Justification is a central tenet of Christian theology, particularly within the framework of the Gospel. It refers to the act by which God declares a sinner to be righteous on the basis of faith in Jesus Christ. This divine acquittal is not based on human merit but is a gift of grace, received through faith. The doctrine of justification is pivotal because it ensures the believer's ultimate glorification, a promise of eternal life and union with God.

Biblical Foundation

The Apostle Paul, in his epistle to the Romans, articulates the doctrine of justification with clarity. Romans 5:1 states, "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." This peace signifies a restored relationship with God, made possible through the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus. Justification is not merely a legal declaration but also a transformative process that leads to sanctification and ultimately glorification.

The Link to Glorification

The assurance of glorification is intricately linked to justification. Romans 8:30 provides a succinct summary of this divine progression: "And those He predestined, He also called; those He called, He also justified; those He justified, He also glorified." This verse outlines the unbreakable chain of salvation, where glorification is the final step in the believer's journey. It is the culmination of God's redemptive work, where believers are conformed to the image of Christ and share in His eternal glory.

The Role of Faith

Faith is the means by which justification is received. Ephesians 2:8-9 emphasizes, "For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast." This underscores that justification is not earned but is a divine gift, ensuring that all glory is attributed to God alone. Faith, therefore, is not a work but a response to God's grace, leading to a life of obedience and holiness.

The Assurance of Salvation

Justification provides believers with the assurance of salvation and the hope of glorification. In Philippians 1:6 , Paul expresses confidence in God's faithfulness: "being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." This assurance is rooted in the character of God, who is both just and the justifier of those who have faith in Jesus (Romans 3:26).

Transformation and Hope

The transformative power of justification is evident in the believer's life, as it initiates a process of sanctification. This ongoing transformation is a foretaste of the future glorification that awaits. In 2 Corinthians 3:18 , Paul describes this transformation: "And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into His image with intensifying glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit." This transformation is both a present reality and a future hope, as believers anticipate the full realization of their redemption.

Conclusion

While justification is a present reality for believers, it is also a promise of future glorification. This assurance is grounded in the faithfulness of God, who has initiated and will complete the work of salvation in those who trust in Him. Through justification, believers are not only declared righteous but are also set on a path that leads to eternal glory with Christ.Romans 8:30
Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

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The Universality of Actual Grace
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