The Power of Justification

April 28, 2013 Romans 5:1-11

Please Note: the full transcript is available in the Manuscript link above.

I. The Meaning of Justification

A. The term

B. The context

Romans 3:23 - for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God

Romans 6:23 - For the wages of sin is death

Romans 3:23-26 - for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus; whom God displayed publicly as a propitiation in His blood through faith. This was to demonstrate His righteousness, because in the forbearance of God He passed over the sins previously committed; for the demonstration, I say, of His righteousness at the present time, so that He would be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.

“Justification: An instantaneous legal act of God in which he (1) thinks of our sins as forgiven and Christ's righteousness as belonging to us, and (2) declares us to be righteous in his sight.” Grudem, W. A. (2004). Systematic theology: An introduction to biblical doctrine (1246). Leicester, England; Grand Rapids, MI: Inter-Varsity Press; Zondervan Publishing House.

2 Corinthians 5:21 - He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

C. A beautiful picture

Zechariah 3:1-5 - Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at his right hand to accuse him. The Lord said to Satan, “The Lord rebuke you, Satan! Indeed, the Lord who has chosen Jerusalem rebuke you! Is this not a brand plucked from the fire?” Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments and standing before the angel. He spoke and said to those who were standing before him, saying, “Remove the filthy garments from him.” Again he said to him, “See, I have taken your iniquity away from you and will clothe you with festal robes.” Then I said, “Let them put a clean turban on his head.” So they put a clean turban on his head and clothed him with garments, while the angel of the Lord was standing by.

II. The Results of Justification

A. Peace with God

1. Because you are laying down your arms

“Fallen man is not simply an imperfect creature who needs improvement: he is a rebel who must lay down his arms.” C. S. Lewis, Mere Christianity, New York: HarperCollins, 1952/2001, 56.

2. Through the finished work of Christ

Romans 5:1 - Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,

3. As a fulfillment of a promise He made to us

John 14:27 - Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.

B. Grace in which we stand

Romans 5:2 - through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand…

1. Instead of doubt and uncertainty

2. Instead of striving for the approval of man

3. Willing to acknowledge ways you need to change

“Brother, if any man thinks ill of you, do not be angry with him; for you are worse than he thinks you to be. If he charges you falsely on some point, yet be satisfied, for if he knew you better he might change the accusation, and you would be no gainer by the correction. If you have your moral portrait painted, and it is ugly, be satisfied; for it only needs a few blacker touches, and it would be still nearer the truth.” Charles H. Spurgeon, Pulpit Sermons, vol. 35.