The Journey: Part 5 - Justification through Christ

Start here at the Introduction: The Journey Begins

The Journey: Part 5 - Justification through Christ

The topic of justification is often complicated by theological attempts to explain what happens in the spiritual context of a person's salvation. Though I do want to get a bit deeper into this topic in this post, it is notable that it can also be a very easy topic if one simply receives it by the same faith that brought you to salvation in Christ in the first place. To dive into this post let me start by defining the word justification from a Biblical stance.

What is 'Justification'

I once heard someone define the word, 'justify' in such simple terms that I have never forgotten it. They simply mentioned that "justify is just if I never sinned." That is just about it! As simple as that! Through Jesus Christ, God sees me just as if I never sinned. Praise the Lord! Amen!

A dictionary definition of justification can be understood as, "the act of making someone right with God." Justification is an instantaneous action that takes place when those who place their faith in Christ, through the grace gospel, are declared righteous. 

2Cor.5:21 For he hath made him [Jesus] to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

Jesus, who knew no sin, became our substitute on the cross, so that we could be declared "just", or have right standing with God. We were guilty, but God, through imputation, has declared us righteous.

Rom.3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; 24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: 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.

Justification is the work of God. We cannot become justified by our own work or efforts. This is a work of the spirit and is fully accomplished in the cross work of Christ. By God's absolute grace in response to the gospel, our sins are nailed to the cross, and Christ's righteousness is placed upon us freely. This instantaneous act is accomplished and settled at the moment of salvation.

Col.2:13 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; 14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;

This is the simple truth of justification. One could stop right here and just believe that it is a deep and miraculous work of God offered to you freely by the sacrifice of Christ. If it is settled in heaven, then it should be settled in your heart. However, there are those who believe, but want to understand more. It is true that with knowledge comes a deeper appreciation and awe of what God has done for us in Christ. So, let's dive into this deeper understanding of justification.

Position vs Condition

There are many that still stumble over the fact that the Bible tells us we are righteous even though we still sin. This misunderstanding causes doubts about salvation and leads to fears and wrong practices. To understand how this can be, I would first encourage you to read part #4 in this series so that one has a better understanding of the three-part nature of a person, spirit, soul and body. This is key to diving deeper into how one can be justified, yet still fall in sin?

In line with this, let me share a practical, biblical example of this exact point. Take a quick detour and read this short post to get a practical understanding of justification.

The Corinthians: Saints, yet still sinners

Are you starting to get the understanding? In theological terms, one uses two words to comprehend this. Position vs condition. There are no Bible verses that directly quote this, but with study and cross referencing, one can see this understanding correlate with scripture. Positional justification is the "legal standing" we have been granted in Christ. It's what the verses quoted above concern: we are justified when we trust in Christ. From this moment on, God sees us as righteous. From this moment on, our spirit is washed by the blood of the Lamb (Rom.5:9) and sealed into Christ (Eph.1:13). Our spirit is fully and eternally cleansed, even though the condition of our flesh is untouched and still completely corrupt and fallible under sin, just as illustrated by the Corinthians above.

Another thing to be aware of, that helps to tie up 'loose ends', is what follows justification. Although our spirit is fully justified, God does not leave it there. Not at all! The Bible is jammed full of content to deal with the flesh. The Old Testament and the Gospels have the law, which is for Israel. We, in this grace dispensation, have the writings of Paul, our apostle, who very clearly instructs us to grow up in Christ (Eph.4:15; 2Thess.1:3) and to walk by the Spirit (Rom.8:1,4; Gal.5:16; Gal.5:25). This process is called 'sanctification' (1Cor.1:30; 1Thess.4:4; 2Thess.2:13), and this is the next part of the journey towards our destination of sonship in Christ and glorification in the age to come. Sanctification is of critical importance to learn and understand, but we will deal with this in detail in other parts of this study.

To start wrapping up on this post, let me summarize justification briefly and in an illustrative way, by reference to our three-part nature, (spirit, soul and body), before and after salvation.

Who you are before salvation

At natural birth our body and soul are connected and work in unison. The soul is the part of you that defines you and brings about your unique character and morality. Both body and soul are subject to sin and is separated from God and from His Word, which is the Spirit of Life. Without salvation there is no hope for life and no connection with God.

What you become after salvation

At salvation, through the power of the grace gospel (Rom.1:16), your spirit is quickened to life and justified. Also, at this very moment, the mind of the spirit connects with your soul, and you now have access to God. The Bible, through reading and study, becomes alive and feeds your spirit. As you gain knowledge of His Word, you grow and mature in the things of God. Your soul needs to be renewed in order to produce the transformation of your life into that of Christ in you (Rom.12:2). All the while, though you gain Christ, your body remains corrupt, waiting for the day when your salvation is completed by that new glorified body. (1Cor.15:42; Phil.3:21; Col.3:4; Rom.8:23; Rom.8:30). Without the Word in you, you remain a babe in Christ, carnal and weak in faith. With the Word in you, renewing your mind, you grow mature in Christ, and through subjection to Christ within you, you increase in godliness, subjecting the desires and corruption of the flesh.

Conclusion

We are well on our way in this journey between salvation and glorification. What I want to point out at this stage is the absolute value and importance of the Word of God. Hearing the gospel in the Word of God brings the power to save us (Rom.1:16). It is the Word of God that quickens our spirit to life, it is the Word that nourishes our spirit (1Tim.4:6), and it is the Word of God that renews our mind so that we can begin to grow in the thoughts and ways of the Lord, maturing towards that destination that God wills for us, sons of God, bringing glory to Christ. The WORD OF GOD! Can you see how critical it is in every part of our life.

Most believers get to this point in their journey. It is sad to say that most believers lose their way in the next part, called sanctification. Needless to say, this is where your attention should start to get focused. I trust you are still with me and that you will fasten your seatbelts for the next leg of the journey.

God bless.