THE DOCTRINE OF JUSTIFICATION--MEMORY VERSE: ROM. 5:1

THE DOCTRINE OF JUSTIFICATION

MEMORY VERSE: ROM. 5:1
Job recognized the universal need of justification. Job 9:2; 25:4

I. THE MEANING OF JUSTIFICATION.

1. It DOES NOT mean making righteous or imparting of righteousness.

2. By justification we mean that act of God by which, on account of Christ, to whom the sinner is united by faith, He declares that sinner to be no longer under condemnation, but to have a standing of righteousness before Him.

3. The Scriptures teach that justify or justification means to "declare righteous" and "free from guilt and punishment." Ex. 23:7; Deut. 25:1; Psa. 143:2; Prov. 17:15; Isa. 5:22,23; 53:11

II. THE SCOPE OF JUSTIFICATION.

Justification begins with the present and extends to the past and the future, dealing with the sin and guilt of both and establishes him as eternally righteous before God.

1. It involves the remission of sins, including the removal of their guilt and penalty. Acts 13:38,39, Rom. 8:1,33,34; Num. 23:21

2. The reckoning of Christ's righteousness and the restoration of God's favor. II Cor. 5:21; Phil. 3:9; James 2:23; Rom. 3:20-24

III. THE METHOD OF JUSTIFICATION.

We cannot be justified by our moral character or by the works of the Law. Luke 16:15; Rom. 3:20; Gal. 2:16; 5:4

1. It is a judicial act of God. Rom. 8:33

2. It is caused by His grace. Rom. 3:24. "Freely" is the Greek "DOREAN" and is translated "Without a cause" in John 15:25 and in other places.

3. It was made possible by His meritorious substitutionary death. Rom. 5:9; 3:24

4. It is manifestly declared in His resurrection. Rom. 4:25. Notice "for our" used twice in this verse and means "because of". His resurrection is God's seal and guarantee that Christ's death settled the sin question and accomplished our justification.

5. Justification is mediately by faith. Rom. 5:1; 4:5; 3:23-26. Faith is not the cause of justification, nor can it be regarded as its ground or basis. It is only a mediating function through which justification is received. It is a prerequisite, but not the cause of justification.

6. Justification is evidenced by works. James 2:14,24. Here there is a contrast between a say so or dead faith and true saving faith.

IV. THE RESULTS OF JUSTIFICATION.

1. Freedom from condemnation. Rom. 8:1,33,34

2. Peace with God. Rom. 5:1

3. Assurance and realization of future glorification. Titus 3:7; Rom. 8:30