Are We "Just" before God?

 

What is JUSTIFICATION by Faith?  

Gal. 2:15-16

This is the first appearance of the important word justification in this letter, and probably in Paul's writings (if, as we believe, Galatians was the first letter he wrote). "Justification by faith" was the watchword of the Reformation, and it is important that we understand this doctrine. (W. W. Wiersbe)

     1. How Are We Justified?   Vs. 16

"How should [a] man be just with God?" (Job 9:2) was a vital question, because the answer determined eternal consequences. "The just shall live by his faith" (Hab. 2:4) is God's answer; and it was this truth that liberated Martin Luther from religious bondage and fear. So important is this concept that three New Testament books explain it to us:  Romans (see 1:17), Galatians (see 3:11), and Hebrews (see 10:38). Romans explains the meaning of "the just"; Galatians explains "shall live"; and Hebrews explains "by faith."

     2. But What Is Justification?

Justification is the act of God whereby He declares the believing sinner righteous in Jesus Christ. Every word of this definition is important.  (W. W. Wiersbe)

         A.  Justification Is an Act and Not a Process.  No Christian is "more justified" than another Christian. ‘Having therefore been once-and-for-all justified by faith, we have peace with God’ (Rom. 5:1) this is the literal message of this verse!  Since we are justified by faith, it is an instant and immediate transaction between the believing sinner and God. lf we were justified by works, then it would have to be a gradual process.

         B.  Justification is an Act of God and Not of Man.

Furthermore, justification is an act of God; it is not the result of man's character or works. "It is God that justifieth" (Rom. 8:33). It is not by doing the "works of the Law" (Gal. 2:16) that the sinner gets a right standing before God, but by putting his faith in Jesus Christ. As Paul will explain later in this letter, the Law of Moses was given to reveal sin and not to redeem from sin (see Rom. 3:20). God in His grace has put our sins on Christ-and Christ's righteousness has been put to our account (see 2 Cor. 5:21).

          C.  Justification is God Declaring the Believing Sinner Righteous.

In justification, God declares the believing sinner righteous; He does not make him righteous in this instance. (Of course, real justification leads to a changed life, which is what James 2 is all about) Before the sinner trusts Christ, he stands GUILTY before God; but the moment he trusts Christ, he is declared NOT GUILTY and he can never be called GUILTY again! (W. W. Wiersbe)

          D.  Justification Involves more Than Mere Forgiveness.

Justification is not simply "forgiveness," because a person could be forgiven and then go out and sin and become guilty. Once you have been 'justified by faith" (Gal. 2: 16) you can never be held guilty before God. The righteous status we received initially comes from Christ not our efforts.  

Justification is also different from "pardon," because a pardoned criminal still has a record. When the sinner is justified by faith, his past sins are remembered against him no more, and God no longer puts his sins on record (see Ps. 32:1-2; Rom. 4:1-8). You see, the Lord Jesus never actually sinned during his earthly life, though he fully took responsibility for all sin.          

          E.  God Only Justifies Sinners, Not Deserving People.

Finally, God justifies sinners, not "good people." Paul declares that God justifies "the ungodly" (Rom. 4:5). The reason most sinners are not justified is because they will not admit they are sinners! They refuse to acknowledge their serious need. And sinners are the only kind of people Jesus Christ can save (Matt 9:9-13; Luke 18:9-14).

When Peter separated himself from the Gentiles, he was denying the truth of justification by faith, because he was saying, "We Jews are different from and better then the Gentiles.”  Yet both Jews and Gentiles are sinners (Rom. 3:22-23) and can be saved only by faith in Christ. (W. W. Wiersbe)

Summary: If God does not require works of the law before he accepts people, how dare we impose a condition on them which he does not impose? If God has accepted them, how can we reject them?

