Sermon Central
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Justification: Declared Righteous Series
Contributed by Christopher Benfield on Mar 4, 2018 (message contributor)
Summary: Justification lies at the very core of our Christian faith; it is central to Christianity. Martin Luther declared justification as the cornerstone of Christianity. It is a doctrine we must understand and embrace.
Such truth makes our justification more precious. God was in no way obligated to sinful men, but chose to provide salvation for us through the offering of His Son. We are the recipients of His marvelous grace, being declared righteous through Christ!
B. He is Just (26b) – that he might be just. This reveals an aspect of our justification few pause to consider. God in His holy righteousness could never condone sin. He is just in all His dealings. Sin and iniquity could not go unpunished. There had to be a payment for sin. Sin had to be atoned to satisfy the righteous judgment of God. In His gracious provision, God chose to judge our sin in the body of His Son. His righteousness would not allow Him to leave sin unjudged, and yet His great love for humanity would not allow Him to leave us without a means of justification.
C. His is Savior (26b) – that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. Both God’s righteousness and love had to be satisfied. Had He overlooked our sin without atonement for sin, His righteousness would have been neglected. Had He demanded humanity to become righteous with no way of securing such righteousness, His great love would have been neglected. God created a perfect plan – He sent His only begotten Son to die for our sin, providing atonement and securing our justification. God was not inconsistent to any of His attributes, determining to be the justifier of those who believe in Christ Jesus. He is Righteous; He is Just; and He is our Savior!
Conclusion: I hope you have a better understanding of justification by faith. Those who are in Christ are declared righteous by God. We are no longer viewed as sinful enemies of God, but righteous just as His Son is righteous. That is nothing short of a miracle of God’s grace. I rejoice to be justified in Christ my Lord.
Where do you stand before God today? You are either viewed as righteous or condemned in sin. There is no middle ground. There is no in between. Christ provided the means of our justification through His great sacrifice for sin. If you are yet unsaved, come today in repentance and faith, believing the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ unto salvation!
