Necessity of justification

Justification in human relationships

The acquittal of the innocent

Deuteronomy 25:1 NASB95

“If there is a dispute between men and they go to court, and the judges decide their case, and they justify the righteous and condemn the wicked,

See also Pr 17:15; Is 43:9; Is 43:26; Ro 8:33

Justification of oneself

Job 32:2 NASB95

But the anger of Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the family of Ram burned; against Job his anger burned because he justified himself before God.

See also Lk 10:29; Lk 16:15; Lk 18:9–14

The need for justification

The reality of God’s righteousness

Psalm 11:7 NASB95

For the Lord is righteous, He loves righteousness; The upright will behold His face.

See also Ps 33:5; Ps 35:28; Je 23:6; Mt 6:33; Jn 17:25; Ro 1:17; Ro 3:22

The reality of God’s justice

Psalm 9:8 NASB95

And He will judge the world in righteousness; He will execute judgment for the peoples with equity.

See also Job 36:3; Ps 11:7; Ps 33:5; Is 5:16; Je 9:24; Lk 18:7; Re 19:11

The reality of God’s judgment

Genesis 18:25 NASB95

“Far be it from You to do such a thing, to slay the righteous with the wicked, so that the righteous and the wicked are treated alike. Far be it from You! Shall not the Judge of all the earth deal justly?”

See also Jdg 11:27; Ps 51:4; Mic 6:2; Mt 12:36; Ro 2:16

The reality of God’s law

James 4:12 NASB95

There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the One who is able to save and to destroy; but who are you who judge your neighbor?

See also Ex 20:2–17; Ps 19:7; Is 33:22; Ro 7:12; Ro 7:16; Ro 8:3–4; 1 Ti 1:8

Human guilt shows the need for justification

Psalm 143:2 NASB95

And do not enter into judgment with Your servant, For in Your sight no man living is righteous.

See also Ro 3:23; 1 Jn 1:8; 1 Jn 1:10

People are unable to justify themselves, even through the law

Is 64:6; Ro 3:20–21; Ga 2:15–16

See also Am 4:4; Mt 5:20; Lk 10:29; Lk 16:15; Lk 18:9–14; Ro 1:17; Ro 3:20; Ga 2:21; Ga 3:2–3; Ga 2:11 Paul opposes Peter’s position on circumcision; Ga 5:4; Php 3:4–8