Necessity of justification

Justification in human relationships

The acquittal of the innocent

Deuteronomy 25:1 NIV

When people have a dispute, they are to take it to court and the judges will decide the case, acquitting the innocent and condemning the guilty.

See also Ro 8:33; Pr 17:15; Is 43:9; Is 43:26

Justification of oneself

Job 32:2 NIV

But Elihu son of Barakel the Buzite, of the family of Ram, became very angry with Job for justifying himself rather than God.

See also Lk 16:15; Lk 18:9–14; Lk 10:29

The need for justification

The reality of God’s righteousness

Psalm 11:7 NIV

For the Lord is righteous, he loves justice; the upright will see his face.

See also Jn 17:25; Je 23:6; Ro 3:22; Ps 35:28; Ps 33:5; Mt 6:33; Ro 1:17

The reality of God’s justice

Psalm 9:8 NIV

He rules the world in righteousness and judges the peoples with equity.

See also Re 19:11; Ps 11:7; Is 5:16; Je 9:24; Ps 33:5; Job 36:3; Lk 18:7

The reality of God’s judgment

Genesis 18:25 NIV

Far be it from you to do such a thing—to kill the righteous with the wicked, treating the righteous and the wicked alike. Far be it from you! Will not the Judge of all the earth do right?”

See also Ro 2:16; Ps 51:4; Mic 6:2; Mt 12:36; Jdg 11:27

The reality of God’s law

James 4:12 NIV

There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor?

See also Ps 19:7; Ro 7:12; Ro 7:16; Is 33:22; 1 Ti 1:8; Ro 8:3–4; Ex 20:2–17

Human guilt shows the need for justification

Psalm 143:2 NIV

Do not bring your servant into judgment, for no one living is righteous before you.

See also Ro 3:23; 1 Jn 1:8; 1 Jn 1:10

People are unable to justify themselves, even through the law

Is 64:6; Ro 3:20–21; Ga 2:15–16

See also Lk 16:15; Lk 18:9–14; Mt 5:20; Ga 5:4; Ro 3:20; Ga 2:21; Am 4:4; Lk 10:29; Ro 1:17; Ga 3:2–3; Ga 2:11 Paul opposes Peter’s position on circumcision; Php 3:4–8