Series: Not of Works – A Series on the Gospel of Grace

Anchor Text: Romans 5:1

The popular claim today is that justification is just step one—a sort of “legal standing” that must later be confirmed by fruit, holiness, and endurance.

According to this logic, you’re not truly saved yet. You’ve only started the journey. Final salvation, they say, comes later—if your life proves it.

This is nothing more than salvation by works with new labels.
And Paul demolishes it.

✅ Justified by Faith, Saved Completely

“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
—Romans 5:1

The moment you believe, you are:

• Justified (declared righteous)
• Reconciled to God
• At peace with Him
• Sealed with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13)
• Complete in Christ (Colossians 2:10)

Justification is not phase one of a two-step process.
It is salvation.

🩸 Justification Means the Debt Is Paid

You are not waiting to be cleared at a future judgment.

“Being now justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him.”
—Romans 5:9

Your sin debt was paid in full at the cross.
There is nothing left to prove, earn, or complete.

❌ A “Justified But Not Yet Saved” Gospel Is Another Gospel

Satan is subtle.
If he can’t get people to deny grace outright, he’ll dress up works as part of the process.

This is how people end up believing they are justified by faith—but will only be saved if they live a holy enough life.

That’s not assurance. That’s bondage.

And it’s not what Paul preached.

“But to him who does not work but believes… his faith is counted for righteousness.”
—Romans 4:5

🗝️ Key Takeaway

Justification is not the beginning of salvation.
It is salvation.

You are not waiting for confirmation.
You are not being weighed and measured.
You are complete in Christ the moment you believe the gospel.