RIGHTEOUSNESS THROUGH FAITH -- Tomorrow:
"But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; to declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus." (Rom 3:21-26)
Devotion 13 of 24
" . . . being justified freely."
The Spirit now declares what is involved in becoming "the righteousness of God" (2 Cor 5:21), or receiving the righteousness of God by faith.
"BEING"
The condition to be described is not a goal, but a present possession. It is a state of "being." The NIV reads "ARE justified." The NRSV accents it even more: "they are NOW justified." Our text, then, concerns the PRESENT STATE of believers. The value of knowing this cannot be overstated.
"JUSTIFIED"
To be "justified" is to be made righteous by Another. The words "being justified," or "are now justified" come from a single Greek word. This single word contains more than any single English word. That is largely why the Spirit is expounding it. Linguistically, the word means "to be put into a right relationship with God, acquitted, declared or treated as righteous" (Barclay-Newman). This is not the work of men, but of God Himself. The reason that compels God to do this is not the submission of man, but the obedience of Christ. As it is written, "by one Man's obedience many will be made righteous" (Rom 5:19).
"Being justified" involves two requirements. (1) Deliverance from the guilt and power of sin, and (2) Procuring the righteousness of God. This perspective is developed several places in the Apostolic doctrine.
"Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son" (Col 1:13). The "power of darkness" is the realm in which there is "no difference" among the sons of men (Rom 3:23; 10:12). It maintains such a hold upon men, they must be "delivered" from it. "The kingdom of God's dear Son" is the domain in which Divine acceptance and victory are realized. Men must be transferred by another into this Kingdom. They are impotent to do it themselves. Justification involves both of these Divine works.
"Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord" (Acts 3:19). It is not possible to experience Divine acceptance while our sins remain associated with us. They must be blotted out from before the Lord. The "times of refreshing" are the experience of Divine sustenance and blessing. When men are justified, both of these are gloriously accomplished.
"Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit" (Acts 2:38, NKJV). In order for God to dwell with man, sins must be remitted, or canceled out. Too, without the presence of the Holy Spirit, a life pleasing to God is impossible. Again, both of these occur when men are justified.
"To open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me" (Acts 26:18, NKJV). A transition must take place from the realm of darkness and ignorance to that of light and illumination. Sins must be forgiven, and an inheritance among the people of God obtained. If these do not take place, there is no hope of salvation. Praise the Lord, both are accomplished when we are "justified."
Being justified is like coming out of Egypt and entering Canaan. It is being raised from death in trespasses and sins to sit with Christ in heavenly places (Eph 2:6). What God cannot abide is removed, and what He wants to give is received.
PRAYER POINT: Father, in the name of Jesus, I thank You for delivering me from what enslaves and condemns, and bringing me to the place where I am free and justified.