 

The Proof of Justification

 

ROMANS 5:1; 8:1, 33-34; PHILIPPIANS 3:5

SUBJECT: SALVATION/ JUSTIFICATION

THEME: You can know by the work of the Spirit of God and the statements of the Word of God that you are viewed as righteous before God. Peace, assurance, acceptance, freedom from condemnation, and a lifestyle of fruitful activities that honor God and help others are proofs of justification.

INTRODUCTION:

We know that 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. But, how can we know we are justified? How can we hear the Judge’s verdict and final declaration concerning our case? Is there real proof in the Bible…is there a standard by which I can examine my own heart to discover whether I am indeed justified before God? Can I truly know God views me as righteous? What about those times when I feel guilty for past sins that God has forgiven? Is it possible for God to declare us as un-justified because we failed morally?

These are great questions and yes, God has anticipated such inquiries and provided answers in his word to help us with this. Let us look together at his answers....

LESSON:

I. What is The Proof of Justified Sinners?

When a person is fully accepted by the Lord based on the work of Jesus Christ, they should have some evidence or indication in their lives that they are indeed justified. The following is a list of what God stated specifically about the characteristics of justification with regards to the Believer’s experience.

A.  BECAUSE WE ARE JUSTIFIED WE HAVE PEACE WITH GOD.

Romans 5:1, Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

Clearly, the great apostle links justification by faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ to a consequent spiritual and internal “peace” for the new convert. This is not relational in its nature nor is it horizontal referring to other people. No, it is entirely vertical pointing directly to the state of affairs between the Lord God and the repentant-believing new convert. I love what W.A. Elwell says regarding this peace,

The nature of this gift of peace brought by Jesus may be easier to explain by stating what it is not. It is not an end to tension, an absence of warfare, domestic tranquility, nor anything like the worldly estimation of peace (Lk 12:51–53; Jn 14:27; 16:32, 33). Its presence may, on the contrary, actually disturb existing relations, being a dividing “sword” in familial relations (Mt 10:34–37). Jesus’ gift of peace is, in reality, the character and mood of the new covenant of his blood which reconciles God to man (Rom 5:1; Col 1:20) and forms the basis of subsequent reconciliation between men under Christ (Eph 2:14–22).^[1]

I can clearly recall the turbulence and fantastic disturbance in my own soul prior to my conversion while under the preaching of the gospel. I was anxious, concerned, fearful, ashamed, and desperately in need of God to deal graciously with me. I had lived in sin for years…real sin occupied my heart, thoughts, motives, dreams, and life. I was guilty in the presence of perfect holiness, righteousness and justice…. I was entirely without excuse and there was nothing I could leverage to secure a plea bargain or win the righteous judge’s favor.

I am so thankful that the preaching that night I was saved pointed to Jesus as the payment for all my sins! Yes, even my darkest sins…Jesus paid for it and that night I acknowledged my guilt and embraced the complete payment of Jesus Christ on my behalf…for my sins…all of my sins. When God forgave me that night…when he released me from the eternal responsibility for my sinfulness…when God declared me righteous through faith in Jesus…I knew it! The joy and peace and the sense that I was forgiven flooded my soul like the noon day sun fills the sky! I was no longer under conviction to be saved; I was now being assured that I was saved by the same Spirit of God. Peace with God was the new reality for me. Peace…wonderful sweet eternal peace with the righteous Judge!  

The first great benefit enjoyed by those of us who have been justified by faith is peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. The war is over. Hostilities have ceased. Through the work of Christ all causes of enmity between our souls and God have been removed. We have been changed from foes to friends by a miracle of grace.^[2]

Why Indian Found Peace At Once

An Indian and a white man were brought under deep conviction of sin by the same sermon. The Indian was immediately led to rejoice in pardoning mercy. The white man was for a long time in distress, almost to despair. But he was at last brought to a sweet sense of his sins forgiven. Some time after, meeting his red brother, he said to him: “How is it that I should be so long under conviction, when you found peace at once?”

