Grace + ForgivenessSample

What is justification?

Justification is the gracious act of God where he declares believers not guilty, but in right standing with him because of Jesus.

Throughout history, Christians have sometimes used big, unfamiliar words to say things about God, ourselves, and the world. 

Today, we’re going to look at one of those words: Justification. 

The word justification in the Bible is translated from the Greek word dikaiosis. It was a word typically used in a law court setting. When someone stands before a judge, they wait to receive a verdict of either guilty or not guilty. If the judge declares them to be not guilty, then they are justified. But, if the judge declares them to be guilty, then they are condemned. When New Testament authors like Paul and Luke write about justification in their books, they are talking about how we can be declared not guilty by God even though we have sinned.

The Bible says dozens and dozens of times that each of us have sinned and been separated from God. God is perfect, and because our sin has tainted or stained us, it’s impossible for us to be in his presence and live. But because of God’s great love for us, he sent Jesus to take on our imperfections as his own and to pay the price for our sin. Through this incredible act of love, humans can now be made right with God.

How does that happen? 

God offers a righteousness that is separate from any of our efforts to work for it. That’s what God offers in his Son for everyone who believes. It’s a gift from God!

Through Jesus, you have been justified. You have been made right with God.

Spend a few moments today asking God to search your heart and show you the areas that haven’t been made right with him. Then, thank him for the free gift of his Son, Jesus.