The Anatomy of Justification

ROMANS 3:19-28; 4:24-25; 5:1

SUBJECT: SALVATION/ JUSTIFICATION

THEME: God on the basis of Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection declares believing sinners justified in His sight. Therefore, we are no longer obligated to sin’s penalty, and we are set free from its guilt to live for God’s glory.

INTRODUCTION:

Justification is a huge topic in the Scriptures, and it with related terms are used with reference to God and people. Large biblical topics are awkward to handle unless they are broken down by some type of anatomy. By anatomy, I am referring to a structure or organization of this great topic, justification, which exposes its constituent parts and their relationship to each other. An anatomy can also disclose the relationship of other grand theological concepts to each other. I shall attempt both approaches here in this article, but my focus will remain on how sinners are justified before a Perfect God-Judge.

Therefore, I will not linger on how our actions justify us before each other. That is a great topic of study, but it is not my focus here. You see the first is soteriological pertaining to salvation and the latter is soteriological pertaining to sanctification and Christian service. I wish to advance understanding for the recent convert and enable intelligent conversation through this anatomy of justification. I also hope to bring peace and assurance to the troubled mind by exposing such hearts to the powerful truths of the Word of God relative to our justification before the Perfect God-Judge.   

LESSON:

I. What is The Procedure for Justifying Sinners? (Romans 3:21-26)

Justification is a legal procedure by a completely just and Perfect God-Judge, and it involves several specific elements. It is essentially the procedure by which sinful humanity is made fully acceptable to a holy and just God-Judge.

Justification. The act of God in bringing sinners into a new covenant relationship with himself through the forgiveness of sins. Along with such terms as “regeneration” and “reconciliation,” it relates to a basic aspect of conversion. It is a declarative act of God by which he establishes persons as righteous; that is, in right and true relationship to himself.^[1]

This is a fuller explanation of what God actually did to save undeserving sinners when we place our full confidence in Jesus Christ, the Lord. The procedure involves…

A.       THE PROCEDURE INVOLVES A PLAN—We are justified according to a Plan (Vs. 21, 22). Romans 3:21, But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;

The “righteousness of God” is an aspect of God’s nature which expresses his unique moral perfection and his readiness to save sinners. It is made known especially through the gospel of Jesus Christ—the essential facts are that God is righteous in himself AND his method of salvation/justification is rooted in righteousness.

God’s plan for justifying fallen humanity was not only introduced soon after the fall of man in the Garden of Eden (Gen. 3:15), but the plan was formulated in eternity past…before the foundation of the world (1 Pet. 1:19-21; Eph. 1:4-6).  Yes, the Gospel has always been central to God’s redemptive plan from cover to cover in the Word of God. Through this plan God behaves righteously, justifies on a just basis, and affords his own righteousness to repentant sinners who believe the gospel.

B.    THE PROCEDURE INVOLVES A PROVISION—We are justified by the Righteousness of a Substitute, Jesus Christ (Vs. 22). Romans 3:22, Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:

God’s plan to provide the much needed righteousness involves a Substitute, Jesus Christ, to voluntarily take responsibility for our sins and suffer our punishment in our place at Calvary.

Sin demands judgment and must be dealt with thoroughly and completely. No half measures will suffice.

God’s pattern of bringing people into personal relationship now stands manifest apart from the Law (Rom 3:21–26) in the ministry and death of Christ, whom God put forth as the atoning agent (v 25). Sin is dealt with directly in the death of the sinless one who became sin for us that we might in him become the righteousness of God (2 Cor 5:21). In his substitutionary death he bears the guilt of all humanity so that by responding in trust mankind might know God in true relationship.^[2]

He who was utterly faithful to all the Father’s will freely gave himself that we might receive his righteousness, the righteousness of God, in exchange for our faith in his sacrifice (1 Cor. 15:1-4; 2 Cor. 5:17-21). I am so thankful and humbled by this extraordinary provision by God!

C.    THE PROCEDURE INVOLVES A CONDITION—We are justified by Faith (Vs. 22, 25). Romans 3:22, Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:

Again, we receive justification by believing on the Lord Jesus Christ—his person and his work on our behalf. Faith is the condition and channel through which we receive the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus our Lord; salvation is not automatic nor universally applied. Each individual must personally believe the gospel in order to be save.

The doctrine of justification by faith alone affirms the thoroughgoing sinfulness of all persons, their total inability to deal effectively with their own sin, and the gracious provision through the death of Jesus Christ of a complete atonement for sin, to which persons respond in simple trust without any special claims or merit of their own.^[3]

Justification then is purely by faith and not by obeying God’s Law, keeping the Golden Rule, joining a church, being baptized, or participating in a series of rituals and ceremonies. Jesus stipulated faith as the condition for salvation (Jn. 1:12-13; 3:14-18, 36; 5:24; 6:40, 47; Gal. 2:16).

D.    THE PROCEDURE INVOLVES A PREDICAMENT—We are justified though guilty (Vs. 23).  Romans 3:23, For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God

This is the incredible situation of every human being ever born on planet earth. We all are sinners and guilty of sin by our very nature and the deeds we have done. There is more proof of this in each of our experience than we care to acknowledge. We lie, we cheat, we steal, we lust, we hurt others, we love things more than people…on the list of charges goes. Our predicament is dire, deadly, and potentially disastrous!

We are also guilty for the deeds we failed to do, but still God requires these duties and actions; his expectations are entirely reasonable. The crimson stain of our sin not only reaches our desires, motives, and actions, but sin has warped, twisted, flavored, and devolved our hearts and minds to the basest forms of depravity. Beyond this the ramifications of our sinful actions not only influence those we love but also mutilates our relationships in the gravest manner.

Sinful and fallen is the predicament of every man, woman, boy, and girl. There is nothing we can do to change our nature to good; there is nothing anyone can do to raise ourselves to measure up to the perfections and glory of God. We are desperate sinners who come far short of what a righteous God requires (Rom. 3:9-20).

