What is the sole instrument for receiving the gift of justification?

The correct answer is faith as the sole instrument for receiving the gift of justification because, according to Christian doctrine, justification is the act of being declared righteous in the sight of God. This concept emphasizes that it is through faith—specifically faith in Jesus Christ—that individuals are justified and granted salvation.

In Christian theology, faith signifies a personal trust and reliance on God’s grace for redemption rather than on individual efforts or accomplishments. This perspective is supported by various scriptures, particularly in the New Testament, where it is often stated that a person's faith in Christ, rather than their own merits or actions, is the means by which they receive God’s justification.

Good works, sacraments, and community service, while valuable aspects of Christian life and expressions of faith, do not serve as instruments for receiving justification. Instead, they are often viewed as fruits or evidence of genuine faith, reflecting an individual's relationship with God rather than a means to attain justification itself. Understanding faith as the sole means to justification emphasizes reliance on God's grace and underscores the transformative power of belief in the context of salvation.