.
2. "And he counted it to him for righteousness" – The verb chashab (חָשַׁב) means "to credit, reckon." Abraham was counted righteous, not because of works, but because of faith.

Interpretation:

• Justification is not based on human effort but on faith in God’s promise.
• Paul cites this verse in Romans 4:3 to demonstrate that justification by faith predates the law.

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II. Imputation of Christ’s Righteousness

A. 2 Corinthians 5:21 – The Great Exchange

"For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him." (2 Corinthians 5:21, KJV)

Exegesis:

1. "For he hath made him to be sin for us" – God treated Christ as though He were guilty, though He was sinless.
2. "Who knew no sin" – Christ’s perfect obedience qualifies Him as the substitute for sinners.
3. "That we might be made the righteousness of God in him" – Christ’s righteousness is imputed to believers, meaning they are declared righteous through Him.

Interpretation:

• The doctrine of double imputation is present:
  • Our sins were imputed to Christ.
  • His righteousness was imputed to us.
• Faith is the means through which this righteousness is applied.

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B. Ephesians 2:1-3 – Total Depravity and the Need for Grace

"And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others." (Ephesians 2:1-3, KJV)

Exegesis:

1. "Dead in trespasses and sins" – Humanity is spiritually dead, incapable of saving itself.
2. "Walked according to the course of this world" – This describes the sinful state of all people under Satan’s influence.
3. "Children of wrath" – Humanity, by nature, is under divine judgment.

Interpretation:

• Because humans are spiritually dead, they cannot contribute to their salvation.
• Justification must be entirely by grace, through faith, without works.

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Conclusion: Faith Alone in Salvation

• Justification is a legal declaration, not a process of moral improvement.
• Faith is the instrument by which Christ’s righteousness is imputed to the believer.
• Human works contribute nothing to justification because man is spiritually dead.
• The basis of justification is Christ’s finished work, not human effort.

This doctrine affirms that salvation is sola fide—by faith alone, apart from any human merit, ensuring all glory goes to God.