E.    THE PROCEDURE INVOLVES GRACE—We are justified freely by God’s grace (Vs. 24). Romans 3:24, Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:

Love, mercy and grace are the fascinating motivations in the heart of the Almighty moving him to devise a redemption plan! We are justified before God entirely and freely through the exercise of God’s underserved favor and blessing. The true source of salvation is in the heart of the Almighty.

Justification is by grace alone. Rooted in the nature of God it is also made available through the work of Christ as God’s gift. Thus we have the often repeated confession that Christ died “for us” (Rom 5:8; 1 Thes 5:10), or “for our sins” (1 Cor 15:3). The means of appropriation is by faith and faith alone (Rom 3:22; 5:1). This faith is a simple trust in the sufficiency of the work of Christ, a trust by which one freely and whole-heartedly identifies with Christ, loves and embraces his Word, and gives himself to the value system expressed in the kingdom of God. The basic self-consciousness of the justified person is that his right relationship with the living God has nothing to do with merit or achievement. It is from beginning to end a gift of infinite love. His own powerlessness is resolved in the power of the gospel in which God’s saving work is revealed (Rom 1:12, 17).^[4]

Salvation and justification can never we achieved, earned, or deserved because we are saved exclusively and only by God’s grace. The origin of salvation is in God and not in human beings. There is nothing we can do and there is nothing we need to do to secure our justification except believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. As a result God acts in grace to save us (Tit. 3:5-6; Gal. 2:20-21; Eph. 2:8-9).

F.     THE PROCEDURE INVOLVES A PURCHASE—We are justified through Redemption (Vs. 24). Romans 3:24, Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:

Redemption is an associated doctrine to justification; it is clearly not one and the same as justification. The relationship and association is wonderful though. Redemption refers to paying a price or ransom to purchase a slave with the goal of setting the slave free. We all were subject to bondage and enslavement in the market of sin, but Jesus Christ entered the world (this slave market) and paid the price for our redemption at Calvary. When we believe on him, we are set free from sins enslavement—power, guilt, and eventually presence. This payment provides the key basis for our justification by God. Because Jesus paid this price—he made the purchase, God can graciously free sinners once we repent believing the Gospel. Since we are bought with a tremendous price our entire existence belongs to God; we are free from sin to live for God (1 Cor. 6:20; 7:23. See also slave and servant redemption in Lev. 25).

G.   THE PROCEDURE INVOLVES A PRICE—We are justified by Blood (Vs. 24). Romans 3:24-25, Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:  25, Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;

This incredible idea of a purchase and payment is echoed in this text! It must be important to our justification. In this instance the price paid is the precious blood of the Son of God.

Nothing But the Blood

What can wash away my sin?

Nothing but the blood of Jesus;

What can make me whole again?

Nothing but the blood of Jesus. -Robert Lowry.^[5]

The price the Savior paid that we may be justified was his very own blood. This signifies at the very least suffering and shedding his literal life blood unto death as the payment warranted for our sins. The cost to Him was great, but to us it comes freely—through faith in his blood. Therefore, it was of grace and not because we earned or deserve it. If our love for Christ ever grows cold and indifferent, we need to pause at Calvary and note the bleeding suffering Savior paying a price we desperately owed and could not pay! (1 Pet. 1:18-19; Heb. 9:11-14)

Auction of Lady Anna

A street-preacher was preaching on one of London’s sidewalks when a personal servant of the queen, a woman by the name of Lady Anna, passed by in a gorgeous carriage. She stopped to listen.

The crowd turned its attention to her. So did the speaker. In a voice loud enough for all to hear, he exclaimed: “Brethren, may I have your attention a moment. I am going to have an auction. I intend to sell that young lady to the highest bidder. I know of three who want to buy her: the World, the Devil, and Christ.

“World, what will you pay for her? Riches, honor, and pleasure? Not enough. She is worth more. Devil, what will you bid? All the possessions and riches of this earth? Not enough! Riches disappear like the night when the morning sun comes up.

“I hear the voice of the third Buyer, Jesus Christ. What do you bid, Lord Jesus?” “I give her my grace here and eternal glory hereafter, an imperishable, unstained, unchangeable inheritance!”

“Lord, You may have her,” shouted the speaker, “I leave her to You. You are the rightful Owner. May Heaven and earth witness this deal.”

Then, turning to the surprised and embarrassed young lady, the speaker went on: “What do you think of this bargain? Remember, you are eternally the property of the Lord Jesus. He died for you. Can you, will you, dare you, refuse to surrender to Him?”

To her credit, Lady Anna took the words to heart, and lived worthy of her Master.^[6]

H.   THE PROCEDURE INVOLVES A PROPITIATION—We are justified on a fair basis (Vs. 25). Romans 3:25, Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God

Propitiation is likely not a term we use on a regular basis so some explanation is necessary. Generally, it means to satisfy, appease, or placate. Through Christ’s sacrifice, God’s wrath, anger, justice, righteousness, and holiness were completely satisfied. All sin was paid for in full by Jesus our Lord and God was propitiated by this means! That is full satisfaction for all the requirements for atonement through Christ’s sacrifice (2Cor. 5:21). Such involved a double imputation—our sins were imputed to Christ and Christ’s righteousness was imputed to us repentant sinners. This reality gives God a fair basis upon which to forgive and justify repentant sinners (1 Jn. 2:1-2). Forgiveness is releasing from the guilt of sin and justification is a declaration of righteous by the perfect God-Judge.

