Soteriology Justification

Justification is a judicial act of God whereby He declares a guilty sinner to be righteous upon the basis of the finished work of Christ on the cross. The effect of justification is righteousness both in position and practicality. Justified people have a standing before God in the merits of Jesus Christ as well as a standing in the world as the result of a transformed life that radiates the glory of God in a dark world. (2 Cor. 4:1-7)

The Meaning of Justification Removing the Penalty Sin exacts a terrible penalty. (Rom. 6:23) Every person is a guilty sinner worthy of the eternal judgment of God. Christ bore our penalty in our place on Calvary. (2 Cor. 5:21; 1 Pet. 2:24) Because Christ suffered in our place we are delivered from the penalty of sin. (1 Thes. 5:9)

Restoring the Privilege In Adam we forfeited fellowship with God Restoring the Privilege In Adam we forfeited fellowship with God. As a fallen race we are removed from the high privileges originally afforded man at creation. In Christ we are restored to favor with God and the privileges attendant. Our worthiness is based entirely upon Christ’s merits. Our standing before God depends upon Christ and His work in our behalf. (1 Cor. 1:1-9)

Receiving a Person Justification is in a person Receiving a Person Justification is in a person. The only way to receive justification is to be in the person of the justifier. In Christ we are made the righteousness of God in him. (2 Cor. 5:21; 1 Cor. 1:30,31; 1 Cor. 6:9-11) In receiving Christ as Savior, we receive His righteousness imputed to our account.

Imputation Original sin is imputed to every person – Rom. 5:12-19 Our sin was imputed to Christ – 2 Cor. 5:21 Christ’s righteousness is imputed to all who believe – Roman. 3:20-22

The Method of Justification Justification is not the result of human effort but of faith – No one ever worked his way to God, much less to heaven. (Gal. 2:16-21; 3:5-11; 3:21-24) No man has ever kept the law or could keep the law. The law can only condemn us and force the honest soul to the righteousness received by faith apart from human works. (Rom. 3:21-28; 4:1-5) There is nothing for man to do since everything has already been done in Christ. We can only receive by faith that which He has already done.

Justification is not Inherent Worth but Imputed Worth – No man has standing with God because of personal merit. There is nothing to commend a fallen creature to God. Justification is the crediting of Christ’s merits to the account of redeemed people. (Rom. 4:6-8) The verses which follow this passage develop the fact that Abraham, who predated the law, had a relationship with God through the righteousness of faith (verse 13) (Rom. 4:16; 20-25)

The Manifestation of Justification Assurance – Peace with God is not to be confused with the peace of God. The peace of God actually comes from peace with God. (Rom. 5:1,2) Paul explains that the entire human race was plunged into sin by Adam. People are rescued from sin by Christ. (Rom. 5:16-21) Because Christ died in our place, because His shed blood is sufficient to atone for our sin, and because the justice of God is completely satisfied in Christ, we can have complete assurance that we are accepted by God. (Rom. 8:1,2 )

Ability – People who before conversion were incapable of pleasing God or of obeying the truth are now enabled to obey the righteous demands of a holy God. (Rom. 8:3,4; 8-10; 28-30; 33-34; 9:30). No one attains the righteousness of faith except by the enablement of God given to those who are justified by the finished work of Christ. Abdication – The justified believer is not presumptuous about the grace of God, nor of his security in Christ. He does not think that he can live any way he pleases. Rather, he submits joyfully to the righteousness of Christ.

He is not as the Jews who would substitute human righteousness for the righteousness which God applies freely to all who believe. (Rom. 3:24,25; 10:1-8) Justified people surrender their will to the authority of the Word of God. In so doing they demonstrate that they are indeed the children of God justification.

The Motive of Justification What is God’s purpose in justifying guilty men? How is He glorified as a result? We must first understand that justification absolutely vindicates the holiness of God. The penalty of sin is exacted upon Jesus Christ, the benefits are imputed to the believer, and God is absolutely just throughout. (1 Pet. 3:18; Rom. 3:24-26) In glorifying Himself, God provides these wonderful benefits for those whom He justifies.

Perpetual Acceptance – The eternal purpose of God in justifying all who will believe is that we may be forever acceptable to Him! (Phi. 3:8,9 ; Col. 1;21,22; Eph. 1:3-7; 5:25-27) Practical Apprehension – God would have those who have been justified to understand that the imputed righteousness of Christ can and must become a practical reality, so that the righteousness of the heart exceeds the righteousness of external form. (1 Tim. 1:9; 3:15; 2 Tim. 2:19-22; 3:16,17) Believers do not live godly in Christ Jesus in order to be justified, but because they are justified.

Personal Acknowledgement – God not only justifies and enables believers; He will one day honor the objects of his mercy as being His very own people. (2 Tim. 4:8; Tit. 3:4-7) O, the wonder of justification. That a guilty sinner, could be made just and holy before God! (Rom. 8:33-39)