JUSTIFICATION GOD’S RIGHTEOUSNESS M

Justification stands as the cornerstone of the believer’s relationship with God, encompassing far more than mere forgiveness of sins or a ticket to heaven. At its core, justification is God’s qualification for us to be sons, heirs, and partakers of divine fellowship. It is the manifestation of God’s own righteousness, apart from the law, displayed in the person and work of Christ

Romans 3:21-22

. This righteousness is not a vindication of our flesh or a reward for our works, but rather the very nature of God freely given to those who believe.

The scope of justification extends beyond a one-time event in the past. It is an ongoing reality, a present-tense truth that forms the very ground upon which we stand before God. Having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand

Romans 5:1-2

. This standing is not based on our performance or adherence to law, but solely on the finished work of Christ and our union with Him.

In Christ, justification encompasses not only forgiveness but also inheritance, blessing, and reward. These are not separate from justification but are intrinsic to it, for Christ Himself is made unto us wisdom from God – righteousness, sanctification, and redemption

1 Corinthians 1:30

. Our justification is not merely a legal declaration but a living reality, rooted in our identification with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection. We have been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer we who live, but Christ who lives in us

Galatians 2:20

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This comprehensive view of justification stands in stark contrast to the error of seeking to be justified by works, which Paul vehemently opposed in his letter to the Galatians. Such attempts to qualify oneself before God through law-keeping or human effort are not only futile but also a denial of the sufficiency of Christ’s work. For if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain

Galatians 2:21

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The truth of justification provides the basis for our assurance and boldness before God. It is not a matter of our worthiness but of God’s faithfulness to His own righteousness manifested in Christ. We are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power

Colossians 2:10

. This completeness is not something we attain through progressive improvement but a present reality we grow in appreciating and appropriating by faith.

Verses Referenced:

• Romans 3:21-22 – “But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; 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.”
• Romans 5:1-2 – “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: by whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.”
• 1 Corinthians 1:30 – “But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption.”
• Galatians 2:20 – “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.”
• Galatians 2:21 – “I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.”
• Colossians 2:10 – “And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power.”