Justification

TUESDAY November 25

Justification

Justification is, fundamentally, a legal term that refers to the acquittal of someone accused of a crime but who is found innocent in a court. This concept also was used in the New Testament to explore the significance of the Cross.

Why does Paul contrast justification by faith with obedience to the law, and how does this help us understand justification? (Rom. 3:19-24).

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A few points can be noted from these verses: First, the legal image implies that humans have been charged with a crime. In this particular case, humans have been found guilty as charged; that is to say, they are all under the condemnation of the law (Romans 2).

Second, God has provided for humans a way out of their predicament. “Now,” with the coming of Christ, “a righteousness from God, apart from law,” that is to say, not determined by our obedience to the law, “has been made known,” or revealed (Rom. 3:21, NIV). Paul explains that “this righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe” (vs. 22, NIV). Righteousness designates here not simply the divine declaration of acquittal but particularly our participation by faith in God’s saving deed in Christ.

Third, this justification is intended for both Jews and Gentiles (vss. 22, 29). God does not make distinctions between peoples: All are sinners, and all are both being justified “freely by his grace” (vs. 24, NIV). Hence, the solution to the human predicament is the justification that comes by faith to all who believe. This gift of salvation is accompanied by the reception of the Spirit who enables us to walk in newness of life (Gal. 3:2, 3; Rom. 6:4).

Fourth, God’s decision is justifiable through Christ’s redemptive work. We have here the combination of two images, redemption and justification, that describe and provide a legal basis for God’s decision to justify those who accept the righteousness of Christ (Rom. 4:3-6). God can do the unimaginable because Christ took our sin and died in our place (2 Cor. 5:21).

Read again Romans 3:19-24. Apply the message there to yourself, personally. What can you take away, right now, for yourself that can help you realize how you can be right with God?