When’s the last time you enjoyed being proven wrong? I’m guessing I’m not the only one who doesn’t love that experience! If I got to choose, I’d prefer to be on the right side of every argument. In fact, sometimes I just keep arguing until I wear down my opponent, because I desperately want to be right. I want to be justified in my beliefs or in my behavior.
Merriam-Webster defines “justify” as “to prove or show to be just, right, or reasonable.” And while we can try to justify ourselves in the sight of others with our persuasive words or good works, there is only one way for sinners to be justified before God.
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus” (Romans 3:23–24)
This month we are looking at benefits we receive from Christ’s death and resurrection. Romans 3:23-24 teaches us that we receive the gift of justification through the redemption that Christ purchased for us.
In these verses, Paul starts with the bad news: we have all sinned. We can’t justify ourselves before God, because we fall short of the righteousness God requires. We can’t do anything to deserve God’s gracious gift or earn it on the basis of our own works or merit.
But here’s the good news: In Christ Jesus, we are declared righteous by the gift of God’s free grace.
God doesn’t just overlook our sin and declare us to be righteous when we’re not. He declares us righteous because the Righteous One suffered and died in our place. Christ purchased our redemption by living a perfect life in our place and taking the punishment our sin deserved. Now Christ’s righteousness is given to those who place their trust in Him.
If you are in Christ, when God looks at your life, He sees Christ’s perfect record. There’s no need to argue your case or try to prove yourself worthy. You can walk in the joy and freedom of God’s grace.
No matter what you face this week, you are justified by God’s grace.
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