I.      THE PROCEDURE INVOLVES A PROPOSAL—We are justified because of Forgiveness of sins (Vs. 25). Romans 3:25, Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;

As previously indicated God has a just basis for remitting sins—affording forgiveness to the sinner who admits his/her guilt. Accordingly, such behavior demonstrates God’s moral righteousness. The proposition of forgiveness is basically releasing the sinner from responsibility for his sins once he/she admits guilt. So in the preaching of the Gospel, the evangelist offers forgiveness of sins and the repentant sinner receives forgiveness of sins from God. This is essentially God’s proposal to sinners. Yet, I am amazed at the number of gospel presentations to sinners that scarcely even mentions the guilt of sinners before God. Everybody is rushing to offer heaven, and very few actually seek to impress the sinner with their guilt before God—their need for God’s forgiveness. It is a holy God whom we all have offended with our entire existence! Using the Law of God in evangelism helps us greatly to show the sinner that he is a sinner. Take the sinner to Moses first and then to Jesus! (Luke 24:44-49; Acts 10:43; 13:38-39; 26:18)

J.     THE PROCEDURE INVOLVES A PROCLAMATION—We are justified because of a declaration from a just God (Vs. 26). Romans 3:26, To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.

Since we have by faith received credit for the righteousness of Christ, then we are viewed by God as righteous. We now possess the righteousness of God; full credit has been imputed to the repentant sinners account! Again this action declares the moral righteousness of God for all to see. He is no shady dealer! Remember, before trusting Christ we were utterly bankrupt concerning righteousness. Since we stand before God, the righteous Judge, in the righteousness of His Son then this demands that God justify us! This is not a figurative nor fictitious righteousness, we have the very righteousness of God added to our spiritual account! On this extraordinary basis God declares believers as righteous, and by doing so he demonstrates that he is indeed righteous (Rom. 4:1-12). God eliminates any doubts about his character and places his righteous character on full display through the clear preaching of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Beloved, we show ourselves very wise by taking him extremely seriously!

K.   THE PROCEDURE INVOLVES A PROCLAIMER—We are justified by a Just Justifier Judge (Vs. 26). Romans 3:26, To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.

Once again God painstakingly shows himself to be just and fair in this spiritual transaction. “At this time” God is vindicated through the provision of Calvary and the preaching of the gospel. For as long as this age endures and as often as the gospel is preached, listeners should be impressed with the righteous character of Almighty God. He is just! He has conclusively—even emphatically dealt with sin on the Cross, and he will not overlook anyone who rejects and disregards such gracious provisions.

In common Greek, justification and justify are frequently forensic terms; that is, they relate to the law court and the act of acquitting or vindicating someone. It has to do with the innocence or virtue of a person. But more broadly it has to do with the norm of any relationship.^[7]

This is the perfect Judge remember…there is absolutely zero shady dealing with Him. He can only do what is right and just and according to justice. For sinners who have been credited with His very righteousness it is only fitting that we be proclaimed righteous by the Justifier. Beloved, this is the unstained and stellar moral character of God we are referring to. This is what he is really like. You and I can trust a God like this!

L.    THE PROCEDURE INVOLVES POWER—We are Justified by Power (Rom. 4:24-25). Romans 4:24-25, But for us also, to whom it [righteousness] shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead;  25 Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.

The same power that raise Christ from the dead justifies and identifies the believing sinner to Jesus Christ.  We enjoy a legal status identical to that of Christ who is completely righteous. Remember, Christ’s righteousness is imputed to all who believe on him.

What we believe also matters—God raised up the Lord Jesus from among the dead. This same Jesus who died taking full responsibility for our sin guilt before God; our sins were paid for in full by his sacrifice. Again Christ was delivered to die for our grave offenses against God; Jesus was also resurrected by the Father to the end that we may be justified before God. Therefore, believers also have by faith identified with Christ who has already died for sins, was buried and raised again. Christ has no more obligations to sin or death, nor do we who are identified with Him.

Beloved, we are not justified in a weak system of justice, but in one marked by extraordinary power and force. Our legal status before God is not make-believe, fictional, or a stretch of the facts...nor the overworked product of our active imaginations. Believing in justification by faith alone is not an exercise in mental gymnastics; this is truth! A thousand times no! Our justification is as real as the resurrection of Jesus Christ. If he is alive then so are we alive in him…so are we guiltless before God…so are we declared as positively righteous in the divine court of law. God declares this to be the case and so it is. Beloved, the perfect righteous God-Judge has the final say. (Read Romans 10:8-17)

 CONCLUSION:

God on the basis of Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection declares believing sinners justified in His sight. Therefore, we are no longer obligated to sin’s penalty, and we are set free from its guilt to live for God. The Perfect Judge declares believing sinners as righteous! Beloved, He has the final Word in this matter.

Once again an anatomy affords us a structure and some organization of this giant topic in the Bible. Hopefully this article enables conversation on the topic of justification; my aim has been to expose the constituent parts and their relationship to each other. Much like a human anatomy diagram will demonstrate the various internal organs and their approximate relationship to each other. In this anatomy of justification we showed the relationship of other grand theological concepts to each other.

Sometimes a simple question only requires a short answer; other times what was perceived as a simple question may actually require a more comprehensive answer. A simple answer in such instances may be insufficient because it may mislead by giving a false impression, or even be deceiving because it misrepresents the full scope of an idea. This is one reason theology is so valuable…it enables us to catalog, break down, distinguish, bisect, digest, correlate, and assimilate huge topics in the Scriptures. Often the purpose for asking the question can help us determine if a short answer or a more comprehensive answer is required. In this instance...we have the long answer. 

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^[1] Elwell, W. A., & Beitzel, B. J. (1988). Justification. In Baker encyclopedia of the Bible (Vol. 2, p. 1252). Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House.

^[2] Elwell, W. A., & Beitzel, B. J. (1988). Justification. In Baker encyclopedia of the Bible (Vol. 2, pp. 1253–1254). Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House.

^[3] Elwell, W. A., & Beitzel, B. J. (1988). Justification. In Baker encyclopedia of the Bible (Vol. 2, p. 1252). Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House.

^[4] Elwell, W. A., & Beitzel, B. J. (1988). Justification. In Baker encyclopedia of the Bible (Vol. 2, p. 1254). Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House.

