JUSTIFICATION — the process by which sinful human beings are made acceptable to a holy God. Justification by Grace. Christianity is unique because of its teaching of justification by grace (Rom. 3:24). Justification is God’s declaration that the demands of His Law have been fulfilled in the righteousness of His Son. The basis for this justification is the death of Christ. Paul tells us that “God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them” (2 Cor. 5:19). This reconciliation covers all sin: “For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified” (Heb. 10:14). Justification, then, is based on the work of Christ, accomplished through His blood (Rom. 5:9), and brought to His people through His resurrection (Rom. 4:25). Justification by Faith. Although the Lord Jesus has paid the price for our justification, it is through our faith that He is received and His righteousness is experienced and enjoyed (Rom. 3:25–30). Faith is considered righteousness (Rom. 4:3, 9), not as the work of human beings (Rom. 4:5), but as the gift and work of God (John 6:28–29; Eph. 2:8; Phil. 1:29). The New Testament sometimes seems to speak of justification by works. For example, Jesus spoke of justification (and condemnation) “by your words” (Matt. 12:37). Paul said, “the doers of the law will be justified” (Rom. 2:13). And James concluded that “a man is justified by works, and not by faith only” (James 2:24). Nelson’s new illustrated Bible dictionary. 1995 (R. F. Youngblood, F. F. Bruce, R. K. Harrison & Thomas Nelson Publishers, Ed.). Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, Inc.
Posted on: Sun, 04 Aug 2013 18:26:22 +0000
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