The Beauty of Justification

Summary: Justification is a cornerstone of Christian faith, illustrating how believers are declared righteous before God through faith in Jesus Christ, independent of their own works or merit.

Application: Understanding justification encourages believers to trust in Christ's work for salvation rather than their own efforts, resulting in greater peace and assurance in their relationship with God. It also motivates them to share this message of grace with others, especially those who feel burdened by guilt and performance-based acceptance.

Teaching: The sermon teaches that justification is solely by faith in Christ and not by works of the law. It emphasizes the grace of God in declaring sinners righteous and the transformative effect this truth has on a believer's life.

How this passage could point to Christ: In the broader context of Scripture, Christ is the fulfillment of the law and the ultimate sacrifice for sin, enabling justification for all who believe in Him. His righteousness is imputed to believers, allowing them to stand before God justified.

Big Idea: Justification by faith is the key to experiencing true peace with God and living a life free from the burdens of legalism and guilt, rooted in the grace of Christ.

Recommended Study: As you prepare this sermon, consider diving into the nuances of Romans 5:1-11 regarding the implications of peace with God through justification. Explore the grammatical structure and context of Galatians 2:15-21, particularly the relationship between faith and works in the believer's life. Logos can aid in examining scholarly opinions on historic debates surrounding justification, offering insights into both Protestant and Catholic views.

Intro

Please imagine with me for a moment that we are all in a courtroom.

The room is silent. The weight of the moment presses in.

You are the defendant.

Out of the stillness, the bailiff calls out -

All Rise!

The Honorable Judge - God - The Father - The Lord Almighty presiding.

He takes His seat and asks the bailiff to read the charges.

The charges against the defendant are as follows -

“You have sinned against God.”

The Scripture speaks plainly: “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).

You have violated the law -

Murder -

You think, I have not killed anyone.

Jesus whispers the truth that anger and contempt in the heart place us under judgment.

(Jesus is not accusing you here, only clarifying the charges brought against you).

Adultery -

You think, I have not committed adultery.

Jesus leans over again and says that lustful thoughts are adultery of the heart.

Theft -

Again, I have never robbed a bank, stolen a car.

Jesus mentions, but what about that pen you took without asking?

Covetousness

I have never wanted more than my fair share you think.

But what about when your friend got that new car, new gun, new game, new clothes, and you thought, I sure wish I had that.

“You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.”

I don’t curse that way.

Again, Jesus whisper, you claim to be a Christian, bearing the name of God, and yet you have some unrepentant disobedience showing that you carry the name lightly.

Idolatry -

You shall have no other God’s before me.

You think, God is my first priority.

Jesus whispers, what about when that notification went off when you were spending time with me this morning and you turned away from me and spent the next 30 minutes on your phone?

The bailiff states, this is the condensed list of charges, and he points to a dictionary sized book and says, to read the detailed list, see this document.

The judge then says, you may be seated, let’s begin.

When we look at the commandments, they expose more than our behavior. They expose our hearts.

We have sinned not only by what we have done, but by what we have thought, by what we have desired, and by what we have left undone.

Some of us have rebelled openly. Others have drifted quietly.

We knew what was right—and did not do it. We knew God’s commands—and chose not to care.

James tells us, “So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin” (James 4:17).

And Romans tells us why the law speaks at all: “So that every mouth may be stopped, and the whole world may be held accountable to God” (Romans 3:19).

There are no defenses left to offer. No explanations that excuse us. No comparisons that save us.

Each of us stands guilty.

Can anyone stand up against such a charge?

Let this sink in for a moment.

Imagine the courtroom again—

The room is still.

No shuffling. No whispers.

Just the weight of the moment pressing in on your chest.

You are standing.

Not beside others.

Not hidden in a crowd.

Alone.

Before you sits the Judge.

Not arbitrary.

Not corrupt.

Perfectly just.

Perfectly holy.

Every law He has spoken is written into the walls of this room.

Every command echoes with authority.

Across the room, Satan, the accuser speaks.

His voice is sharp. Precise.

He does not exaggerate. He does not need to.

He names what you have done.

What you have thought.

What you should have done—and did not.

And the worst part is this:

Nothing he says is false.

You search for a defense.

There is none.

No explanation strong enough.

No comparison that helps.

No good deed that cancels the debt.

The law has spoken.

Every mouth is stopped.

Then the Judge speaks.

But instead of announcing the sentence, He calls a name.

“Jesus Christ.”

Your Advocate steps forward.

He does not deny the charges.

He does not call new witnesses.

He does not ask for leniency.

He simply places the evidence on the bench.

Scars in His hands.

A wound in His side.

Blood that has already been shed.

He says nothing about you.

He speaks only of what He has done.

The Judge looks at the record.

Then He looks at the Son.

