In this light we can see why the Reformers declared that justification is the central article of the Christian faith. It is central because when we talk about the righteousness of faith, we are talking about the work of Christ alone. The incarnation and atonement of Christ are not one thing and justification by faith another thing. No one saw more clearly than Luther that the work of Christ for us and justification by faith are one. Justification by faith expresses how the sinner stands in a saving relationship to God when he stakes his whole existence on the infinite, awesome deeds of the incarnate God.
Forensic justification is everything.
It points to that which supports the poor sinner in life and in death as well as to that which supports the entire universe. Of course, repentance, regeneration and a life of new obedience have their place. It is even proper to say that if a man remains without these things, he will not be saved. But in the matter of presenting a righteousness that can stand before God in judgment and reconcile us to the Father, regeneration and the inward graces of the Holy Spirit's work have no place. For the glory of Christ we must therefore insist on a righteousness distinct from everything in man-in short, on a righteousness which is strictly forensic.