Justification
Definition:
Justification is God’s act of declaring a sinner righteous by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. It is not earned by works or achieved through moral effort—it is received by trusting in Christ’s atoning sacrifice. In justification, the believer’s guilt is removed, and Christ’s righteousness is credited to them. It happens once, completely, at the moment of true faith.
Biblical Basis:
- Romans 5:1 — “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God…”
- Galatians 2:16 — “…a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ…”
- Titus 3:5–7 — “…justified by his grace we might become heirs…”
Theological Significance:
Justification is the foundation of our right standing before God. It’s not a process—it’s a legal verdict: “not guilty.” It doesn’t mean we’re instantly mature, but it does mean we’re fully accepted. This distinction protects us from both legalism and despair. We don’t earn God’s love by our progress—we live out of the love He has already given.
How We Use It in DiscipleLife:
In this journey, justification is the starting gate—not the finish line. It tells us we are no longer enemies of God, but beloved children. It frees us from striving to earn salvation and invites us into the deeper work of being formed into Christ’s image through sanctification.
Related Terms:
[Sanctification], [Grace], [Faith], [Salvation], [Righteousness], [Atonement]
