Introduction: What is Justification?

Justification is a key concept in the Bible that refers to the act of being declared righteous in the sight of God. It is not simply forgiveness but a legal declaration by God, where He considers the believer righteous despite their sinful past. This concept lies at the heart of the Gospel message and explains how humans, guilty of sin, can stand blameless before a holy God.

– Romans 5:1 (KJV) 

  _”Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”_

This verse highlights that justification brings peace with God through faith in Jesus Christ. But what does justification truly entail? How are we justified? And how does this affect our lives? These questions form the focus of today’s message.

 I. Definition of Justification

In the Greek, the word for justification is “dikaioo”, which means “to declare righteous” or “to acquit.” It is a legal term that signifies a person is pronounced innocent and free from guilt. In the context of the Bible, justification refers to God’s act of declaring a sinner righteous based on their faith in Jesus Christ, not their works.

– Romans 3:24 (KJV) 

  _”Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.”_

Justification is a gift of God’s grace. It is not something we earn but something we receive through faith in Christ.

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 II. How Are We Justified?

The Bible teaches that we are justified in three essential ways: by grace, through faith, and by the blood of Jesus Christ.

 1. Justified by Grace

Grace is God’s unmerited favor. It means that God justifies us not because we deserve it, but out of His kindness and mercy.

– Titus 3:7 (KJV) 

  _”That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.”_

This verse emphasizes that grace is the foundation of our justification. It is God’s initiative to save us, even when we were sinners.

 2. Justified by Faith

Faith is the means by which we receive God’s gift of justification. It is not faith in ourselves or our works, but faith in Jesus Christ’s finished work on the cross.

– Romans 3:28 (KJV) 

  _”Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.”_

Justification by faith removes the burden of the law, meaning that it is not through our efforts or obedience to the law that we are justified, but through trusting in Christ.

 3. Justified by the Blood of Christ

The sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross is the basis of our justification. His death satisfied the demands of God’s justice, allowing us to be declared righteous.

– Romans 5:9 (KJV) 

  _”Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.”_

It is the blood of Jesus that cleanses us from all sin and makes our justification possible. Without the shedding of His blood, there would be no forgiveness or justification.

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 III. The Effect of Justification: A New Standing Before God

Justification brings about several profound changes in the life of a believer.

 1. Peace with God

– Romans 5:1 (KJV) 

  _”Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”_

Before justification, we were enemies of God because of our sins. Now, through justification, we have been reconciled and have peace with Him.

 2. Freedom from Condemnation

– Romans 8:1 (KJV) 

  _”There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.”_

Through justification, believers are no longer under condemnation. God does not hold their sins against them because Christ has paid the penalty in full.

 3. Access to God’s Presence

– Ephesians 3:12 (KJV) 

  _”In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.”_

Justification grants us access to God. We no longer have to fear judgment but can come boldly into God’s presence through faith in Jesus.

 IV. The Relationship Between Justification and Sanctification

Although justification and sanctification are related, they are not the same. Justification is the act of being declared righteous, while sanctification is the process of being made holy. Justification happens once and for all, while sanctification is ongoing throughout the believer’s life.

– James 2:24 (KJV) 

  _”Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.”_

This verse highlights that, although we are justified by faith, true faith produces good works. Sanctification is the evidence of our justification.

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 V. How Should We Live Knowing We Are Justified?

Justification is not just a theological concept; it affects how we live our daily lives. If we are justified:

1. We should live in gratitude to God for His mercy and grace.

   – Colossians 3:17 (KJV): _”And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.”_

2. We should walk in righteousness, not abusing the grace we have received.

   – Romans 6:1-2 (KJV): _”What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid.”_

3. We should extend grace to others as we have received it.

   – Ephesians 4:32 (KJV): _”And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.”_

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 Conclusion: A Call to Faith

In conclusion, justification is a gift of God’s grace that we receive through faith in Jesus Christ’s finished work on the cross. It declares us righteous before God, giving us peace, freedom from condemnation, and access to His presence. While justification is instantaneous, it leads to a life of obedience and sanctification.

– Galatians 2:16 (KJV) 

  _”Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.”_

Today, let us rest in the assurance of our justification and live lives that reflect the righteousness we have received by grace through faith. If you have not yet placed your faith in Jesus, the invitation is open—receive the gift of justification today and be reconciled to God.