Necessity of justification

Justification in human relationships

The acquittal of the innocent

Deuteronomy 25:1 NKJV

“If there is a dispute between men, and they come to court, that the judges may judge them, 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 NKJV

Then the wrath of Elihu, the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the family of Ram, was aroused against Job; his wrath was aroused because he justified himself rather than 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 NKJV

For the Lord is righteous, He loves righteousness; His countenance beholds the upright.

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 NKJV

He shall judge the world in righteousness, And He shall administer judgment for the peoples in uprightness.

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 NKJV

Far be it from You to do such a thing as this, to slay the righteous with the wicked, so that the righteous should be as the wicked; far be it from You! Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?”

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 NKJV

There is one Lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy. Who are you to judge another?

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 NKJV

Do not enter into judgment with Your servant, For in Your sight no one 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