What does it mean to be justified? I am sure that there have been many
definitions given and I by no means can fully expound all that is
involved in sinners being justified before God. However, I am sure that
it means to be eternally pardoned from all sin by the precious blood of
Jesus Christ (1 Peter 1:18). It means to be acquitted and vindicated of
all charges before the holy justice of God (Jude 24). It means to be
made and regarded righteous in God’s sight (Col. 1:21-22). How are
sinners justified? By God as the source, "It is God that justifieth"
(Rom. 8:33). By grace as the spring and fountain, "Justified freely by
his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus" (Rom.3:24).
By Jesus Christ’s sacrifice and blood atonement as the ground, "Being
now justified by his blood we shall be saved from wrath through him"
(Rom. 5:9). By His resurrection as the proof and evidence, "Who was
delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification"
(Rom. 4:25). By faith as the means to receive this salvation in Christ,
"Being justified by faith, we have peace with God" (Rom. 5:1). Also
keep in mind these precious truths of being justified through Christ.
1). Justification is a perfect gift!
There are no degrees of being justified. From the moment of our
spiritual conversion to the end of our earthly life, justification is
absolutely the same. There are stages of growth in grace (2 Peter
3:18), but not of justification. We are justified from all things, from
which we could not be justified by the law of Moses (Acts 13:38).
2). Justification is a purposed gift!
God in the covenant of grace purposed to save and to justify guilty
sinners in Jesus Christ before the foundation of the world
(Rom.9:11;Rev.13:8). "It is not of him that willeth, nor of him that
runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy" (Rom. 9:16).
3). Justification is a purchased gift!
The justification of God’s elect came at a great price to God Himself.
He gave Himself for the sins of His chosen people (2 Cor. 5:21; Heb 9:26).
God has purchased the church with His own blood (Acts 20:28).
4). Justification is a permanent gift!
Once justified, always justified. A believer can never be
"unjustified," because justification in Christ covers past, present and
future sins; giving the believer, resting in Christ Jesus, complete
deliverance and full assurance from all condemnation (Rom. 8:1).