^[5] Logos Hymnal. (1995). (1st edition.). Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

^[6] Tan, P. L. (1996). Encyclopedia of 7700 Illustrations: Signs of the Times (pp. 1204–1205). Garland, TX: Bible Communications, Inc.

^[7] Elwell, W. A., & Beitzel, B. J. (1988). Justification. In Baker encyclopedia of the Bible (Vol. 2, p. 1252). Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House.

Jesus Defeats the Devil: The Battle of the Flesh

 

 MATTHEW 4:1-4

THEME: Jesus indisputably triumphs over Satan to show us how to live for spiritual priorities instead of succumbing to the temptations to live for physical satisfactions first and foremost.

RELEVANCE: Jesus is tempted so that every creature in heaven, on earth, or under the earth might know that Jesus Christ is the great Conqueror. This temptation is necessary to demonstrate His moral fitness to do the work for which He had come into the world. The devil will encourage us to adopt a value system that places an unhealthy emphasis on physical and material needs, but Jesus un-mistakenly points out our real priorities. In addition, He exposes Satan and his schemes, while crushing him most convincingly. Because of His victory, we can win against the tempter. 

INTRODUCTION:

From the high and holy experience of blessing at the Jordan, Jesus is led into the wilderness for testing. Yes, the Holy Spirit leads Jesus into the wilderness to be tempted by the Devil. Jesus was not tested so that the Father could learn anything about His Son, for the Father had already given Jesus His divine approval.

Just as the first Adam met Satan, so the Last Adam met the enemy (1 Cor. 15:45). Adam met Satan in a beautiful Garden, but Jesus met him in a terrible wilderness. Adam had everything he needed, but Jesus was hungry after forty days of fasting. Adam lost the battle and plunged humanity into sin and death. But Jesus won the battle and went on to defeat Satan in more battles, culminating in His final victory on the cross (John 12:31; Col. 2:15).^[1]

Truly the Lord Jesus is a victor, winner, and champion!

John 12:31, Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.

Col. 2:15, And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it. 

LESSON:

Jesus Defeats The Devil (Matt. 4:1-4):

Jesus is led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by Satan.

It may seem strange that Jesus should be “led up of the Spirit” into temptation (vs. 4:1). Why should the Holy Spirit lead Him into such an encounter? The answer is that this temptation was necessary to demonstrate His moral fitness to do the work for which He had come into the world. The first Adam proved his unfitness for dominion when he met the adversary in the Garden of Eden. Here the last Adam meets the devil in a head-on confrontation and emerges unscathed.^[2]

The word “tempted” has two meanings: (1) to test, try, prove, or to make proof of (John 6:6; 2 Cor. 13:5; Heb. 11:17); and (2) to solicit to evil—to entice to do wrong. The Holy Spirit along with the Father sought occasion to test, prove or demonstrate the high and unique quality of Christ’s nature and character. But, the “devil” sought to lure Him to do evil. God Himself is never personally responsible for temptations to practice sin (James 1:13), but here—as in the book of Job—God uses even satanic temptations to serve His sovereign purposes. The Scriptures record how Christ was tempted in all points but He remains free of sin (Heb. 4:15; 1 John 2:16). As typical of him, Satan appeals to our Lord with his favorite tricks, “the lust of the flesh” (vv. 2, 3); “the lust of the eyes” (vv. 8, 9); and “the pride of life” (vv. 5, 6).

The Attacks of the Adversary (Matt. 4:2-11)

After fasting forty days and forty nights, Jesus was hungry—famished from a necessary privation. The number forty in Scripture is frequently indicative of situations of testing or probation. This natural appetite of hunger, like so many others, provides the tempter with an advantage, which in many people he can exploit and manipulate. The Devil often perverts what God intended for good and uses it for evil. It is vital we understand this experience was absolutely necessary according to the Holy Spirit’s direction—a time of testing, endurance, and obedience until the tests are complete.  

Hebrews 5:8, Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;

THE FIRST ATTACK—THE TEMPTATION TO LIVE FOR PERSONAL NEEDS AND TO PROVIDE FOR YOURSELF INDEPENDENTLY OF GOD (Matt. 4:2-4) 

The Temptation of the Flesh (Matt. 4:2-3):

Satan challenges Jesus to change the stones into loaves of bread!

Matthew 4:2-4, And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred. 3 And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. 4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. 

Satan suggests that Jesus use his miraculous power to convert the stones of the desert into loaves of bread. The words, “If Thou be the Son of God,” does not mean that Satan doubted who Jesus was. No, Satan knew full well and exactly who he was dealing with. Satan was actually saying, “Since You are the Son of God.” The devil is alluding to the words of the Father to Jesus at the baptism, “This is My beloved Son.” The devil accepted the statement as true and, called on Jesus to exercise His power to satisfy His hunger. You know, sometimes the idea of wanting a miracle comes from the Devil and not our Lord. Miraculous solutions are great to witness and sometimes escape from difficulty or suffering is the Father’s will. But, not always! Please note the following observations. 

To fulfill a natural appetite by using divine power in response to Satan’s encouragements is a direct act of disobedience to God. As Christians we do not take marching orders from the Devil! This is the same appeal Satan enticed Eve with in the Garden of Eden in Genesis 3:6 (“good for food”). John classifies this temptation as “the lust of the flesh” (1 Jn. 2:16). Our corresponding temptation is to live for the gratification of natural desires, to choose a pathway of comfort instead of seeking the kingdom of God and His righteousness. The devil says, “You have to live, don’t you?” Instead of trusting God for all our needs, we sometimes reserve the right to control matters that relate to our legitimate needs. We must resist the desire to be controlling and self-sufficient. It is always right to depend on God, His way and timing.

