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 account of their faith in Jesus Christ. This doctrine is pivotal in understanding the relationship between humanity and God, as it addresses the problem of sin and the means by which individuals are reconciled to God.

Biblical Foundation

The concept of justification is deeply rooted in the New Testament, where it is primarily discussed in the writings of the Apostle Paul. In Romans 3:23-24, Paul states, "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus." This passage underscores the universality of sin and the gratuitous nature of justification, which is made possible through the redemptive work of Christ.

In Romans 5:1, Paul further elaborates, "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." Here, justification is linked to faith, emphasizing that it is not through human effort or adherence to the law that one is justified, but through faith in Jesus Christ. This peace with God signifies the restoration of a right relationship with Him, which was broken by sin.

The Role of Faith

Faith is the instrumental means by which justification is received. Ephesians 2:8-9 articulates this clearly: "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 passage highlights that justification is a gift from God, received through faith, and not a result of human works or merit.

The example of Abraham is often cited to illustrate justification by faith. In Romans 4:3, Paul references Genesis 15:6, stating, "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness." Abraham's faith, rather than his works, was the basis for his justification, serving as a prototype for all who would come to believe in Christ.

The Work of Christ

Central to the doctrine of justification is the atoning work of Jesus Christ. Through His death and resurrection, Christ satisfied the demands of God's justice, bearing the penalty for sin on behalf of humanity. In 2 Corinthians 5:21, Paul writes, "God made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God." This exchange—Christ taking on sin and believers receiving His righteousness—is the heart of justification.

The resurrection of Christ is also integral to justification. Romans 4:25 states, "He was delivered over to death for our trespasses and was raised to life for our justification." The resurrection is the divine affirmation of Christ's victory over sin and death, ensuring the believer's justification and eternal life.

Imputed Righteousness

Justification involves the imputation of Christ's righteousness to the believer. This means that God accounts the righteousness of Christ to the believer's account, treating them as righteous in His sight. Philippians 3:9 expresses this truth: "and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness from God on the basis of faith."

This imputed righteousness is distinct from any inherent righteousness or personal merit. It is entirely the work of God, received by faith, and is the basis upon which believers stand justified before God.

The Assurance of Justification

The doctrine of justification provides believers with assurance of their salvation. Romans 8:1 declares, "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." This assurance is rooted in the finished work of Christ and the unchanging promise of God, offering believers confidence in their standing before Him.

In summary, justification before God under the Gospel in the name of Christ is a profound expression of God's grace, accomplished through the redemptive work of Jesus and received by faith. It is the divine act of declaring sinners righteous, restoring them to a right relationship with God, and granting them the assurance of eternal life.1 Corinthians 6:11
And such were some of you: but you are washed, but you are sanctified, but you are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

On the Justification of Man Before God
... it may be thus defined, "it is a justification by which a ... a sinner, yet a believer,
being placed before the throne ... is accounted and pronounced by God, the just ...
/.../the works of james arminius vol 1/disputation 19 on the justification.htm

Christ Rightly and Properly Said to have Merited Grace and ...
... that we are justified or acquitted before God, because that ... and was raised again
for our justification," (Rom.4 ... him is completely fulfilled what God declares by ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 17 christ rightly and.htm

That we Obtain Remission of Sins by Faith Alone in Christ.
... fear betakes itself by faith to God's mercy, in ... us to apprehend, by faith, mercy,
before we attempt ... of Scripture, which clearly ascribe justification to faith ...
/.../melanchthon/the apology of the augsburg confession/part 5 that we obtain.htm

Of Justification by Christ
... all men, (all sorts of men) unto justification of life ... the text, "Such (or, as I
observed before, these things ... How God will be pleased to deal with the Gentiles ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/of justification by christ.htm

Easter Monday
... the all-important article of justification before God, or the ... should preach unto
you any gospel other than ... and the Scriptures, who even trample under foot, in ...
//christianbookshelf.org/luther/epistle sermons vol ii/easter monday.htm

What Think Ye of Christ?
... we are not under the law, but under grace; and ... our Church: "We are accounted righteous
before God, only for ... This doctrine of our free justification by faith in ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/what think ye of christ.htm

Justification
... plead not-guilty; and being guilty, we lay under a sentence of ... have our sins forgiven,
and be brought into God's favour by justification, before we can ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/3 justification.htm

The Gospel the Power of God
... Now before I pass from this part of my subject there ... this Epistle, that is 'the power
of God unto salvation ... much to you, but it is my justification for speaking ...
/.../romans corinthians to ii corinthians chap v/the gospel the power of.htm

Confession of the Free-Will Baptists. AD 1834, 1868.
... the person justified has been guilty before God; and in ... and faith it can never give
him justification and peace ... ardent piety, be specially called of God to the ...
/.../confession of the free-will baptists.htm

Its Meaning
... our salvation is propounded in Scripture under the figures ... Justification is nothing
more or less than the ... The savor ascended as a memorial before God: it was ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the doctrine of justification/2 its meaning.htm

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