“O brother,” replied the Indian, “me tell you! There comes along a rich prince. He proposes to give you a new coat; you look pretty good, it will do a little longer. He then offers me a new coat. I look at my old blanket; I say, this good-for-nothing, and brother, you try to keep your own righteousness, you won’t give it up; but I, poor Indian, had none, so I glad at once to receive the righteousness of God—the Lord Jesus Christ.”—Scattered Seed^[3]

This gift of peace or reconciliation with God, made available through Christ, places an ethical demand on the Christian; it calls for the exercises of “peace” (as reconciliation between persons) within the church. Peace, as a fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:22), is to be the goal of the Christian’s dealings with others (Rom 12:18; 14:19; Heb 12:14, etc.), that which marks one’s identity as a “child of God” (Mt 5:9).^[4]

B.  BECAUSE WE ARE JUSTIFIED WE ARE NO LONGER CONDEMNED.

Romans 8:1, There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

Having trusted Jesus Christ as Savior, we are shielded from official and legal condemnation from a divine direction. Yes, our hearts may still condemn us at times, and the devil will point a finger of accusation, but zero condemnation will come from God—the God who declared us as righteous. Note the insightful observations of J.A. Witmer,

But first Paul reminded his readers that therefore—since deliverance is “through Jesus Christ our Lord” (7:25)—no condemnation (katakrima, “punishment”) awaits those who are in Christ Jesus, as a result of their faith and identification with Him (cf. 6:13; John 5:24). They are justified, declared righteous, and therefore stand in His grace (Rom. 5:2) and not under His wrath (1:18), and possess eternal life (5:17–18, 21). Christ is the sphere of safety for all who are identified with Him by faith.^[5]

God has declared us as righteous in Christ Jesus and his word is final. He will not change his mind if we fail in some area or sin. Our justification before God is not based on our performance or the lack thereof; it is entirely based on God’s work in Christ Jesus. God is not so confused that he will eventually condemn people who have believed the Gospel. There is zero condemnation from the divine direction; instead there is full acceptance and security in Jesus Christ for such believers. Dr. Wiersbe’s thoughts on this cannot be improved upon saying,

The verse does not say “no mistakes” or “no failures,” or even “no sins.” Christians do fail and make mistakes, and they do sin. Abraham lied about his wife; David committed adultery; Peter tried to kill a man with his sword. To be sure, they suffered consequences because of their sins, but they did not suffer condemnation. The Law condemns; but the believer has a new relationship to the Law, and therefore he cannot be condemned.^[6] 

So, again because we are justified by God because of faith in Jesus Christ we are no longer in threat of eternal condemnation in the Lake of Fire forever. We should experience peace and deepening assurance based on these first two points alone. The Spirit of God is working to bring these spiritual realities to the conscious and experiential level for real believers. Peace and assurance are yours due to the Spirit of God’s work deep within as we embrace these statements of Scripture. None of this negates the Lord’s work of chastening and correcting believers when we live in a disobedient manner, but remember God chastens his children (Heb. 12). That is correct, chastening by God for disobedience in believers is a legitimate indicator of real spiritual sonship to God. In contrast, real believers will never be condemned to hell by their heavenly Father…we have been declare as righteous and are viewed as no longer guilty before God. Jesus paid it all!

C.  BECAUSE WE ARE JUSTIFIED WE ARE NO LONGER CHARGED WITH SIN.

Romans 8:33-34, Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth.  34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.

The Apostle Paul aptly poses the question, "Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect?" That is who can effectively bring a charge or accusation of guilt against believers? Who can place responsibility for our sins, the moral failures of God's chosen people, upon us? Certainly, no mere human being can play this role! Who is left to make such a charge then? God?.... Wait...God is responsible for justifying real believers, so why would he then charge them with sin? "It is God that justifieth." With this being the case, it is reasonable to conclude that absolutely no one can make a charge of sin stick against a real child of God!  Because we are justified by the God-Judge we are no longer subject to any charges of sin before the divine court. 