Temptations to live to satisfy personal needs and desires presents a challenge to our love for God, involves doubts and questions relative to the love of God and proposes a path that rivals the will of God. “Since You are God’s beloved Son, why doesn’t Your Father feed You?” Why does He put You into this terrible wilderness?” This temptation sounded like Satan’s words to Eve in Genesis 3! It is a subtle suggestion that our Father does not love us. In affect Satan says, “If God loved his children then why does he allow them to suffer?” “Why doesn’t your Father shield you from all painful experiences?” If Satan can provoke us to doubt God’s love and care for us then we will find it difficult to trust Him with our needs and the timing for His provisions in our lives. We will pursue our own will and methods to secure whatever we feel we need in whatever ways that produce the desired results. Such independent behavior does not honor the Lord.

Still there is another suggestion from the Devil: “Use your divine powers to meet your own needs.” When we put our physical needs ahead of our spiritual needs, we sin. All needs do not have the same priority or gravity. Spiritual concerns are far more important than our physical concerns. Both of these areas matter to the Lord, but spiritual needs are clearly weightier in God’s economy. We cannot allow the Devil to dictate our values system. When we allow circumstances to dictate our actions, instead of following God’s will, we sin. Too many of us look no further than to the situation, circumstances, or natural conditions to make decisions, but life is to be sanctified unto the purpose and glory of God. Jesus could have turned the stones into bread, but He would have been exercising His powers independently of the Father; and He came to obey the Father (John 5:30; 6:38). When we use our abilities, talents, strengths and skills in a manner that does not acknowledge God’s will, we sin. My sweet mother use to emphasize how we must use our powers wisely—just because you can do something does not mean that you should. Too many of us justify greed, excess, avarice, gluttony, extravagance, and luxurious living because we deem these lavish extras as needs. 

The Triumph Over the Desires of the Body (Matt. 4:4):

People have greater needs than their physical life; we must feed on every word of God to satisfy the spiritual life needs as a first priority. When this is the case, we will have the spiritual understanding to make sound decisions concerning our needs. Jesus’ answer directs us to trust God to provide for our needs…He can speak and our supply will be available to us. Now note what Jesus did in response to the Devil to defeat him concerning this temptation in the area of the flesh. 

The Lord Quotes Deuteronomy 8:3, to Defeat Satan’s First Temptation.

All the commandments which I command thee this day shall ye observe to do, that ye may live, and multiply, and go in and possess the land which the LORD sware unto your fathers. 2 And thou shalt remember all the way which the LORD thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no. 3 And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live. 4 Thy raiment waxed not old upon thee, neither did thy foot swell, these forty years. 5 Thou shalt also consider in thine heart, that, as a man chasteneth his son, so the LORD thy God chasteneth thee.

When Israel was in a desert place and could not provide for their most basic needs, it was God who merely spoke and their needs were supplied. God gave them manna in the wilderness wanderings. Depending on God first and foremost for our physical needs must become our priority as well. Food is a need, companionship is a need, for some marriage is a need, a means of employment is a need, shelter is a need, and on the list goes. We must look to God to supply our physical and relational needs; we must not resort to compromise, shacking up, sleazy hock-ups, and lying on government applications to secure a social benefit.

We can follow God’s leadership and guidance obediently because we are confident of His love and care…we do not doubt that He will provide for our needs in His way and timing. We are less tempted to resort to lying, cheating, stealing, manipulating, or even working excessively to supply our needs independently of God. Remember, we can survive and be satisfied by the bread which God supplies, but bread acquired independently of God will leave you still wanting and longing for something more.

Jesus Answered The Temptation By Quoting Audibly The Word Of God to the Devil (Matt. 4:4). Matthew 4:4, But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.

It is written (γέγραπται). The perfect tense. “It has been written, and stands written.” The first recorded words of Jesus after his entrance upon his ministry are an assertion of the authority of scripture, and that though he had the fulness of the Spirit. When addressing man, our Lord seldom quoted scripture, but said, I say unto you. In answer to Satan he says, It is written.^[3]

The Sword of the Spirit (Eph. 6:17) is the Word of God and here Jesus shows us how to weld this most powerful sword in spiritual combat! Yes, it is an offensive weapon when used properly by God’s people. Give the devil the pure undiluted Word of God; our arguments are not wise or cleaver enough to win the day. Use God’s Book; quote it to the wicked one. The imagery of a sword relative to the Bible, the Word of God, is a primary idea the Bible repeatedly highlights (Heb. 4:12; Rev. 1:16; 2:16; 19:15). It denotes examination, judgment, and warfare!

Jesus’ example instructs us to speak God’s Word with insight and practical application to everyday situations, temptations, and challenges. Yes, even at times directly to the Devil also to remind him where our loyalties lie. The disciples of our Lord followed this example of addressing devils directly with a keen and practical understanding of the Scriptures and to cast them out (Matt. 17:14-21). However this ability was not to be taken presumptuously, it was only honored when genuine faith filled disciples of our Lord were on His mission and executing His will (Acts 19:11-18).  

In addition, always maintain uppermost in your mind the very character of the Word of God. It is faithful (2Tim. 2:11), confirmed (Heb. 2:3; 2Pet. 1:19) and it endureth forever (1Pet. 1:24-25). You are always correct to trust God’s prescriptions for everything that ails this life or afflicts our experience!

Our Lord’s example teaches that we don’t have to live without physical hungers, but we do have to live to obey God! Getting bread or being filled with bread is not the most important thing in life. While full obedience to every word of God is truly paramount. We should hunger for righteousness and thirst for obedience far more than mere material provisions! Sometimes it is the will of the Father for us to be hungry or to go without whatever to train us to trust Him to supply our needs. God revealed Himself throughout the Scriptures as the Lord God Almighty who meets and satisfies our deepest needs and desires. He has not changed! W. MacDonald says, “Since Jesus had received no instructions from the Father to turn stones into bread, He would not act on His own and thus obey Satan, no matter how intense His hunger.”

CONCLUSION:

The Holy Spirit leads Jesus into the wilderness to be tempted by the Devil, and our Lord indisputably triumphs over Satan’s temptation to live for physical satisfaction as our first priority. Jesus was tempted so that every creature in heaven, on earth, or under the earth might know that Jesus Christ is the Conqueror. Are you convinced of this truth? Have your convictions about the Lord Jesus being a winner deepened and advanced? 

