Walking with God - 2/12
Defining Justification
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Justification is: the revelation of the righteousness of Jesus Christ in the human being who believes in the word of God (Romans 3:21); a divine act in which God accounts you righteous (Romans 3:21); forgiveness (Romans 4:6-7) and transformation of the life (Romans 5:18). What we have to do is believe in God’s word (Romans 3:22, 24, 28) (and even this faith is given by God (Romans 3:22 KJV, Revelation 14:12) and die to self (Galatians 2:17-21)). Dying to self is difficult, but if we ask God, He will enable us to.
SUMMARY
By the deeds of the law no one is justified (Romans 3:20). So what is justification? a) Justification is the revelation of the righteousness of Jesus Christ in the human being who believes in the word of God (Romans 3:21). b) Justification is a divine act in which God accounts (imputes) you righteous (Romans 4:2-5). When you believe what God says, God takes the perfect life of Christ and puts it into your account, which is in the red because of your selfishness. Justification is a legal transaction that takes place in heaven where God wipes away your debt and gives you as a gift the righteousness of Christ, His life. At the cross Jesus was treated as you deserve, and if you believe, God treats you as Jesus deserves. In God’s account the believer is considered as if he has never sinned. The beginning of salvation is to take our eyes from self and look at Jesus by faith. c) Justification is forgiveness (Romans 4:6-7). When disgusted by our works we come contrite to the cross, and believe that His sacrifice is sufficient to pay for our sins, God forgives us and counts us righteous. d) Not only God declares the believer righteous, but makes him righteous (Romans 5:18, 19). The life of the believer is transformed.
How do we take hold of these? The first thing that we have to do is to believe (Romans 3:22, 24, 28). Even this faith is given to us. It is the faith of Jesus (Romans 3:22 KJV, Revelation 14:12). If you recognize that you are faithless, ask God to give you the faith of Jesus, and He will. The best place to be is when we realize our utter incapacity to save ourselves. When you turn with that utter despondency to Christ and ask Him to save you, it is impossible for Him not to do so. The second thing we need to do is to die to self (Galatians 2:17-21). The greatest obstacle to salvation is the interposition of self. But you may say “This is so difficult”. That’s OK. All you have to do is ask. In order for Jesus to become who you are, He had to surrender who He was. In order for you to become who He is, you need to surrender self.
SUMMARY
By the deeds of the law no one is justified (Romans 3:20). So what is justification? a) Justification is the revelation of the righteousness of Jesus Christ in the human being who believes in the word of God (Romans 3:21). b) Justification is a divine act in which God accounts (imputes) you righteous (Romans 4:2-5). When you believe what God says, God takes the perfect life of Christ and puts it into your account, which is in the red because of your selfishness. Justification is a legal transaction that takes place in heaven where God wipes away your debt and gives you as a gift the righteousness of Christ, His life. At the cross Jesus was treated as you deserve, and if you believe, God treats you as Jesus deserves. In God’s account the believer is considered as if he has never sinned. The beginning of salvation is to take our eyes from self and look at Jesus by faith. c) Justification is forgiveness (Romans 4:6-7). When disgusted by our works we come contrite to the cross, and believe that His sacrifice is sufficient to pay for our sins, God forgives us and counts us righteous. d) Not only God declares the believer righteous, but makes him righteous (Romans 5:18, 19). The life of the believer is transformed.
How do we take hold of these? The first thing that we have to do is to believe (Romans 3:22, 24, 28). Even this faith is given to us. It is the faith of Jesus (Romans 3:22 KJV, Revelation 14:12). If you recognize that you are faithless, ask God to give you the faith of Jesus, and He will. The best place to be is when we realize our utter incapacity to save ourselves. When you turn with that utter despondency to Christ and ask Him to save you, it is impossible for Him not to do so. The second thing we need to do is to die to self (Galatians 2:17-21). The greatest obstacle to salvation is the interposition of self. But you may say “This is so difficult”. That’s OK. All you have to do is ask. In order for Jesus to become who you are, He had to surrender who He was. In order for you to become who He is, you need to surrender self.
