_Justification._ All those who have true faith are justified: [Rom.
5:1+, Rom. 4:5] their sins are forgiven, and the righteousness of Christ
is imputed (counted as belonging) to them. [Phil. 3:9] When we believe
in Christ, all that He has done and suffered for us is regarded by God
as if we had done and suffered it ourselves; [II Cor. 5:21, Rom. 8:1+]
for Christ was our substitute. Consequently, those who believe in Christ
are _justified_ for His sake; that is, they are pronounced by God to be
righteous and fit to enter into heaven.

_By Faith Alone._ We are justified and saved by faith alone, without
works. [Rom. 3:28+] We shall enter heaven, not because we deserve to
enter, [Gal. 2:16+] but only because we believe in Christ. Salvation is
a _Gift_: acquired for us by Christ's holy life and innocent death;
bestowed upon us freely by God's grace; and accepted by faith. [Eph.
2:8, 9+] Our faith is not a merit on account of which we are forgiven,
but it is the hand with which we reach out and accept the free gift of
forgiveness which God offers for Christ's sake.

Our own works have nothing to do with our justification. [Rom. 3:20+] If
God took them into consideration at all, they would condemn us; for at
best we are imperfect and sinful creatures. [Rom. 7:18-23, Gal. 3:10+]
In order to be saved, we need a _perfect_ righteousness, Christ's
righteousness alone is perfect. It becomes ours by faith.

AND SANCTIFIED. Those who have true faith are sanctified by the Holy
Spirit; that is, they are made holy in heart and life. [Rom. 8:5+, Rom.
6:22] While good works do not save us, they do and must follow faith as
its fruit. [Matt. 7:18] Believers do good works out of love to God and
gratitude for His mercy. Faith that does not result in a holy life is a