JUSTIFYING GRACE

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. . . so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.  Titus 3:7

In this verse, Paul says that we are justified by grace. When Paul says this, he is referring to justification. Justification is the legal declaration where God declares that our sins—past, present, and future—are forgiven and where he declares us righteous in his sight. This declaration of righteousness is not based on any righteousness within ourselves. Instead, when we put our faith in Jesus, his righteousness is credited to our account.

If you’ve ever had someone deposit money into your bank account, then you can understand this. Just as another person’s money is credited to your bank account, Christ’s righteousness is credited to your spiritual bank account through justification. And this justification is by grace, because it is not based on anything we have done, but on what Christ has done for us.

Paul goes on to say that having been justified by grace, we have also received a new inheritance, the hope of eternal life. As we begin this week of prayer and fasting and explore the riches of God’s grace, it is important to begin here. The gift of eternal life which is ours in Christ Jesus is not based on our good works, but it is based in Jesus and what he did in his life, death, and resurrection to save us. It is a gift of grace received by faith.

In Titus 3:3 Paul says, “For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another.” This is who we are without Christ, and this is who we would still be if not for his grace. As you begin this week of consecration, offer God praise and thanksgiving for the grace he has shown us in salvation.

Because of Christ’s justifying grace, you have eternal life.

Reflect

1. Reflect on a time when someone gave you a valuable gift you didn’t have to earn. How does that make you feel?
2. What does it mean to be justified by grace?
3. What are some ways today that you can express gratitude to God for his unearned, justifying grace?

Pray

. . . so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.  Titus 3:7

Lord, without your grace I would not be able to call you my heavenly Father. Thank you for justifying me and giving me a new hope—eternal life and life with you. Your grace has put me in right standing with you despite my past. I repent of those sins that still have a hold on me, knowing that I can come before your throne and you hear my prayers. You have freely given me Christ’s righteousness, a righteousness I could never have earned on my own. I give you the praise and honor that only you deserve. Help me to remember the grace by which you have justified me. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.