Furthermore, the believer cannot be charged with sin because our sins were tried, condemned and judged completely on the Cross of Calvary. Our past sins, present sins, and future sins were all already paid for. When we sin we do break fellowship with God, but we can never break relationship to God. This is why we can never be charged with sins or condemned to hell for them. It is Christ who died and it is Christ who rose again; we are entirely identified with the Lord Jesus who conquered sin, death, the grave, and hell through his resurrection. We share the credit for achieving all of this also! We are with Christ and victorious over death, sin, hell, and the grave! This is our position in Christ and the Bible challenges us to live out this victorious reality in every facet of our lives and experiences. Finally, to further assure us of our security in the work of Christ…God tells us that Jesus is at his right hand presently praying for you and me and all believers! Remember, the place at God’s right hand is the place of power and authority after Christ’s triumph at Calvary and the resurrection. He ascended back to heaven to represent and minister on the behalf of every real believer. He is there to preserve us until we are changed in the Rapture—when redemption is completely and fully realized.

Webster And John Colby

The oldest sister of Daniel Webster was married to John Colby—the wickedest man in the neighborhood in respect to swearing and impiety. Then news came to Webster of a change, and he went to visit him.

On entering the house, he saw a large-print Bible opened which Colby had just been reading. The first question Colby asked Webster was, “Are you a Christian?” and then suggested that both kneel and pray!

When the visit was done, Webster told a friend: “I would like to hear what enemies of religion say of Colby’s conversion. Here was a man as unlikely to be a Christian as any I ever saw; and he had gone his godless way until now with old age and habits hard to change! Yet see him—a penitent, trusting, humble believer! Nothing short of the grace of Almighty God.”^[7]

D.  BECAUSE WE ARE JUSTIFIED WE ARE COUNTED AS RIGHTEOUS.

Philippians 3:9, And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:

This is the focus of this entire study—through faith in Jesus Christ alone we are justified before God. This is a present reality—we are counted as righteous before God and by God. Our spiritual account has been credited with the marvelous righteousness of God himself. The righteousness graciously given to repentant believers is identical in quality, duration, value, and perfection as that of the Triune God-head! You and I as believers in Christ Jesus are regarded by God himself as righteous! Just like himself!

Paul upon exposure to Christ the Savior yearned to truly be found in Christ fully relinquishing any scrap of self-righteousness or works righteousness from the Law and trusting Christ alone for God-righteousness! The justified ones possess God-righteousness alone and are rightly counted as righteous by God.

E.  BECAUSE WE ARE JUSTIFIED WE PERFORM GOOD WORKS.

James 2:20-26, But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?  21, Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?  22, Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?  23, And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.  24, Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. 25 Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way? 26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

I only wanted to mention this fact to state that this form of justification is before people and not before God. People can make judgments about the legitimacy of our claims to be Christian. What demonstrates that our claims are genuine is the fact that we live and serve like real believers. Again this is not justification in the court of God by God. No, this is vindication before fellow human beings regarding the reality of our claims to be Christians. Justification before people is the idea. There is only one way to be declare righteous before God and it is by faith in Jesus Christ alone. However, the way we justify ourselves before other professing believers is by living out our faith—involving ourselves in wholesome activities that glorify God and help our fellow man. Our faith takes on street credibility when it positively impacts our world. While anyone can claim to be a believer in Jesus Christ, only those who live out the implications of their faith through service should be taken seriously. It is true we cannot see the true hearts condition of another person, but it is equally true that we can discern the fruit of a tree to detect its true nature.

George Muller’s Turnabout

At the age of sixteen George Muller of Bristol, England, was imprisoned for theft; and later at the university he lived a drinking, profligate life, acting dishonestly even toward his friends. At twenty years of age he came under the influence of the Bible, and the miracle of regeneration was wrought. He who had been a thief was now so utterly a new creature that in the course of the years he gave away, of the money sent to him for his personal use, no less a sum than $135,000, and when he died his personal possessions were valued at less than $1,000.—Christian Digest^[8]

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. In addition, justification can be experienced. You can know by the work of the Spirit of God and the statements of the Word of God that you are viewed as righteous by God. Peace, assurance, acceptance, freedom from condemnation, and a lifestyle of fruitful activities that honor God and help others are certifiable proofs of real conversion. We are not justified by these efforts, but these realities are sensed deeply in our own spirits and the Spirit of God shows us we are just before God.

