WORD OF THE WEEK - JUSTIFIED

Definition: the action of showing something to be right or reasonable: good reason for something that exists or has been done: the action of declaring or making righteous in the sight of God.

Scriptures:

Psalm 32:1–2, he declared, “Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered.” 

Ephesians 2:8–9, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith... not by works, so that no one can boast.” 

Romans 5:18 “Consequently, just as one trespass resulted in condemnation for all people, so also one righteous act resulted in justification and life for all people.”

Website:  www.wow-newton.com

Website: www.wow-newton.com
Email:  osnewton@wow-newton.com

Transcript

Justify, Justification, Justified

To be justified means to be declared righteous by God—not because of our perfection, or the good things we have done, but because of Christ’s sacrifice and our faith in Him.

One way to make “justification” easier to grasp is to think of the word “justified” as “just-as-if-I-had (fill in the blank) __________.”



For example: My best friend once called me to go out with her, just as if I had never said, “Don’t ever call me again.” She knew I spoke those words out of anger. Despite my cruelty, she forgave me. She valued our friendship more than her right to retaliate. She loved me enough to help pull me out of the darkness from which those words came. Her gift of forgiveness was at the heart of justification.   Our relationship was the reason to extend this gift. 



God’s Faithfulness in Scripture

From the beginning, God has loved and cared for us. The Old and New Testaments overflow with stories of God’s faithfulness and unconditional love for His people.



• Abraham believed God who credited his faith as righteousness (Genesis 15:6). As a result Abraham became the father of many nations.

• David, though deeply flawed, trusted God’s mercy. In Psalm 32:1–2, he declared, “Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered.” Because of his human failures, David knew that it was not his righteousness but God’s grace that sustained him.

• The prophet Habakkuk, searching for answers in the midst of judgment and waiting, learned that “the righteous shall live by faith” (Habakkuk 2:4). His spirit was renewed as he trusted God’s promise of deliverance.



While the sin of Adam resulted in the condemnation for all people, the righteous death of Jesus Christ resulted in justification and life for all people as explained in Romans 5: 1-20.  Romans 3:23 states; “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”



This definitive statement confirms that every human being sins.  But those sinners who have faith in God, and belief in the resurrection of His Son, Jesus Christ have access to the divine gift of justification.



Justification cannot be earned through works as stated in Ephesians 2:8-9.  Humans are made right with God by trusting in His promises, not by earning His favor.  Salvation, and the divine favor of justification is a gift—graciously given and freely received by faith.



Where faith and belief in God’s Word is evident is where the grace of God can provide the justification for offering forgiveness, peace, restoration and reconciliation rather than condemnation to the sinner. 



Then, one can begin to testify to “just-as-if-I-had” experiences, such as:

• My bank account stretched to meet my monthly obligations—just as if I had received unexpected provision.

• I haven’t needed the emergency room—just as if I had been healed from the inside out.

• Jesus paid the price for my salvation, and I am free—just as if I had died on the cross myself.



There is no price to receive justification, just have faith and believe.







God Bless You!

Orine Out!!





Would you like to share one of your “just-as-if- I-had” experiences. If so, share with me at osnewton@wow.com