The Doctrine of Justification

Justification defined:

Justification: Divine, forensic act of God based on the work of Christ upon the cross, whereby a sinner is pronounced righteous by the imputation of the righteousness of Christ - Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary

“Justification is an act of God’s free grace, wherein he pardoneth all our sins, and accepteth us as righteous in his sight, only for the righteousness of Christ, imputed to us, and received by faith alone - Westminster Shorter Catechism

It is vital however that we not confuse “forgiveness” of sins with “righteousness” imputed. While forgiveness is the work of Christ removing the stain of sin through His blood, justification is the work of Christ adding righteousness to our account to make us right in the eyes of Father God.

Justification is an instantaneous legal act of God in which he (1) thinks of our sins as forgiven and Christ’s righteousness as belonging to us, and (2) declares us to be righteous in his sight.

Wayne Grudem

Romans 8:29–30 NASB95

29 For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren; 30 and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified.

So we can see that there is a logic progression of Christ work. Based upon Gods supernatural ability to foreknow, he predestines, He calls, then Justifies and Glorifies. Therefore the completed work of Christ in a believers life is simply this: We Are A New Creation.

2 Corinthians 5:17–18 (NASB95)

17 Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.

18 Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation,

Paul says that the “old things have passed away”. What are these old things? Are they your habits, are they your actions, are they your thoughts and behaviors? They are so much more than that. What Paul is referencing here is more than actions, it is your positions. The slavery to sin, the bondage to the law of sin and death. The legal condition of being “short of God’s glory” has been replace through Justification by which we now can stand and say “I have been found righteous”

Philippians 3:7–9 NASB95

7 But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 8 More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ, 9 and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith,

And again Paul said to the church of Corinth.

2 Corinthians 5:21 NASB95

21 He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

Peace Through Faith: The Gift of Justification

Bible Passage: Ro 5:1–21

Summary: In Romans 5:1-21, the Apostle Paul expounds on the peace and hope believers have through their justification by faith, emphasizing the transformative power of God's grace in the believer's life, despite the reality of suffering and sin.

Application: This passage encourages Christians to find solace in the peace that comes from being justified by faith, especially in times of struggle or distress. It reminds them that their tribulations lead to perseverance, character, and hope—powerful elements in their spiritual growth and witness.

Teaching: The sermon teaches that justification by faith is not a one-time event but a continual source of peace and strength for believers. It highlights the contrast between Adam's sin and Christ's righteousness, illustrating the depth of God’s grace that covers all our sins and failures.

How this passage could point to Christ: In the broader context of Scripture, Christ is portrayed as the ultimate Redeemer whose work on the cross offers believers not only justification but also reconciliation and eternal life. This passage foreshadows the profound impact of Christ’s obedience as opposed to Adam’s disobedience, showcasing His role as the second Adam who brings life.

Big Idea: Believers are justified by faith, leading them to a profound peace with God and hope that withstands trials, rooted in the redemptive work of Christ.

Recommended Study: As you prepare using Logos, I suggest digging into the historical context of Paul’s Roman audience to better understand the implications of justification for them. You may also want to explore various commentaries on Romans 5:1-21 to gain insights into differing views about original sin versus imputed righteousness. Furthermore, consider language studies on key terms such as 'justification' and 'peace' to enhance your understanding of their theological significance.

1. Peace Amidst Perils

Ro 5:1-5

Maybe you could start by highlighting how justification by faith grants us peace with God, a peace that is unshakable even in trials. This peace is a gift we receive through the redemptive work of Christ, transforming our suffering into perseverance, character, and hope. This transformation ties back to the Christocentric theme—through Jesus, we are not only justified but also equipped to face life's struggles with hope.

2. Promise of Reconciliation

Ro 5:6-11

You could explore how Christ's sacrifice, while we were yet sinners, signifies the deep love of God towards us. This sacrificial love, undeserved yet freely given, is the heart of justification. Through Him, we are not only justified but also reconciled to God, displaying the profound impact of Christ’s righteousness in place of Adam’s disobedience. This serves as a foundation for believers' hope and confidence.

3. Power over Sin

Ro 5:12-17

Perhaps you could focus on the contrast between the effects of Adam's sin and Christ's righteousness. Through Adam came sin and death, but through Christ comes grace and life. This passage accentuates the abundance of grace that overcomes sin, reinforcing the big idea that Jesus' redemptive work is powerful and transformative for all believers.

4. Provision of Righteousness

Ro 5:18-21

Consider examining how one man's righteousness leads to justification and life for all. This conclusion draws on the Christocentric focus where Christ’s obedience counters Adam’s disobedience, granting life and righteousness. The law revealed sin, but grace abounded even more, showcasing God’s boundless love and mercy that covers all believers' transgressions.