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Our Justification In Christ Jesus
A part of the Rock Water Christian Ministries discipleship series.
By Bro. Paul Sia
 

"...that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." - Romans 10:9 (NKJV)

Is there a way that we can be sure that we are truly going to heaven? Yes, there is. The verse that you can read above is one of many that demonstrates the abundant grace that God showers upon every person who place their trust in Jesus Christ.

I'm sure that at least at one point in your life you have heard or encountered this doctrine before, especially if you are a believer. The question, however, is how much do you really understand about it? Well, in this simple study on justification we will find out.

The Universality of Sin

Read: Romans 3:9-18; 23

What does that all mean? Well, simply that we all are sinners. It doesn't matter how much or less. The fact is we all are sinners. It doesn't matter how much we know or don't know. What matters is that God knows and sees so much more in us than what we'd care to admit.

How does God feel about all this sin?

Read: Romans 1:18-25; Isaiah 1:12-15; 58:1-5; 59:1-3

Well, to put it mildly--He's not happy. Our offerings are not accepted. Our prayers are not heard. Our worship is in vain.

The Required Perfect Observance of the Law

Read: James 2:10

All or nothing at all. If you can keep the entire Law of God without making a mistake even at one point you'll pass. This is how it is without Christ Jesus.

What can we conclude about the Old Covenant Law in regard to salvation?

Read: Romans 3:20

Through the Law one thing will be clear to us. We will always fall short of God's expectations. The problem is that God is without partiality. What He declares, He means.

Our Justifier

Read: Acts 13: 38-39; Romans 3:21-26; 5:6-11; Hebrews 7:23-27; Colossians 2:13-17

Everything that we could not do for ourselves in regard to salvation Jesus did for us. The result: our justification.

What does justification mean?

"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." (Sytematic Theology, p. 849)

"Justification is thus that legal act whereby man's status before God is changed for good." (Willmington's Guide to the Bible, p. 738)

What are the results of justification?

a. We are saved from the penalty of sin.
b. God's favor upon us is restored.
c. The righteousness of Christ Jesus is imputed upon us.

What justification is not?

(1) It does not mean to be aquitted, that is, to successfully defend oneself against all charges (Romans 3:19)

(2) It does not mean to be pardoned, that is to be found guilty, but given a second chance.

(3) It does not mean to be paroled, that is, to be guilty and set free with certain restrictions. (Willmington's Guide To The Bible, p. 738)

In other words, it's as if we had not sinned at all! And we are brought into this position through faith in Christ Jesus our justifier.

We can be sure of going to heaven not because we look upon ourselves as sinless and perfect. Our assurance does not come from our own good works and efforts. Rather, it comes from trusting in Christ Jesus--knowing and understanding who He is and what He's done for us--we look to Him in faith.