Topical Encyclopedia Justification is a central tenet of Christian theology, referring to the act by which God declares a sinner to be righteous on the basis of faith in Jesus Christ. Under the Gospel, justification is intricately linked to the resurrection of Christ, which serves as both the validation of His atoning work and the assurance of believers' righteousness before God.Biblical Foundation The Apostle Paul, in his epistle to the Romans, articulates the connection between Christ's resurrection and our justification. Romans 4:25 states, "He was delivered over to death for our trespasses and was raised to life for our justification." This verse underscores the dual aspects of Christ's work: His death addresses the penalty of sin, while His resurrection confirms the efficacy of His sacrifice and the believer's justified status. Theological Significance The resurrection of Christ is not merely an event of historical significance but a pivotal moment in the divine plan of salvation. It signifies God's acceptance of Christ's sacrifice, demonstrating that the demands of divine justice have been satisfied. As Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 15:17, "And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins." The resurrection is thus indispensable for the believer's justification, as it assures that sin has been conquered and that believers are no longer under its condemnation. Union with Christ Believers are united with Christ in His death and resurrection, a union that is foundational for their justification. Romans 6:4-5 explains, "We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may walk in newness of life. For if we have been united with Him like this in His death, we will certainly also be united with Him in His resurrection." This union implies that the benefits of Christ's resurrection, including justification, are imparted to those who are in Him. Imputed Righteousness Justification involves the imputation of Christ's righteousness to the believer. This is a legal declaration by God, where the righteousness of Christ is credited to the believer's account. 2 Corinthians 5:21 states, "God made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God." The resurrection is the divine affirmation that Christ's righteousness is sufficient and effective for the justification of all who believe. Living in the Light of Justification The justified believer is called to live in the reality of this new status. Romans 5:1 declares, "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." This peace is not merely the absence of conflict but a profound reconciliation with God, made possible through the resurrection of Christ. It empowers believers to live in the freedom and assurance of their justified state, bearing fruit in holiness and obedience. Eschatological Hope The resurrection also points to the future aspect of justification, where believers will be fully vindicated at the final judgment. Romans 8:33-34 assures, "Who will bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus, who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us." The risen Christ, as the intercessor, guarantees that the justified will be glorified, completing the work begun in them. In summary, justification before God under the Gospel is inextricably linked to the resurrection of Christ. It is through His resurrection that believers are assured of their righteous standing before God, empowered to live in newness of life, and given hope for their ultimate glorification. Torrey's Topical Textbook Romans 4:25Who was delivered for our offenses, and was raised again for our justification. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Corinthians 15:17 Library Confession of the Free-Will Baptists. AD 1834, 1868. The Grace of God through Jesus Christ. " Easter Monday How Christ Performed the Office of Redeemer in Procuring Our ... General Index of Chapters. The Necessity of Faith for Justification The Gospel the Power of God The Institutes of the Christian Religion "But if the Spirit of Him that Raised up Jesus from the Dead Dwell ... Method and Arrangement, or Subject of the Whole Work. Resources Why is justification by faith such an important doctrine? | GotQuestions.orgJustification vs sanctification'what are the differences? | GotQuestions.org What is justification? What does it mean to be justified? | GotQuestions.org Justification: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Justification Before God by Faith: Does not Make Void the Law Justification Before God by Faith: Excludes Boasting Justification Before God by Faith: Revealed Under the Old Testament Age Justification Before God is the Act of God Justification Before God: Abraham Justification Before God: Illustrated Justification Before God: Paul Justification Before God: Promised in Christ Justification Before God: The Wicked Shall not Attain To Justification Before God: Typified Justification Before God: Under Law: Man Cannot Attain To Justification Before God: Under Law: Requires Perfect Obedience Justification Before God: Under the Gospel by Imputation of Christ's Righteousness Justification Before God: Under the Gospel by the Blood of Christ Justification Before God: Under the Gospel by the Resurrection of Christ Justification Before God: Under the Gospel in the Name of Christ Justification Before God: Under the Gospel is by Faith Alone Justification Before God: Under the Gospel is not of Faith and Works United Justification Before God: Under the Gospel is not of Works Justification Before God: Under the Gospel is of Grace Justification Before God: Under the Gospel: Blessedness of Justification Before God: Under the Gospel: Ensures Glorification Justification Before God: Under the Gospel: Entitles to an Inheritance Justification Before God: Under the Gospel: Frees from Condemnation Justification: General Scriptures Concerning Related Terms Righteousness (442 Occurrences) Reconciliation (11 Occurrences) |
    |