Final answer:
Justification in Galatians refers to the legal declaration of righteousness by faith alone, as opposed to earned righteousness through works. This concept, emphasized by Martin Luther during the Reformation, challenged the existing Catholic doctrine and helped shape Protestant theology.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the context of Galatians, justification is widely understood as a legal declaration of righteousness by faith. This is seen as a foundational concept within Protestant theology, particularly emphasized during the Reformation by figures such as Martin Luther. Luther interpreted the Apostle Paul's writings, especially the phrase "The just shall live by faith" from Romans 1:17, as suggesting that righteousness is imparted on the basis of faith alone, rather than through a tally of good works or earned merits.
The Catholic Church traditionally taught that salvation was influenced by both faith and works; however, Luther's new understanding broke away from this belief. The grace of God is thus depicted as a gift that cannot be earned by human effort but is given freely to those who have faith in Jesus Christ. This central tenet of justification by faith alone is a cornerstone of many Protestant denominations and is often contrasted with other notions of righteousness that might involve moral perfection or social justice actions.