Justification by Faith Defended

This passage affirms and defends the critical teaching that Paul is expressing in his epistle to the Romans, i.e., that God justifies the sinner who believes in Jesus Christ His Son. The righteousness of God is accounted to the believer as his own righteousness, even though he, in himself, is bereft of any righteousness, an infinite righteousness, that is equitable and acceptable to God. This is not a new teaching, for Paul cites two Old Testament figures, Abraham and David, as availing of this gift of righteousness from God. This imputed or declared righteousness is granted to anyone that believes the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, and results in pardon of his sin, and every gracious benefit of salvation through Jesus Christ.