You may recall also that this temptation was necessary to demonstrate His moral fitness to do the work for which He had come into the world. God still uses such testing and challenges to prove our fitness and demonstrate our readiness to lead! 

Matthew’s record of these events exposes Satan and his tactics. What have you learned about the enemy’s attacks and seductions? Finally, please do not miss the all-important lesson that because of Christ’s victory, we can have victory over the tempter as well. But how? Well… by understand that nourishing the soul with the written Word and obeying God’s Word supersedes consuming physical food or satisfying temporal needs. Exalt spiritual pursuits in your value system! Yes, accordingly God’s Book is our spiritual food. 

In closing consider and even meditate on the values and priorities of the Lord Jesus in John 4:32-34, But he said unto them, I have meat to eat that ye know not of. [33] Therefore said the disciples one to another, Hath any man brought him ought to eat? [34] Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.     

 

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^[1] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 1, p. 18). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

^[2] MacDonald, W. (1995). Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments. (A. Farstad, Ed.) (p. 1212). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

^[3] Vincent, M. R. (1887). Word studies in the New Testament (Vol. 1, p. 28). New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons.

The Perfect Judge Has Spoken

 

JOB 25:4; ROMANS 3:19-28; 5:1

SUBJECT: SALVATION/ JUSTIFICATION

THEME: God on the basis of Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection declares believing sinners justified in His sight. Therefore, we are no longer obligated to sin’s penalty, and we are set free from its guilt to live for God’s glory.

Every man, woman, boy and girl stands as a guilty sinner sentenced to everlasting death urgently in need of justification before God. This is the imagery the term justification evokes in our minds. In his epistle to the Romans, the Apostle Paul presents sinful man in a courtroom on trial for his very life. The deadly charge is sin—high treason against the holy King of the Universe. For every one of us without a singular exception has sinned in desires, thoughts, and deeds (Rom. 3:23). Who among us does not fully subscribe to the statement, “Nobody is perfect”? 

The presiding Judge is the honorable Jesus Christ Himself, the Perfect Judge—He fully understands the Law of God and the human plight. This Judge cannot be manipulated, coned or bought! The Jury is comprised of the uncompromising Law of God—all 10 members are present and ready to fulfil their duty. The millions of honest witnesses for the prosecution are our condemning deeds as fallen humanity. They will accurately make the case against us! After proper deliberation by the jury a just and fair verdict of guilty is returned (Rom. 3:9-20). Then a terrifying sentence is announced—spiritual death, meaning to be forever separated from God to suffer throughout all eternity in the Lake of Fire (Rom. 6:23; Rev. 20:11-15). 

The Perfect Judge has spoken, and we are sentenced to the eternal death penalty! In this revealing light, we feel pressed to acknowledge our desperate need for justification before this Perfect God-Judge. How may we fallen guilty sinners be right in the eyes of a Perfect Judge? Can we be made right before God? I AM SO GLAD GOD HIMSELF TOOK OUR CASE!

Bildad the Shuhite asked the question we will seek to answer in this article in Job 25:4, saying, “How then can man be justified with God? or how can he be clean that is born of a woman?” Bildad longed for some reasonable way for us to be found innocent before God, but he fully recognized the incredible sinfulness of us all. With every heartbeat, our conscience pronounces us guilty…Guilty…GUILTY!...Guilty! The Apostle Paul explains in detail how it is wonderfully possible to be justified before God, and faith in Jesus Christ is the key. Note carefully what Romans 3:22-26, says,

Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: ²³ For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; ²⁴ Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: ²⁵ Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; ²⁶ To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.

Paul also helps us understand the wonderful outcomes of justification before God through faith in Jesus Christ—peace with God! Again Romans 5:1, states, “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” This is correct..."we have peace with God"--freedom from worry about condemnation for our sinfulness and guilt...assurance our sins were paid for in full...rest in the completed and God-satisfying work of Jesus Christ. Instead of being assaulted by the threat of Hell forever, we can alternatively experience peace with the Almighty because of faith in Jesus Christ. Full deep and rich abiding peace because all is well between our soul and the Savior! With these general observations in mind, it is needful to take a closer look at the clear biblical statements concerning justification.

 LESSON:

I.  What Is The Point of Justifying Sinners? (Rom. 3:24-25)

 Justification is a legal action, a verdict of the Divine Court to save sinners. What is the meaning of justification? Often it is necessary to say what we do not mean before we can say we we do mean. 

         A.  WHAT JUSTIFICATION IS NOT

1.  It does not mean to be Acquitted, that is to successfully defend oneself against all charges. There is absolutely no means of acquittal once a person dies in their sins. It is impossible to develop a defense so compelling that God the Perfect Judge will concede your argument and release you from all obligations to sin’s wages and penalties. Acquittal before the Perfect Judge is an utter impossibility! 

2.  It does not mean to be Pardoned, that is to be found guilty, but given a second chance. I am afraid a pardon is an impossible development once a sinner dies and appears before the judgment bar of the Lord Jesus. Since we are guilty of violating God’s perfect standard of righteousness, His holy Law, He must deal with us according to what we deserve. He is just and His justice demands that sin be punished appropriately and completely. Merely letting guilty sinners off the hook is as great an impossibility as acquittal. There is entirely no hope of pardon and there is zero opportunity for a second chance once we cross over from time into eternity by means of physical death. 

3.  It does not mean to be Paroled, that is to be guilty and set free with certain restrictions. God’s justice system does not employ parole officers. There is no get out of jail card because your crime was not that serious, the prison system is over populated, or because you deserve a chance to prove yourself worthy of freedom. Our high crimes against the Most High are so serious that it will take forever in Hell to pay for them. Why forever? Well, frankly because we still are committing the most egregious sins in the midst of our suffering in Hell. God’s holiness is so high above our most astronomical ideals that any sin is a violent assault against His perfection, glory, and Laws. Merely imposing a few restrictions for our high crimes of sin would be a gross miscarriage of justice on God’s part. Dear friend, God will not violate His holy, just, righteous, and perfect nature…not even for you and me. None of these ideas are similar or equal to justification before the Perfect Judge. All of these strategies are a part of the fabric in our American court and justice system, but please do not expect the Perfect Judge to behave like mere human judges. 

