From Condemnation to Justification

Condemnation

An act of judgment, in which someone rebukes and denounces the actions and motivations of others

Martin H. Manser, Dictionary of Bible Themes: The Accessible and Comprehensive Tool for Topical Studies (London: Martin Manser, 2009).

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

The process by which people are made righteous in the sight of God

James White, “Justification,” ed. Chad Brand et al., Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2003), 970.

1 Co.11.31-32

But if we judged ourselves truly, we would not be judged. 32 But when we are judged by the Lord, we are disciplined so that we may not be condemned along with the world.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), 1 Co 11:31–32.

If we rightly discern our sins and turn from them (repent) and seek forgiveness, then we will not receive God’s disciplinary judgement

God’s ultimate goal is that we be justified not condemned

Rm.3.20

For no one will be justified in his sight by the works of the law, because the knowledge of sin comes through the law

Christian Standard Bible (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2020), Ro 3:20.

These laws refers to those ceremonial laws that separate Jews from Gentiles

Works or deeds do not justify us

Rm.5.1

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

Christian Standard Bible (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2020), Ro 5:1.

We have affirmation of right standing through faith in Christ

This brings us from under the fear of being judged or the wrath of God

Rm.8.1-2

There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Ro 8:1–2.