“Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1 ESV).
The apostle Paul taught the Roman believers that they had been “justified” by faith. This is the doctrine of justification. One way to remember this doctrine is the saying, “Just-as-if-I-never-sinned.” For the word “justified” means to have been declared just or righteous.
This doctrine is about our judicial position before God. Apart from Christ, we are already condemned. But in Christ, we are justified. Placing our faith in Christ, his righteousness is accounted unto us, while our sin is accounted unto Him. This is more than just clearing our criminal record of sin. It is accounting unto us the status of righteousness, reconciling us to God and making possible our adoption as sons. The Righteous Judge has not only released us from sin’s prison, but has adopted us as His very own children.
PRAYER: Dear Father, thank You Lord that we have been justified by our faith in Jesus. Not only is there no longer any condemnation on us, but the righteousness of Christ has been deposited in our account. This is amazing grace. And we give You thanks and praise. In Jesus’ name, amen.