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.
Justification rests on faith in Christ rather than works of the law.
Grace is God’s saving source, Christ’s death and resurrection are the saving event, and living faith is the means of reception. Biblical obedience responds to grace; it does not purchase it.
The gospel pattern is Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. Acts 2:38 gives the covenant response: repentance, burial with Christ in baptism, and new life by the Spirit.
The Bible’s rejection of meritorious works does not turn commanded faith-response into unbelieving human merit. Scripture can oppose works of law while demanding obedience of faith.
Clarify source, event, and response: saved by grace, through faith, because of Christ, in the obedient response God commands.