         B.  WHAT JUSTIFICATION IS

1. To justify means to declare AS righteous.  It is a judicial concept and it acknowledges God as the perfect judge.

2. Dr. A. Strong defined it as, “By justification we mean that judicial act of God which, on account of Christ, to whom the sinner is united by faith, He declares that sinner to be no longer exposed to the penalty of the law, but restored to His favor.”

3. Justification is that legal act whereby man’s status before God is changed for the good. The verdict does NOT make the person righteous but it does declare him as righteous.

4. Dr. W. MacDonald says, “The word justify means to reckon or declare to be righteous.  For example, God pronounces a sinner to be righteous when that sinner believes on the Lord Jesus Christ. However a man can justify God (Lk 7:29) by believing and obeying God’s word.  In other words, he declares God to be righteous in all that God says and does. And of course a man can justify himself; that is he can protest his own righteousness (see Lk. 10:29). But this is nothing but a form of self deception. To justify does not actually make a person righteous. We can not make God righteous; He already is righteous. But we can declare Him to be righteous. God does not make the believer sinless or righteous in himself. Rather God puts righteousness to his account.” 

5. Justification does not declare the sinner ‘not guilty’ but “as not guilty.” JUSTIFIED = “Just-if -I’d never sinned.” Justification is a once only act, we are justified for ever. Justification is the act of a Judge. Once the verdict is given we can never again be arraigned as a criminal before the Judge.  Justification is the act of a Judge. Forgiveness is the act of a Parent.

So then, the point of justification is for the Perfect Judge to declare the repentant believing sinner as judicially righteous before the grand court of God. Such an act by the Perfect Judge frees the new convert from any obligations to the penalty and punishment of sin, death, and Hell. This is perhaps shocking for some to realize that God is not primarily motivated to condemn anyone, though He will absolutely condemn everyone who refuses justification through faith in His Son, Jesus Christ. No, Christ came not to condemn, but to save. It was the Father’s will for Jesus to be here on earth to execute such a mission. God will not merely pretend we are totally innocent when He knows we are violently guilty. Yes, while He will condemn the unrepentant; He will utterly justify those who trust the Savior. The point of justification is to save fallen sinners on a just basis. Again Romans 3:24-25 says, “Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: ²⁵ Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God”.

II. What is The Problem with Justifying Sinners? (Rom. 3:26)

Justification is a legal action by a completely just and Perfect Judge. How can God justify guilty sinner and remain free of injustice or a miscarriage of justice? Does not God’s perfect character prevent Him from doing something morally wrong? Romans 3:26 states, “To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.”

        A.  GOD IS THE CONSUMATLY RIGHTEOUS JUDGE

By justifying guilty sinners and declaring them as righteous, God seems to be less than honest, just, righteous, holy, and uncompromisingly honorable. There have been other occasions when people misunderstood the holy versus loving character of God.

1. Abraham was challenged to acknowledge how God was the judge of all the earth who would certainly do what was right. In Genesis 18:25, Moses records the question of Abraham saying, “That be far from thee to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked: and that the righteous should be as the wicked, that be far from thee: Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?” The patriarch Abraham was correctly interested in the plight of his nephew Lot and desired that he not be destroyed with the wicked cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. He respectfully engaged God in negotiations for the preservation of the cities and especially for Lot and his family living down in Sodom. God accommodated, acquiesced, behaved mercifully, and agreed to save the cities if there were merely 10 righteous people living there. The cities were finally destroyed because not even 10 righteous individuals could be found among them! No, God did not plan to destroy the righteous with the wicked; He had a plan to rescue Lot even before Abraham’s intense and soulful intercessions. However, no amount of mercy would be appropriate without genuine repentance among the sinful people of these ancient cities. Yes, the Judge of all the earth will ALWAYS do right, but His justice does not negate His love and mercy. To do right, God must confront and judge sinfulness within the framework of His perfect timing.

2. Moses sang a song to extol the just and righteousness character of God in Deuteronomy Thirty-Two. He in Himself is the definition of stability of character, his activities can correctly be described as perfect and His ways are judgments. This refers to the fact the God provides the most secure foundation on which to build one’s life. Moses sings of God as truth and free from any iniquity…finally he emphatically declares the Lord to be Just and Right! Consider Moses words in Deuteronomy 32:4, “He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he.” Yes, Jehovah is the God of justice and righteousness. No, these statements are not mischaracterizations of the Most Holy One. His work is perfect; just and right is He!

The Bible Knowledge Commentary gives us further insight into the words of Moses stating,

The description of God given in this verse contrasts strongly with the following description of His people (vv.5–9). He is the Rock (cf. vv. 15, 18, 30–31; 2 Sam. 22:2–3; Ps. 18:2; Hab. 1:12). This means that God is stable and permanent. So the only stability in life is in clinging to Him, the great Rock. His works (actions) are perfect (cf. 2 Sam. 22:31) and He is fair (just) in all His dealings with mankind. Unlike the gods of the ancient Near East whose followers believed they were often immoral and capricious, the Lord can always be counted on. He is faithful (cf. Deut. 7:9) and always does what is morally right (He does no wrong).^[1]

 God’s greatness, justice, faithfulness, and holiness contrasts most graphically with our constantly forsaking hearts, disloyalty to His kingdom, and generally sin-riddled existences. How shockingly evident is our gross displays of the most perverse vacillations of wickedness in the brilliant light of the perfect Rock! How exposing in view of His perfections...how accusing are even our mere inclinations and notions of unfaithfulness, unrighteousness, capriciousness, immorality, and unfairness of us all before the Perfect Judge. 

