The Road of Salvation: Justification

Need for Justification: Judgment

God has no sin (1 John 1:5).

We are sinners (Romans 3:23).

God must judge sinners.

We need help!

Illustration: The desperate person framed for murder needed Matlock to deliver an acquittal!

Except we really are guilty! How can we beat the wrap? We can’t. We need something more. We need justification.

Definition of Justification: Cleared & Declared

Cleared of all legal wrongdoing and declared completely innocent.

Antonym = Condemnation (cf Romans 8:1)

Cleared -- 2 Cor 5:19, In Christ, God was reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them...

Declared -- Romans 4:6, Likewise, David also speaks of the blessing of the person to whom God credits righteousness apart from works

Illustration: OJ was acquitted of murder charges, but found guilty in civil suit. He was cleared on murder, but not declared innocent.

When God justifies the believer, He not only clears you of all the wrong you have done, but He also declares you completely innocent.

Ground for Justification: Christ

Galatians 2:16, Because we know that a person is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we ourselves have believed in Christ Jesus. This was so that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law, because by the works of the law no human being will be justified.

Not by works.

By Christ alone. Ie, we aren’t saved because we believe. We’re saved because of Christ, in whom we must believe.

Illustration: Sneha Kothair-Mashru saved by another man’s blood. https://thepastorsworkshop.com/sermon-illustrations-on-justification/

The blood of Christ cleanses you from all sin and justifies.

Means of Justification: Faith

Faith (in Christ, who He is and what He did) moves us from condemnation to justification.

Faith doesn’t save; Jesus saves. But we must have faith; we must believe.

Illustration: A key doesn’t get you to your destination. Your vehicle gets you to your destination. But the key starts the engine.

Faith, in Christ alone, is the key.

Blessings of Justification: Salvation

Forgiveness

Peace with God

Grace

Hope

Conclusion:

For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.

You need justification.

You can be justified in Christ alone.

You can be justified by faith alone.