Justification

Justified: How God Declares the Unjust Righteous

Have you ever felt unworthy of God’s love? Do you struggle with the weight of your past mistakes, wondering how a perfect God could accept you? If so, you’re not alone. Today, we’re diving into a powerful concept that can transform your relationship with God: justification.

What is Justification?

Justification might sound like a big, intimidating word – something you’d find in a thick theology book. But it’s actually a foundational aspect of our salvation and Christian life. Simply put, justification means “to be declared righteous.”

As J.I. Packer puts it, justification is “the justifying of the unjust.” But how can a just God declare unjust people righteous? That’s the beauty of the gospel.

The Problem: We Are Unjust

Let’s start with a hard truth: we are all sinners. Romans 5:12 tells us, “Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned.” We are born into sin, and we choose to sin. In both respects, we are sinners.

I can’t change that fact on my own. I am unjust because of my sin, and there’s nothing I can do to make myself just in God’s eyes.

The Solution: Jesus Lived and Died for Us

This is where Jesus enters the picture. Matthew 5:17 quotes Jesus saying, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.”

Jesus came to do what we could never do:

1. He was born under the law (Galatians 4:4)
2. He perfectly obeyed the law (Hebrews 4:15)
3. He died to pay the penalty for our sin (Romans 6:10)

Jesus is our perfect substitute. He lived the life we should have lived and died the death we deserved to die.

The Result: God Justifies Us

Because of Jesus’ work, God can justly declare us righteous. Romans 8:33 says, “Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies.”

This justification is more than just being neutral before God. It’s a complete transformation of our relationship with Him. Romans 5:1-2 tells us, “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.”

The Blessings of Justification

When God justifies us, He doesn’t just release us from the prison of sin and leave us with nothing. He lavishes us with blessings:

1. Christ’s Righteousness: Philippians 3:9 says we have “the righteousness from God that depends on faith.” We’re clothed in Christ’s perfect righteousness.
2. Adoption as God’s Children: Galatians 4:5-7 tells us we “receive adoption as sons.” We’re no longer slaves or enemies, but beloved children and heirs of God.
3. Eternal Hope: Romans 8:30 assures us, “And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.” Our future glorification is so certain, God speaks of it as already accomplished!

Putting It Into Practice

So how do we live in light of this amazing truth of justification?

1. Respond with Gratitude: Thank God daily for the gift of righteousness you could never earn on your own.
2. Live Out Your New Identity: You have Christ’s righteousness – now live like it! Let your actions flow from who God has declared you to be.
3. Share the Good News: We can’t keep this incredible truth to ourselves. Ask God for courage to share the gospel with others who need to hear about justification.
4. Rest in God’s Love: When doubts creep in, remember that your standing with God is based on Christ’s work, not your own. You are justified, declared righteous, because of Jesus.
5. Pursue Holiness: Not to earn God’s favor, but because you already have it. Let gratitude for your justification fuel your desire to please God.

Remember, justification is not just a dry, theological concept. It’s a life-changing truth that can give you confidence, peace, and joy in your relationship with God. No matter what you’ve done or how unworthy you feel, if you’ve put your faith in Christ, God declares you righteous. That’s the power of justification!