JUSTIFICATION BY FAITH
To him that worketh not, but believeth on him that
justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted to him for righteousness (Romans
4:5)
The question of how to be justified
before God is of great importance, yet many are confused and deceived about the
purpose, definition, target, and terms of justification.
The purpose of justification
is not about making us practically righteous (that is sanctification).
Justification is what God does for us (not in us). It is the undoing of Adam,
the means by which we are represented by Christ and not him.
The nature of justification
is pardon. Most generally and plainly, justification is about the forgiveness
of past sin.
The target of justification
is sinners. Previous to justification, sinners may do ‘good’ deeds in one sense,
but such acts are not truly good deeds until they are done in the love of God on
the basis of faith. We must recognize our need (as sinners) in order to be
justified.
The term of Justification is
faith in Christ. Faith consists of trust in Jesus… trusting that He ‘died for
my sins, that he loved me, and gave himself for me.’ It is only after faith
that truly good works begin. Faith is the only condition of justification… and
the only thing that works (thus removing all basis for pride).
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