Raised for Our Justification

Text: Romans 4:24–25

Introduction:

This morning we begin a brand-new series called “The Resurrection Life.” Over the next few weeks, we’ll explore what it means to not just believe in the resurrection—but to live in the power of it every single day.

You see, Easter isn’t the end of the story—it’s the beginning of a brand-new life. Resurrection is not just a historical truth—it is a spiritual reality for every believer.

In this series, we’ll be asking:

What does the resurrection mean for our salvation?

How does it empower the way we live now?

What does it look like to walk in resurrection power through the Holy Spirit?

Let me start with a question: What does Easter mean to you—personally?

For many, Easter is about hope. For others, it’s about tradition, family, maybe even some childhood nostalgia. But for the apostle Paul, Easter—the resurrection of Jesus—was the cornerstone of the gospel.

In fact, he tells us in Romans 4:24–25 that Jesus was delivered over to death for our sins, and raised to life for our justification.

It’s that last phrase I want us to zero in on today: “Raised to life for our justification.” What does it mean? Why does it matter? And how does it change everything?

Let’s open our Bibles to Romans 4:24–25

Romans 4:24–25 NKJV

24 but also for us. It shall be imputed to us who believe in Him who raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead, 25 who was delivered up because of our offenses, and was raised because of our justification.

“Delivered up for our offenses” – The Cross Was Substitutionary

The phrase “delivered up” refers to Jesus being handed over to suffering and death.

But why?

Paul answers it clearly: “for our offenses or in the esv it says our trespasses.”

Not His own sins—He had none. He was delivered up in our place.

This is the language of substitution.

The cross was not just an example of love—it was the execution of divine justice.

Isaiah 53:5 says, “He was pierced for our transgressions.”

Jesus didn’t just die for sin—He died for our sins.

The first half of the gospel is this: we are guilty. Christ bore our guilt.

Imagine you’re in a courtroom. You’ve been found guilty, and the judge announces the judgement, now in your case the crime was so great the verdict is DEATH. Just then, someone steps into the courtroom, says I will pay that penalty.

Romans 6:23 “23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

That’s what Jesus did on the cross. He didn’t just shout from heaven, “I love you!” He entered the courtroom, stood in your place, and bore your penalty. Substitution is not just poetic—it’s payment. And it’s personal.

“Raised for our justification” – The Resurrection Was Vindication

Now here’s where Easter bursts into full view:

“Raised for our justification.”

Justification is a legal term. It means to be declared righteous—to be acquitted of guilt and treated as fully accepted by God.

The resurrection was God’s divine “Yes!” to Jesus' sacrifice.

It was the Father’s stamp of approval that the payment had been made in full.

If Jesus had stayed dead, there would be no evidence that our sins were truly forgiven.

As Paul says in 1 Corinthians 15:17, “If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins.”

But the tomb is empty! Which means our sin has been nailed to the cross, and the receipt has been stamped: PAID IN FULL.

“Think about it like this: When you buy something valuable—let’s say a high-end item—you walk out with a receipt. That receipt is proof that the debt has been paid. So if anyone accuses you of shoplifting, what do you do? You pull out the receipt.

The resurrection is God’s receipt. It’s His public declaration that the payment Jesus made on the cross was accepted. You don’t have to wonder if it was enough. The empty tomb is the proof—your sin is paid for in full.”

So here’s the message of Easter in one sentence:

Jesus was crucified for your sins and raised so you could stand forgiven and righteous before God.

That is the work of God, a work of grace but there is more, since Christ is the gift of God, it must be recieved. It is not applied to everyone automatically for there is a call from God to receive freely.

Let me ask you:

Are you trying to earn God's approval?

Some of us are wearing ourselves out trying to be “good enough.”

Others are haunted by their past—guilt, shame, things no one else knows.

Here’s the good news of the resurrection:

You don’t have to clean yourself up before God accepts you.

He already provided everything you need in Christ.

If you are in Christ:

You are justified.

You are forgiven.

You are accepted.

This is the offer God is giving you, come to Him all you who are heavy laden and He will give you rest.

You don’t live for God's approval—you live from it.

Illustration – “Adoption Papers”

Think of a child being adopted—not because they earned a family, but because they were chosen. Once the papers are signed, that child has a new name, a new home, a new identity. Justification is your spiritual adoption paper. You're not working to get in—you’ve already been brought in. And now, you live from that love, not for it.

Gospel Invitation:

Maybe you’re here this morning, and you’ve never fully trusted in Jesus—not just in your mind, but in your heart.

Today is the perfect day—Resurrection Sunday—to surrender your life to Him.

Paul says, “It will be counted to us who believe…” (v. 24).

Not “who perform,” or “who try really hard”—but those who believe.

So I ask:

Have you believed in the risen Christ for your salvation?

Not just that He rose—but that He rose for you?

If not, you can do that today. Right now. He’s alive. He’s calling.

respond to God’s gift offer by believing in the Son, repenting of your sins and turning to God through Christ and obediently follow Him.

🙏 Closing Prayer:

Risen Lord Jesus, We thank You that You were delivered for our sins and raised for our justification. Thank You for the cross, and thank You for the empty tomb.

We rejoice today—not in our performance, but in Your finished work. We praise You for the full forgiveness You offer. Help us to walk in that freedom.

For those still unsure or carrying guilt, let this be the day they lay it down and receive Your grace.

Fill us with resurrection joy. Let this not be the end of Easter, but the beginning of resurrection life.

We pray in the mighty name of Jesus, who conquered death and reigns forever. Amen.