Galatians 2:16
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
This pivotal verse restates the core: justification is by faith in Jesus Christ, not by works of the Law. Paul emphasizes that even “we have believed in Jesus Christ” to be justified, not by the law’s works. The legal framework threatened by Judaizers is why Paul presses the point that the law cannot justify. The phrase “by the faith of Christ” signals trust in Christ’s faithfulness—Christ’s perfect obedience, not ours, is the ground of justification. This is not a rejection of the law but a reaffirmation that the law’s purpose is to lead us to Christ and that we are declared righteous by faith in Him. The rhetorical force is to overturn reliance on ritual performance as the basis for God’s acceptance.
Justification by faith alone is central to Paul’s gospel and the Reformation’s hinge. This verse clarifies grammar and emphasis: faith in Christ, not the faithful performance of law, is the channel of righteousness. It also confirms that the believer’s union with Christ is the means by which righteousness is reckoned. The sentence underscores the sufficiency of Christ’s redemptive work, and the believer’s response is trust, not self-justifying acts.
Live with confidence that God accepts you through Christ, not through perfect performance. Practical steps: resist legalistic guilt that says “I must do more to please God.” Instead, cultivate faith that rests in Jesus’ finished work. In daily life, this translates into living out faith with service, generosity, and holiness as grateful responses, not as attempts to earn favor. When you stumble, return to grace: repent, trust again in Christ, and keep walking in His faithfulness.
Cross-References: Romans 3:28; Ephesians 2:8-9; Galatians 3:11; Romans 5:1; Titus 3:5