Topic: Justification
As one reads through Romans, the topic of justification comes up in almost every chapter. In the first few chapters Paul explained to the Christians at Rome that God has made a promise to them, the promise of salvation. They needed this promise because of the common bond that they shared which was sin. The only way out of their predicament as condemned sinners and into the promise was to be justified through faith. Paul used Abraham as the example that justification by faith is obedient faith. Justified means “just–as–if–I’d” never sinned.
The biography of Norman Grubb, a missionary in Africa for 30 years described justification, "At conversion we learned that we had not done what we should, but then we soon learn that of ourselves we cannot do what we should." We need the enabling of the Holy Spirit to be witnesses for Jesus by lip and life on a daily basis.
The same point is made in John Wesley’s life-changing experience in Aldersgate Street in May 1738. He acknowledges that he had become a true believer in justification by faith since the previous March, and yet he knew he lacked something and was hungry for it. But at that meeting he said, "I felt my heart strangely warmed..." He said that before this experience he had the faith of a servant, but now it was that of a son.
In Romans chapter five, Paul explains the blessings of justification. As if justification alone isn’t blessing enough, God gives us so much more while we await the end result of our justification.
In verses one and two, Paul identifies three things we receive as a result of our justification.
1. Peace with God (v. 1). Justification means that God has made us righteous, which is declaration of peace, made possible by Christ’s death on the cross.
2. Access to God (v. 2). The child of a king can enter his father’s presence under any circumstance. The word “access” here means “entrance through the favor of another.” Those of us who have taken the nail pierced hand of the King’s Son have access to His throne.
3. Glorious hope of being with God (v. 2). "Peace with God" takes care of the past, as He will no longer hold our sins against us. "Access to God" takes care of the present, as we can come to Him at any time for the help we need. "Hope of the glory of God" takes care of the future, as one day we will share in His glory in heaven.
Justification thoughts to think on:
• Once one gives their life to God in obedient faith, He gives you much more than you could have ever imagined, certainly more than we deserve.
• Through justification we experience all the blessings of God’s love, not just the promise of eternal life but also in this present life!
See you Sunday,
Dr. Scott Kallem