Once again an anatomy affords us a structure and some organization of this giant topic in the Bible. Hopefully this article with the other two on this topic 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 series we showed the relationship of other grand theological concepts to each other. In this article we demonstrated some ways justification is experienced by the genuine child of God, and this provides proof of our standing before God.

Before I close this article I would like to ask one last question. Have you been saved God’s way or have you been deceived by false notions associated with Christianity? I realize the question is a bit intrusive, but you are important to God. There is but one way to God and his name is Jesus Christ, the Way, the Truth, and the Life (Jn. 14:6). Absolutely no one can come to God for salvation and relationship without the Lord Jesus Christ. There is only one divine liaison between humanity and God and he is our Lord Jesus Christ. No one else in the entire universe qualifies for this job. 

Yes, there is such a thing as self-righteousness where people hold themselves up as a standard of acceptable lifestyles and behaviors. The problem is they judge others by their actions and give themselves a pass by judging themselves based on their intentions. Condemnation, pride, and estrangement are the natural out workings of this poor system. It does not even slightly approach the righteousness of God (Rom. 3).

Another misconception is works-righteousness which consists in our personal performance and obedience to God’s Law and requirements. In this model we fain to keep the Ten Commandments, to obey the Golden Rule always, to treat others right, and to generally be good people (Phil 3). The problem with this approach is that we cannot do only right and we cannot stop all sinning. Even one sin by any person is a violation of the entire standard requirements of God! No matter how hard we try to do well and right—to live good lives—we still cannot change our very nature. We are sinners. That is correct…we sin because we are deeply sinful within our hearts, minds, spirits, and desires (Rom. 3).

We need a miracle from God to change us. We need God to graciously save us. That is why Jesus died willingly at Calvary…to do for us what we could only do for ourselves if we were condemned to hell forever. Instead Jesus took our place and suffered and died in our stead for our sins and evil. Jesus rose again the third day exactly as he repeatedly said he would. This signified that he is indeed the Savior and that he did pay for sin completely and that God the Father was utterly pleased with Christ’s sacrifice (1Cor. 15). Beloved, Jesus is the only means of real salvation and obtaining God-righteousness (2Tim. 1:9-10). I ask again…have you been saved God’s way? If not…discard your self-righteousness and your works righteousness and choose instead God-righteousness through faith in Jesus Christ. There is no need to delay. Trust Jesus Christ today for the forgiveness of sins. Then God will graciously declare you as righteous. He did this for me and he will do the same for you. Trust Jesus Christ for God-righteousness.  

 

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^[1] Elwell, W. A., & Beitzel, B. J. (1988). Peace. In Baker encyclopedia of the Bible (Vol. 2, p. 1635). Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House.

^[2] MacDonald, W. (1995). Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments. (A. Farstad, Ed.) (p. 1695). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

^[3] Tan, P. L. (1996). Encyclopedia of 7700 Illustrations: Signs of the Times (p. 1204). Garland, TX: Bible Communications, Inc.

^[4] Elwell, W. A., & Beitzel, B. J. (1988). Peace. In Baker encyclopedia of the Bible (Vol. 2, p. 1635). Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House.

^[5] Witmer, J. A. (1985). Romans. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 2, p. 469). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

^[6] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 1, p. 538). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

^[7] Tan, P. L. (1996). Encyclopedia of 7700 Illustrations: Signs of the Times (p. 1230). Garland, TX: Bible Communications, Inc.

^[8] Tan, P. L. (1996). Encyclopedia of 7700 Illustrations: Signs of the Times (p. 1230). Garland, TX: Bible Communications, Inc.

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.