How do we know that justification is free?

The doctrine of justification teaches that we are declared righteous by God not based on our works but through faith in Jesus Christ alone. Romans 3:24 affirms this truth, 'Being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.' This means that our justification does not require any merit or effort on our part; it is a gift that we receive solely through God's grace. Christ's sacrifice on the cross accomplished the necessary work for our justification, ensuring that we can stand before God as righteous through His imputed righteousness.