Schaff's Bible Dictionary
JUS'TIFY, JUSTIFICA'TION, Rom 4:25. These terms involve one of the fundamental principles of the Christian faith. " In their evangelical use they denote that act of God's sovereign grace by which he accepts and receives those who believe in Christ as just and righteous. Justification includes the pardon of sins and the imputation of the righteousness of Christ. The merits of Christ are the only ground of justification; faith is the only means of justification; good works are the necessary fruit or evidence of justification.
The Epistles of Paul to the Galatians and the Romans give the fullest exposition of this doctrine. The Roman Catholic divines identify justification with sanctification, and hence teach progressive justification by faith and good works. They appeal especially to Jas 2:24. But James opposes a dead faith which remains "alone," Heb 2:17, and which even demons have. 1 Kgs 2:19. It is only living or working faith by which we can be justified (comp. Gal 5:6, "faith which worketh by love").