Has God’s Justification Declared You Righteous?

© 2020 by Tom Boynton (editing by Kathy Boynton)

“For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.  Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.” (Romans 8:29-30)

Previous articles introduced this majestic chain of God’s sovereignty.  Its five links are inseparably connected.  Each and all of God’s elect are blessed by His foreknowledge, predestination, calling, justification, and glorification.  These actions, performed by God alone, are applied in their entirety or not at all.  None whom God foreknew shall ever fail to be glorified.  None, who ultimately fail to be glorified, were ever foreknown, predestinated, called, or justified.

Today, we continue by examining God’s justification.  Previously, we saw that all who receive God’s special call, end up justified.

“… and whom he called, them he also justified: …” (Romans 8:30)

But what does “justification” mean?  It is translated from the Greek word, “dikaioo” which means to declare, or pronounce one to be just or righteous.  It is a declaration by God, Himself!  Since God never lies, it is a true declaration.  Thus, the one God declares to be righteous has been made so by Him.  God tells us that making false declarations, in this matter, is great wickedness.  He condemns wicked judges who do so.  He commands all judges to render truthful judgments.

“If there be a controversy between men, and they come unto judgment, that the judges may judge them; then they shall justify the righteous, and condemn the wicked.” (Deuteronomy 25:1)

“Woe unto them that are mighty to drink wine, and men of strength to mingle strong drink:  Which justify the wicked for reward, and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him!” (Isaiah 5:22-23)

“Justify” is the opposite of “condemn.”  God, Himself, is the example here, and declares that He will never falsely justify one still wicked in His sight.

“Keep thee far from a false matter; and the innocent and righteous slay thou not: for I will not justify the wicked.” (Exodus 23:7)

How, then, can God declare a wicked person righteous?  He does so because God the Son, Jesus Christ paid the penalty to “save His people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:21)  Christ accomplished this by His death, burial, and resurrection, for all whom He calls to trust in Him.  He gives them spiritual life through His Holy Spirit.  He credits His elect with Christ’s righteousness!

“For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” (2 Corinthians 5:21)

Has God made you righteous by grace through faith in Christ?

 

See God’s Unbreakable Chain of Election for other articles on this subject

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