For the doctrine of justification by faith alone to be understood, it must be seen within the wider context of the gospel. This article therefore first answers the question, "What is the gospel?" and then tries to explain what both justification and faith are.

This article considers the Protestant saying, "justification by faith alone," especially the nature of justifying faith. The author explains that faith is an act but not a work, yet is never without work. The author also reflects in the sense in which justification can be said to be of works. Finally, the issue of the works of faith that merit reward as indicated in Scripture is also discussed.