Boy, that sure is a long word. What does it mean? In this study we will take a look into "Justification." We shall see the definition of the word, as well as learning about the four basic essentials in the act of justification taught by Scripture.
- A definition of Justification
- Dikaioo (dik-ah-yo-o) Gk, S# 1344 - to make valid, to absolve, to vindicate, to set right.
Justification may be defined as, that judical act of God, by which, on the basis of the meritorious work of Christ, imputed to the sinner and received by him through faith, He declares the sinner absolved from his sin, released from its penalty and restored as righteous.
- Remission of punishment
The "justified" believer is declared to be free of the demands of the law since they have been fulfilled in Christ.
Rom 4:5
5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.(KJV)
The "justified" believer is no longer exposed to the penalty of the law.
Rom 6:7
7 For he that is dead is freed from sin.(KJV)
"Justification" is more a pardon from sin, it is a declaration by God that the sinner, though guilty, has had the fact of his guilt remitted in Christ.
- Restoration to Favor
The "justified" believer is declared to be righteous in Jesus Christ, and is accepted as being in His righteousness. "Justification" implies that God's treatment of the sinner is as if he had never sinned now that he is regarded as being personally righteous in Jesus Christ.
Gal 3:6
6 Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.(KJV)
In this restoration there is not only acquithal, but approval; not only pardon, but promotion. Remission from sin is never separated from restoration to favor.
- Imputed righteousness of God
The "justified" believer's salvation in Christ imparts the quality and character of Christ's righteousness to him.
Rom 3:25-26
25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;
26 To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.(KJV)
Jesus Christ is made the Justifier through whom a new life is begun in the believer.
1 Cor 1:30
30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: (KJV)
The word righteousness here means both the righteousness which acquits the sinner and the life-force which breaks the bondage of sin. Salvation can never be seperated from the participational act of man in Jesus Christ, in which he is regarded judicially as having righteousness because the actual effect of righteousness has indeed come to him.
Php 3:9
9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: (KJV)
Rom 3:22
22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: (KJV)
- New legal standing before God
Instead of being under the condemnation of sin, the "justified" believer stands before God in Jesus Christ. There has been an absolute interchange of position:
Christ takes the place of the sinner, the place of (Gal 3:5) being made sin in our behalf (2 Cor 5:21) and judged for our sin; while we stand in Christ's righteousness (Rom 3:25) and are viewed as sons (Gal 4:5).
Well, there it is. Justification plain and simple from the word of God. Rejoice in the goodness that God has shown unto us! Continue to search out the depths of His goodness. You will find that it is bottomless! And remember that through Christ we are "Justified!"
**Note: Some of the study material presented herein comes from Clarence Bass.
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