Justification

JUSTIFICATION

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text:

"Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." – Romans 5:1

Supporting Texts:

Romans 3:24, Galatians 2:16, Titus 3:7, 2 Corinthians 5:21, Ephesians 2:8-9

INTRODUCTION

Justification is one of the most profound doctrines of the Christian faith. It is the divine act by which God declares a sinner righteous on the basis of faith in Jesus Christ. This is not achieved through human effort, religious rituals, or good works, but purely by God’s grace. The moment a person places their trust in Jesus Christ, they are justified—meaning they are acquitted of all their sins and made right with God.

Throughout history, mankind has sought different ways to be right with God—through sacrifices, personal righteousness, and religious duties. However, the Bible makes it clear that justification comes only through faith in Jesus Christ. Paul, in his letter to the Romans, strongly emphasises that justification is a gift of grace, not a reward for works. This means that no one can boast of earning their salvation; it is entirely a work of God’s mercy.

Understanding justification is key to living a victorious Christian life. It brings peace, confidence, and assurance of salvation. A justified believer stands before God as though they had never sinned, clothed in the righteousness of Christ. This study will explore the meaning, process, benefits, and biblical examples of justification, encouraging every believer to walk boldly in their faith.

1. THE MEANING OF JUSTIFICATION

a) Justification is a legal declaration by God (Romans 8:33)

God declares the sinner righteous, removing every charge against them.

b) It is not based on human effort (Ephesians 2:8-9)

No one can earn justification by their own deeds; it is a gift of grace.

c) It is through faith in Jesus Christ (Galatians 2:16)

Justification happens the moment we believe in the finished work of Christ.

d) It involves a change in status (Colossians 1:13-14)

We are transferred from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of God.

e) Biblical Example: Abraham (Genesis 15:6, Romans 4:3)

Abraham was justified because of his faith, not by his works.

2. THE PROCESS OF JUSTIFICATION

a) Recognition of sinfulness (Romans 3:23)

Every human being is a sinner and in need of God’s mercy.

b) Faith in Christ’s atonement (Romans 3:24-25)

Justification comes by faith in the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross.

c) God’s declaration of righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21)

God exchanges our sins for Christ’s righteousness.

d) The work of the Holy Spirit (Titus 3:5-7)

The Holy Spirit regenerates and affirms our justification.

e) Biblical Example: The thief on the cross (Luke 23:39-43)

He had no works to show, yet Jesus justified him through his faith.

3. THE BENEFITS OF JUSTIFICATION

a) Peace with God (Romans 5:1)

Justification brings reconciliation with God, removing the barrier of sin.

b) Access to God’s grace (Ephesians 2:18)

We can approach God boldly because we are declared righteous.

c) Freedom from condemnation (Romans 8:1)

There is no judgment for those who are in Christ Jesus.

d) Eternal security (John 10:28-29)

Justified believers have the assurance of eternal life.

e) Biblical Example: The Prodigal Son (Luke 15:20-24)

His father restored him fully, just as God does for every justified believer.

4. WALKING IN JUSTIFICATION

a) Live by faith, not works (Galatians 3:11)

The justified must continue to trust in Christ alone.

b) Reject self-condemnation (Hebrews 10:22)

Walk in the assurance that you are forgiven and accepted by God.

c) Maintain a life of holiness (Romans 6:1-2)

Justification is not a license to sin but a call to righteousness.

d) Share the message of justification (2 Corinthians 5:18-19)

We are ambassadors of Christ, called to lead others to this truth.

e) Biblical Example: Paul (1 Timothy 1:15-16)

Once a persecutor, he was justified and became a preacher of grace.

CONCLUSION

Justification is God’s way of making sinners righteous without compromising His holiness. Through faith in Christ, we are no longer guilty, but stand blameless before Him. This is not a result of our goodness but of God’s unmerited favour. Understanding justification should fill us with gratitude and boldness in our Christian walk.

As justified believers, we must walk in the confidence of our right standing with God, rejecting every lie of the enemy that tries to bring guilt or condemnation. Let us hold on to the truth that we are saved by grace through faith, and continue to live in the freedom and joy of our justification.

PRAYER POINTS

1.  Thank You, Lord, for justifying me through the blood of Jesus.

2.  Father, help me to walk daily in the confidence of my justification.

3.  Lord, remove every spirit of condemnation and guilt from my life.

4.  Help me to share the message of justification with others.

5.  Let my life reflect the righteousness I have received in Christ.