CP220508     Catechesis Notes for the Week — Justified by Faith— “Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith apart from the deeds of the law” (Romans 3:28). “A sinner is ‘justified’ or ‘declared righteous’ by faith in Christ’s death for him. He is not forgiven or justified by the good works he performs (or attempts to perform) according to the Law. Our works cannot save us because we are all sinners and even the best of our works are still tainted with sin. Christ’s death for us, in our place, and on our behalf under the Law, is the ‘righteousness of faith’ that saves us from all sin, the condemnation of the law, and eternal death. As Christians we confess: ‘Christ is my righteousness. He has died for me. He has suffered in my place. He has fulfilled the Law for me by dying in my place. He has fulfilled the Law for me by dying in my place. He is my salvation.’” – Excerpt from Lutheran Catechesis, Catechist Edition, p. 70b.