How does justification work in the Christian faith?

Justification is a foundational doctrine in the Christian faith, representing God's declaration of believers as not guilty, based on the righteousness of Christ. In the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector, it was the tax collector who, in his humility and acknowledgment of his sin, went home justified (Luke 18:14). This means that through faith in Jesus and His atoning sacrifice, our sins are forgiven, and God's wrath is satisfied. Justification is not based on our merits or self-righteousness, but solely on Christ's righteousness imputed to us by faith. Romans 5:1 states that we are justified by faith and have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.