Definition: 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.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Galatians 2:16. It's a really important one about how we get our salvation! Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, this verse is saying that true righteousness and acceptance with God comes not from following rules or doing things perfectly according to the law (like the Old Testament laws). Instead, it comes because of believing in Jesus Christ. Let’s unpack it a little more: “Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law…” – This means we don't earn our way into God’s favor by doing good deeds or following rules. It’s like earning a prize with effort, but it doesn’t earn you the prize. We aren’t deserving of salvation through our own actions. "...but by the faith of Jesus Christ..." – This is the key! “Faith” in this context means believing in Jesus as God's Son and the savior of humanity. It's a deep, heartfelt belief that He paid the price for our sins. “Even we have believed in Jesus Christ…” - This is where it gets to the point. We all believe in Jesus. It’s not just a feeling or an opinion; it’s a conscious decision to trust Him. "...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.” – This is where the big idea comes in. “Justified” means being declared right with God because of His grace. The law can lead us to be righteous, but it doesn’t earn righteousness. This verse says that true righteousness comes from faith in Jesus Christ , not from our own efforts or actions. In short: We're justified by God’s love and forgiveness, not by what we do. It's about trusting in Jesus to save us, and that trust is the foundation of our relationship with God. Think of it this way: Imagine you’re building a house (your life). The law is like the blueprints – they tell you how to build the house correctly. But faith is like the materials themselves – it's the actual construction that makes the house truly beautiful and strong, and that's what matters to God. Do you want me to: Explain a specific part of this verse in more detail? Give some examples of how faith in Jesus impacts our lives?