Then He looks at you.

And the gavel comes down.

“Justified.”

The charge is answered.

The penalty is paid.

The case is closed.

And then—something happens you did not expect.

The atmosphere changes.

The tension lifts.

The fear drains away.

You are no longer standing as a criminal awaiting judgment.

You are standing as one who has been declared righteous.

Not because you are worthy.

But because Christ is.

That is where Romans 5 begins.

Not with uncertainty.

Not with fear.

But with a settled reality:

“Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Peace.

Not temporary calm.

Not fragile optimism.

Peace with God.

Open your Bibles with me to Romans chapter 5.

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.

Peace Perfected in Grace

Romans 5:1–5 ESV

A. The Source of Peace: Justification Through Faith (v. 1)

Paul begins in verse 1 -

“Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

This therefore is one that reaches back to everything he has already said in Romans 1–4.

Humanity stands guilty.

The law silences every mouth.

No one is righteous by works.

And yet—God justifies the ungodly through faith in Jesus Christ.

And peace with God flows directly from justification.

This peace is not a feeling to be achieved but a relationship restored.

We were enemies; now we are reconciled.

We were under judgment; now we stand acquitted.

We were separated; now we are brought near.

This peace exists whether or not we feel calm on a given day.

It is grounded not in our obedience, but in Christ’s finished work.

This directly confronts the tension that while we are deeply unworthy—we are fully accepted.

Peace with God is not the reward for spiritual maturity;

it is the gift given to those who are spiritually bankrupt who trust Christ.

B. The Realm of Peace: Standing in Grace (v. 2a)

Verse two goes on to show this further.

“Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand…”

Paul shifts from courtroom language to positional language.

“Access” implies that what was once barred is now opened.

“Standing” implies permanence, not instability.

Justification does not place the believer on probation.

It places the believer in grace.

This means the Christian life is not lived striving to earn God’s favor,

but resting in the favor already given.

Here the contrast becomes sharp:

Because it is the law that exposes guilt.

But it is God’s grace establishes belonging.

Grace is not merely something we visit from time to time; it is the foundation upon which we rest.

C. The Direction of Peace: Hope of Glory (v. 2b)

It is because of this that we can, as verse 2 ends rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

Peace with God does not end, it will continue on for eternity.

It is the completed act of Justification at our salvation that anchors a believer in a future that is certain:

That future involves glory of God, fully revealed, fully enjoyed.

This hope is not wishful thinking.

It is confident expectation rooted in God’s promise.

That is why, when we have trusted in Jesus, we can face the future without fear,

because the Judge has already declared the verdict.

It is because of this justification that Paul says we can rejoice in our sufferings.

D. The Paradox of Peace: Suffering That Produces Hope (vv. 3–4)

Who likes suffering?

None of do.

Paul does not deny suffering; he reframes it.

Because coming to Christ for salvation does not remove trials, but it redefines them.

Because we are justified - at peace with God:

Suffering is no longer punishment.

Trials are no longer signs of abandonment.

Instead, suffering becomes a tool of grace:

Suffering produces endurance.

Endurance produces character.

Character produces hope.

This is God’s work in us, this is the process of sanctification - the growth process of a Christian.

We don’t rejoice because suffering is pleasant,

but because suffering is no longer pointless.

The trials you are currently going though, are not pointless.

God has a purpose.

Trials are transformational.

And it is the work of God as Paul continues in verse 5

E. The Assurance of Peace: Love Poured Out by the Spirit (v. 5)

“And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit…”

Paul grounds hope in something unshakable: God’s initiative.

The love that secures our hope does not arise from within us;

it is poured out by God Himself through the Holy Spirit.

This returns us again to the central tension:

we did not initiate peace—God did.

We were unworthy.

We were powerless.

We were undeserving.

And yet God acted first.

The Spirit assures the believer inwardly of what justification has already declared outwardly.

F. Pastoral Emphasis: Peace Is a Gift, Not a Reward

This passage presses one clear truth home:

Peace with God is not earned by obedience; it is received by faith.

You do not work your way into peace.

You do not suffer your way into peace.

You do not mature your way into peace.

You rest your way into peace—by trusting Christ.

From that rest flows assurance.

From that assurance flows perseverance.

From that perseverance flows hope that will not shame us.

The peace we have with God through justification not only changes how we suffer—it also reshapes how we live.

And that raises the next question Paul forces us to face:

If we are justified by faith, what place—if any—do works have in the life of the believer?

Love Lavished in Sacrifice

Romans 5:6–11 ESV

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.

A. The Timing of God’s Love: Christ Died for the Ungodly (v. 6)

Paul wants us to see when God loved us.

Not after improvement.

Not after repentance was polished.

Not after faith was strong.

While we were weak.

Powerless.

Unable to rescue ourselves.

