Part Four: "Salvation, A Deeper Look" (Justification)

What is justification and how does it relate to salvation? Paul says, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed" (Romans 1:17-18). To understand justification, we must know about righteousness. The phrase, "righteousness of God" refers to the condition of perfectly conforming to the perfect law and character of God. The Greek word translated, "justified" comes from the same word for "righteousness." Can you see the importance of believing the gospel? Mankind needs this righteousness in order for salvation to happen! Paul shows us our need for righteousness with these words, "There is none righteous, not even one" (Romans 3:10). This is where being justified enters the picture. Paul says, "Being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus" (Romans 3:24). The phrase, "justified" means "To declare righteous." Justification is the act of God whereby He declares (not makes) righteous every person that takes shelter in the redemption which is in Christ Jesus! Jesus is the only person who perfectly conformed to the perfect law and character of God! We need His righteousness! This declaration of God includes pardon from the guilt and penalty of sin, as well as, the crediting of Jesus' righteousness to the Christ follower's account (Romans 4:1-3). How amazing is that? In other words, justification gives the righteousness mankind needs to be accepted by God! Justification changes the person's standing or position before God from "guilty" to "not guilty!" As a result of justification, Paul says, "Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" (Romans 8:1). Condemnation is the opposite of justification! Condemnation refers to a guilty verdict and the penalty it brings. No sin a Christ follower can commit - past, present, and future can be held against him or her since the penalty was paid by Jesus and His righteousness credited to the Christ follower. This is what Paul teaches with these words, "Who will bring a charge against God's elect? God is the one who justifies" (Romans 8:33). If you are a Christ follower, God has declared you righteous, for you have been justified! Knowing this should encourage us to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord! Your move. Be encouraged!