JUSTIFICATION BY FAITH

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

 One of the great blessings of the New Testament is our justification by faith. Under the Old Testament, they sought justification through the Law, but they didn’t get it. The Law could reveal sin, but it couldn’t justify man. But in the New Testament, we have been justified by the faith of Jesus Christ. What does it mean to be justified?

 It means acquittal, to be declared not guilty. In Christ Jesus, God declares you not guilty. You might ask, “But what happened to the offences or the sins I committed?” The answer is in the Scriptures. Romans 4:24-25 says the Lord Jesus was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification. He who knew no sin was made sin for us: “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him” (2 Corinthians 5:21).

 Jesus took our place. He bore the judgment that was against us. Every charge that stood against humanity was laid on Him. But blessed be God, that wasn’t the end of the story. The Bible says He was raised again for our justification. His resurrection was the declaration that the demands of justice had been fully satisfied.

 God raised Him from the dead because the price had been paid in full. Our justification had been secured. This is why the Christian doesn’t struggle to attain righteousness through personal efforts or works of the Law. Righteousness has been granted to us in Christ Jesus. Now, we have peace with God. We’re at one with Him.

 No wonder the Bible says, “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus...” (Romans 8:1 NKJV). There’s no more separation, no more condemnation, no more uncertainty about your standing before the Father. You’ve been accepted in Christ. This is the life of rest and confidence that the Gospel brings. You’ve been acquitted by God Himself. As far as He’s concerned, you never sinned.

 Romans 3:21-26 (NIV) declares, “...the righteousness of God has been made known…This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe… and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus…He did this to demonstrate his righteousness…so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.” Walk in the boldness, liberty, and joy of this reality. Refuse to live under guilt, accusation, or a sense of unworthiness. The Lord Jesus was delivered because of your offences and raised again for your justification. Glory to His Name forever!

                                                                            PRAYER
Dear Father, thank you for the glorious reality of my justification by faith in Christ. I walk in the boldness, liberty and joy of the reality that I’ve been declared righteous and accepted in Christ Jesus. Thank you for the blessedness of my righteousness and right-standing with you, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

 FURTHER STUDY: Romans 4:24-25; Galatians 2:16; Romans 8:1

1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN Ephesians 5:22-6:1-9 & Isaiah 29-30

2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN 2 Timothy 4:11-22 & Jeremiah 48