3. Paul, the thoughtful Apostle, called or referred to Christ as the righteous Judge in no uncertain terms. Consider his words in 2 Timothy 4:8 saying, “Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” Clearly, this is a reference to the Lord Jesus Christ and He, like the Father, is described as righteous. He only does that which is right, truthful, and according to perfect justice. Rewarding appropriately committed Christian service is an entirely just act. He can always be counted on to behave like a righteous Judge. There is zero variableness or shadows of change regard His statically perfect and impeccable personality. Such character always produces commensurate actions!

If God the Judge, is without injustice and completely righteous in all His decisions, then how can He announce a sinner righteous? Certainly we understand that we all are sinners! This does not seem to erase my perplexities, but rather confirms them…right?

        B.   WE ALL ARE INDEED GUILTY SINNERS

Romans 3:19, Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.

Israel was placed under the Law of God for hundreds of years. Though they enjoyed special privileges and favor from God as they obeyed Him, they failed miserably to live up to God fair requirements. God gave them the Law to teach them through experience that they were not righteous…that they were essentially fallen sinners in need of a Savior. Since Israel failed under the Law, the rest of humanity must be speechlessly guilty before God also. If Israel failed with special information and privileges from God, then how in the world can we live up to God's holy expectations without these benefits? The simple, but hard to accept answer is...we cannot. We must place our hands over our mouths and accept the charges of guilty. If we speak in this context we will only give more evidence of our incredible guilt before the Perfect Judge. For now acknowledge your guilt before God...please do not meddle in futile attempt to justify yourself...you will utterly fail. Remember, it is God who justifies sinners and the ungodly and not we ourselves. There is hope here, but it is NOT in your defense strategy!  

Yes, without a singular exception…every human being—all the world—is blood guilty before God. We had to be told not to practice idolatry, not to use God’s name in vain, not to worship handmade gods, not to dishonor parents, not to murder our fellowman, not to commit adultery, not to lie, steal, covet, and on the list goes. Why? Because we are naturally inclined to sin against God in these ways. We stand guilty before God as charged, but yet the righteous Judge declares us justified!?  But how is this possible? Is God cheating justice to exercise mercy? It appears obvious that we all deserve condemnation and not justification. After all…the murderous heart of a Hitler, Stalin, and Mao Tse-tung beats in our chests also!

        C.   GOD IS JUST AND THE JUSTIFIER!

How can God be just and then justify the ungodly sinner? If every person stands before God guilty, then God has basically three options as to what He could do with us.  

1.  He must condemn us.

2.  He could compromise His own righteous nature and character to receive us as we are—fallen guilty sinners.

3.  He could change our legal status to that of righteous people. If He chooses to exercise this third option then He can declare us as righteous or justify us. This can only be done if some perfectly righteous—therefore, fully acceptable person voluntarily take our condemnation upon himself. This of course is where the Lord Jesus Christ, the God-Man came into the picture as the only individual who has the capability of satisfying God’s fair demands that all sinners be condemned. He took our condemnation and punishment for us! Through faith in Christ, righteousness can be credited or imputed to those who believe in Christ (2Cor. 5:21; Rom. 4:4-5). As for the second option, God is absolutely just; therefore, He cannot compromise in his activities toward sinners. Justice is not merely what God does it is also who He is!

4. God remains just while justifying believing sinners!

Romans 3:26, To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.

Rom 4:5, But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.

Job 25:4, How then can man be justified with God? or how can he be clean that is born of a woman?

The honest answer to Bildad's inquiry is, God is the Justifier! Yes, a man can be justified with God when He declare us righteous because of our faith in Jesus Christ! Yes, this idea is problematic in our reasoning, but in the economy of God, He already had a solution…even before the foundation of the world. In the most comprehensive and profound manner…Jesus is the Answer! For the lost fallen sinner…Jesus is God’s Answer for you. Justification before God is through faith in Jesus Christ, the Savior. God declares believing sinners righteous when we repent believing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Trust Him; therefore, before it is forever too late. God still will justify us when we acknowledge our great need for His forgiveness for our sins and repent believing the Gospel of Jesus Christ--it was Christ who voluntarily died in our place taking our punishment for our sins. Jesus has already paid the awful price for our sins, and God will grant us credit for Jesus’ perfect righteousness when we believe on Him. 

Since you have not yet believed on the Lord Jesus for forgiveness, do it now. Why put this weighty decision off? You are not promised another opportunity to be saved at a later date…so, do not neglect this one singular chance to be saved. Repent of your sinful unbelief, acknowledge your sin to God, ask the Lord Jesus to save you and receive Him as your personal Savior and Lord. Believe that Jesus died for your sins and in your place to pay for your sin, believe that he really did die because He was buried, and believe that Jesus rose again the third day exactly as the Scriptures predicted He would. Trust this living Savior who conquered death, the grave, and Hell on your behalf. Understand there is absolutely no other means to be justified. When you believe, God the Perfect Judge will declare you as righteous. His word is final!               

So it is with every problem or challenge we face today’ God still has the answers or solutions. But we Christians must be willing to view life God’s way—the precious guiding Scriptures. We must trust Him to provide the solutions in His good timing. Don’t even attempt to resolve problems in life with the world’s answers. Look to God for His answer! As Christians take these familiar warnings to heart. Abraham should never have gone in to Hagar, he should have waited on God’s answer. Jacob should never have deceived his father Isaac, he should have waited on God’s timing to give him the birthright. Eve should never have eaten the fruit, she should have waited acknowledging the instructions from God. Cornelius of Acts Chapter 10 did wait on God to provide him the answer—the missing link in his quest to understand salvation. The Almighty and merciful God of grace sent Peter to preach unto him salvation in Jesus Christ. As a result, Cornelius was gloriously saved along with his family members and household! Look to God for His answers and leave the timing to Him!

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^[1] Deere, J. S. (1985). Deuteronomy. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 1, p. 318). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.