Justified — The Righteousness of God Revealed

// INTRO

Turn to Romans 3 and Romans 5.

What Is Justification?

Definition

:: To be declared righteous—placed in right standing before God—through faith in Jesus Christ.

Justice in the OT

In the Old Testament, justice is God’s action to restore shalom—righting wrongs, protecting the oppressed, and promoting the well-being and equality of all people. It reflects His commitment to restore balance and make things right in human relationships.

Justice in the NT

In the New Testament, Jesus fulfills the Law by emphasizing inner justice over external rule-keeping—calling His followers to live with integrity, generosity, and compassion toward others. True justice, according to Jesus, flows from the heart and reflects God’s mercy and righteousness in action.

Key Question: Is Jesus enough, or do I believe I need works to be righteous?

Romans 3:21–31 ESV

21 But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— 22 the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. 26 It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. 27 Then what becomes of our boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? By a law of works? No, but by the law of faith. 28 For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law. 29 Or is God the God of Jews only? Is he not the God of Gentiles also? Yes, of Gentiles also, 30 since God is one—who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith. 31 Do we then overthrow the law by this faith? By no means! On the contrary, we uphold the law.

We are justified by grace through faith, not works.

Faith is belief without the evidence.

Envision a child trying to ride a bike for the first time. They wobble and fear falling, but with their parent nearby, they take a deep breath and give it a try. This is much like our faith in Jesus. We may feel unsteady and afraid, but knowing He is there to help us balance through life’s challenges can give us the confidence to move forward. Just like that child, we learn to ride with faith and trust in His guidance.

If you think back to the message on the Mercy of God a few weeks ago, we saw that God sits on the “Mercy Seat”

Psalm 89:14 ESV

14 Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; steadfast love and faithfulness go before you.

Righteousness and justice are the foundation of God's throne!

The throne of God is single handedly the most terrifying and comforting place in all creation and the heavens!

Hebrews 10:30–31 ESV

30 For we know him who said, “Vengeance is mine; I will repay.” And again, “The Lord will judge his people.” 31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

Paul’s Teaching on Justification (Four Key Aspects)

In Romans, Paul (coming from a strong and highly educated Jewish background. Paul was trained and educated by one of the greats of his time, Gamaliel) lays out a deeper understanding of justice (justification) through the lens of Jesus Christ (remember Jesus didn’t come to end the law, he came to show us the fulness of what God intended the law to do in us).

1. Eschatological (The Verdict Given Now)

Escatalogical is a fancy word for end times or afterlife.

The future judgment is brought into the present for those in Christ.

We Have Peace with God Now

Romans 5:1–11 ESV

1 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5 and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. 6 For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— 8 but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. 10 For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. 11 More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.

Justification is both now and not yet fully realized (Rom 5:19; 8:30)

Romans 5:19 ESV

19 For as by the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man’s obedience the many will be made righteous.

Romans 8:30 ESV

30 And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.

2. Forensic (Legal Declaration of Righteousness)

Justification is a legal, judicial act of God—not based on merit.

God declares us righteous and remains just

Romans 4:5 ESV

5 And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness,

Romans 3:25–26 ESV

25 whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. 26 It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.

Romans 4:5; 3:25–26 — God declares us righteous and remains just.

This is not a fairytale story to make you feel good in a moment, but a real change of status rooted in God’s justice.

Rather, “the righteousness of God” involves a declaration of righteousness before God. It is a forensic term signifying that people who are still sinners stand as not guilty before God because of the gift of God’s righteousness.7

Thomas Schreiner

3. Covenantal (Belonging to the People of God)

Justification includes being welcomed into God’s family by grace.

Galatians 3:13–14 ESV

13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree”— 14 so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith.

Romans 4 shows us — Jew and Gentile alike are justified by faith.

Question: “Who are the people of God?” — a multiethnic, multicultural, many backgrounds – family of faith.

I’m so glad, because if everyone looks like me, I’m bored!

4. Transformative (Leading to a Changed Life)

Justification results in sanctification—a life of righteousness by the Spirit.

Next week we will be discussing sanctification. I had an impression from the Lord that someone has something to bring on the topic of sanctification. I don’t know if it’s a full sermon, testimony, or simple nugget. Ask the Lord if it’s you and get with me.

Romans 6:1–23; 8:4 — We are slaves to righteousness, empowered to live differently.

We are saved by grace, but not without transformation.

The Justice of God in Scripture

Old Testament: Justice as Shalom

Justice restores balance, rights wrongs, and protects the oppressed.