The word ungodly is not softened.

Paul does not say “confused” or “misguided.”

He says ungodly.

This confirms what we know about sin and guilt: humanity stands helpless and undeserving before God.

And yet—at the right time—Christ died.

God’s love is not reactive.

It is deliberate.

It moves first.

And God’s love is expensive for Him

B. The Rarity of Human Love vs. the Depth of Divine Love (vv. 7–8)

“For one will scarcely die for a righteous person… but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

Paul draws a comparison we can all understand.

Human love may sacrifice for the deserving.

Human love might die for the admirable.

But God’s love moves toward sinners.

The cross is not God responding to our worth.

The cross is God revealing His grace.

This addresses the heart of guilt:

If God loved us after we cleaned ourselves up,

we might wonder whether He will stop loving us when we fail again.

But we know rather that God loved us while we were sinners,

And as such, our failures do not surprise Him—and they do not undo His love.

Paul continues to build logically in the next verses.

C. The Logic of Assurance: “Much More” Salvation (vv. 9–10)

“Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God.”

If God has already done the harder thing—justifying sinners at the cost of His Son’s blood—

then He will certainly do the lesser thing—bring them safely through final judgment.

The cross secures the verdict.

The resurrection secures the future.

Paul presses the point again:

“For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more… shall we be saved by his life.”

Enemies reconciled.

Wrath removed.

Life secured.

Justification is not fragile.

It is blood-bought.

D. Reconciliation: From Hostility to Relationship (vv. 10–11)

In verses 10 and 11 Paul shifts from legal language to relational language.

Romans 5:10–11 ESV

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 removes guilt.

Reconciliation restores fellowship.

God does not merely tolerate the justified sinner.

He welcomes them.

This speaks powerfully to believers who still carry shame:

You are not on the outside.

You are not barely accepted.

You are not under constant threat of rejection.

You have been reconciled.

E. The Outcome of Grace: Joyful Confidence in God (v. 11)

Romans 5:11 ESV

11 More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.

Paul ends—not in introspection, but in worship.

The justified believer does not rejoice in self-improvement.

They rejoice in God.

Joy flows not from performance, but from peace.

Not from worthiness, but from grace.

This joy is steady because it rests on Christ’s finished work, not our fluctuating faithfulness.

F. Pastoral Application: Speaking to Guilt and Assurance

For those of us who struggle with guilt, this passage speaks clearly:

Your worth is not measured by your past.

Your status is not determined by your consistency.

Your standing before God rests entirely on Christ.

If Christ died for you when you were ungodly,

He does not abandon you now that you are His.

Justification answers the courtroom.

Reconciliation answers the heart.

G. Living in the Light of Lavished Love

Those who receive such grace are freed to live differently:

Not striving to earn God’s love

Not crushed by shame

Not paralyzed by fear of judgment

But living joyfully, gratefully, confidently—

as those who know they are loved, reconciled, and secure.

Conclusion: The Verdict That Changes Everything

Let us go back to the courtroom one last time.

You are still the defendant.

The charges have not changed.

The evidence still stands.

Every sin exposed.

Every excuse silenced.

Every mouth stopped.

The Judge looks down.

And then something unexpected happens.

Your defense attorney—Jesus—stands.

He does not argue your innocence.

He does not minimize the charges.

He does not claim a technicality.

Instead, He steps forward and says,

“I will take the penalty.”

The sentence that belonged to you falls on Him.

The wrath you deserve is poured out on Christ.

The punishment is fully paid.

The gavel comes down.

“Justified.”

Not because you promised to do better.

Not because you cleaned yourself up.

Not because you finally proved your worth.

But because Christ stood in your place.

That is justification.

It is not God pretending you are righteous.

It is God declaring you righteous because Christ is righteous—

and His righteousness has been credited to you.

The courtroom does not end in uncertainty.

It ends in peace.

Peace with God.

Access into grace.

Hope that does not shame.

Love poured out.

Wrath removed.

Enemies reconciled.

And now—joy.

I hope you can truly grasp, this is what justification means for your Monday morning.

When guilt whispers, “You are still condemned,”

justification answers, “There is now peace with God.”

When shame says, “You do not belong,”

justification answers, “You stand in grace.”

When suffering makes you wonder if God has turned away,

justification answers, “You are reconciled, not abandoned.”

And when you fail again—as you will—

justification does not send you back to court.

The verdict has already been rendered.

The Christian life is not lived trying to earn a verdict.

It is lived resting in one already given.

So do not leave here striving to prove yourself to God.

Do not leave here crushed by guilt Christ has already carried.

Do not leave here afraid that the Judge will change His mind.

Leave rejoicing in God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Because you have been justified by faith.

You have peace with God.

And nothing—nothing—can separate you from the love that has been lavished on you in Christ.

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