“But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; 25 Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.” – Romans 4:24-25
Justification is God’s act of grace by which He pardons a sinner and accepts him as righteous on account of the atoning work of Jesus Christ on the cross (Romans 3:24). Remission of sin, absolution from guilt, and freedom from punishment are part of justification.
In order to be justified, a person must be given a righteousness equivalent to God’s perfect righteousness. Hence, imputation precedes justification. Imputation is the charging to the account of one person something which properly belongs to another. The Lord Jesus Christ shares his perfect righteousness with the believer (Rom. 3:22; 4:11; 9:30-32; 4:4, 5).
Two Aspects of Justification:
a. The forgiveness, remission, and taking away of believer’s sins (Col. 1:14; 2:13-14).
b. The imputation of the righteousness of Jesus Christ.
Because righteousness has been imputed to us, God calls us “justified”. “Abraham believed God and it was imputed to him for righteousness” (Romans 4:1-5). Hence, imputation of righteousness on the basis of faith brings about justification.
Thus, when God looks on a believer, he does not see someone who is still a sinner and only forgiven, or someone who is just innocent of the guilt of sin. He sees the believer completely justified (declared righteous) with the righteousness of his Son Jesus Christ. – Romans 3:22-26, II Cor. 5:21, 1 Cor. 1:30.
The believer is declared righteous not because of his own righteousness, but because of the righteousness of Christ imputed to him (Romans 3:22; Phil. 3:9).
Justification can only be obtained by the faith on the finished work and the shed blood of Jesus Christ. – Acts 13:38-39, Rom. 1: 16-17, 3:21-30, 10:4, I Cor. 6:11, Gal. 2:16, 3:8,22
The means of justification is redemption (Rom. 3:24). Justification produces reconciliation (Rom. 5:1). Because God the Father is satisfied (propitiation), we are freely justified. Justification occurs at the moment of a person’s faith in Jesus Christ (Rom. 3:28; 5:1; Gal.3:24). Justification does not occur through keeping the Law of Moses (Gal. 2:16).
Principles on Justification according to Romans 3:21-25:
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Justification is apart from the law (v. 21)
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Justification is through Christ (v. 22)
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Justification is for all men (vv. 22-23)
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Justification is by grace (v. 24)
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Justification cost a great deal to the Justifier (v.25)
Consolations from the imputed righteousness of Christ:
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Christ’s imputed righteousness satisfies God’s justice (Heb. 10:10-14; Isa. 53:10-11; Eph. 5:2; Romans 3:25)
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It cancels all our unrighteousness (Isa. 53:5-7; Col. 2:12-15; Rom. 8:1)
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Presents us righteous in God’s sight (1 Cor. 1:30; Phil. 3:9; 2 Cor. 5:21; Romans 3:22).
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Answers all our fear (Gal. 3:13; Eph. 1:6; Heb. 2:14-15).
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It is the only true basis of our peace (Romans 8:33, 5:1)
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Comforts in our weakness (Isa. 64:6)
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Gives great boldness before God (Romans 8:1)
Evangelist Rodgie Quirante
The Workman’s Treasure Study Series