God executes justice impartially

Deuteronomy 10:12–21 ESV

12 “And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, 13 and to keep the commandments and statutes of the Lord, which I am commanding you today for your good? 14 Behold, to the Lord your God belong heaven and the heaven of heavens, the earth with all that is in it. 15 Yet the Lord set his heart in love on your fathers and chose their offspring after them, you above all peoples, as you are this day. 16 Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart, and be no longer stubborn. 17 For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God, who is not partial and takes no bribe. 18 He executes justice for the fatherless and the widow, and loves the sojourner, giving him food and clothing. 19 Love the sojourner, therefore, for you were sojourners in the land of Egypt. 20 You shall fear the Lord your God. You shall serve him and hold fast to him, and by his name you shall swear. 21 He is your praise. He is your God, who has done for you these great and terrifying things that your eyes have seen.

Proverbs 21:3 ESV

3 To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.

Justice cannot be bribed, perverted, or faked.

New Testament: Justice Fulfilled in Jesus

Matthew 5:17–22; Luke 10:25–37 — Jesus internalizes justice—more than law-keeping.

It’s always about the heart more than the actions.

The blood of bulls and goats cleanses the outside, yet the blood of Jesus cleanses the heart.

Justice is expressed in love, mercy, generosity, and equity.

Jesus fulfills and magnifies God’s justice in everything that he does and everyone that interacts with.

Jesus went to those that you would expect and also went those that were far off, forgotten, shunned, unwelcome.

His justice showed no partiality.

Scripture Insights on Justice and Righteousness

Justice (mishpat): Judgment, decision, vindication, equity (112 OT uses).

God’s justice cannot be bought or swayed — Deut 16:19; Psalm 9:7–10

Deuteronomy 16:19 ESV

19 You shall not pervert justice. You shall not show partiality, and you shall not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and subverts the cause of the righteous.

Psalm 9:7–10 ESV

7 But the Lord sits enthroned forever; he has established his throne for justice, 8 and he judges the world with righteousness; he judges the peoples with uprightness. 9 The Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. 10 And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you.

Justice and righteousness are the standard of God’s kingdom — Isaiah 9:7; 28:17

Isaiah 9:7 ESV

7 Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.

Isaiah 28:17 ESV

17 And I will make justice the line, and righteousness the plumb line; and hail will sweep away the refuge of lies, and waters will overwhelm the shelter.”

Justice is an expression of wisdom and God’s heart — Proverbs 1:1–7; 28:5

Proverbs 1:1–7 ESV

1 The proverbs of Solomon, son of David, king of Israel: 2 To know wisdom and instruction, to understand words of insight, 3 to receive instruction in wise dealing, in righteousness, justice, and equity; 4 to give prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the youth— 5 Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance, 6 to understand a proverb and a saying, the words of the wise and their riddles. 7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Proverbs 28:5 ESV

5 Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the Lord understand it completely.

The Call: What Does the Lord Require?

Deuteronomy 10:12–21 (ESV) 12 “And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, 13 and to keep the commandments and statutes of the Lord, which I am commanding you today for your good? 14 Behold, to the Lord your God belong heaven and the heaven of heavens, the earth with all that is in it. 15 Yet the Lord set his heart in love on your fathers and chose their offspring after them, you above all peoples, as you are this day. 16 Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart, and be no longer stubborn. 17 For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God, who is not partial and takes no bribe. 18 He executes justice for the fatherless and the widow, and loves the sojourner, giving him food and clothing. 19 Love the sojourner, therefore, for you were sojourners in the land of Egypt. 20 You shall fear the Lord your God. You shall serve him and hold fast to him, and by his name you shall swear. 21 He is your praise. He is your God, who has done for you these great and terrifying things that your eyes have seen.

Fear God, love Him, serve Him, and uphold justice.

This whole passage here is a Chiasm and right in the middle is the main point God wants us to pull and walk out…

Circumcise your heart—don’t be stubborn or partial.

Circumcision is the removal of flesh.

I mentioned last week in The Stain of Sin that the hardest sin to stop many times is our own fleshly desires. We want to quickly blame the devil, but he’s no where on site. It’s your own flesh, your own desires, your pride that is causing hardship in your life.

Micah 6:8 ESV

8 He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?

Do justice, love mercy, walk humbly.

Summary & Challenge

Justification by faith is God’s act of creating a new people with a new status in a new covenant as a foretaste of the new age.

We are justified not to boast, but to serve and extend God’s justice and righteousness in the world.

Romans 12–14 Challenge: Live as justified people—pursue peace, honor others, love sincerely.

Closing Thought/Question:

If you’ve been justified, are you living in the freedom of grace and extending justice to others? Or are you still striving to earn what God has already declared over you?