Justification qualifies an accused for acquittal and discharge for an alleged wrongful act under the law. Some justifications are partial whilst others are conditional. However, there is only one absolute justification spiritually and that comes from Jesus. Until then, merely claiming to be justified is empty and of no effect.
How are we justified?
Romans 3: 23 says, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Generally, accused persons plead either guilty, not guilty, or guilty with an explanation. Spiritually, to those who refute their sins or guilt, John 1: 8-10 says, if we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us.
To be justified, we have to admit guilt, confess, and ask for forgiveness. By so doing, the judge who is Christ Jesus and the prosecutor the Holy Spirit would grant clemency. Upon a defence, we make God and the Holy Spirit liars and thus challenge Jesus and his Holy Spirit to prove our thoughts, words and deeds by our actions and inactions. We will then face the consequences of a full trial with our false hope. Job 34: 22 says, there is no deep shadow, no utter darkness where evildoers can hide. Which is easier?
Plea of good works
Good works differ from justification. Good works keep justification rather than create it. Ephesians 1: 7 says, in him (Jesus) we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace. Good work is not mentioned as justification anywhere. Hebrews 9: 20 says, “This is the blood of the covenant, which God has commanded you to keep.” Also, Hebrews 9: 22 says… without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness. No justification is by good works but Jesus’ blood.
Romans 3: 20 says, no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law, rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin. Paul explained in Galatians 2: 16, know that a person is not justified by works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ… because by the works of the law no one will be justified. Paul said in Romans 10: 10, for it is with the heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with the mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. Works do not wash away our sins but Jesus’ blood.
Justified by Jesus’ blood
Galatians 3:11 says, clearly no one who relies on the law is justified before God, because “the righteous will live by faith.” We are justified only through Jesus’ blood. Romans 8: 30 says, those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified. Only the blood of Jesus is mentioned in Romans 5: 9, since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him! Christ Jesus alone shed his blood on the cross for mankind.
Galatians 5: 4 says, you who are trying to be justified by the law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace. Those who despise Jesus’ blood but lean on works are lost. Romans 3: 24 says, all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. To the Jews who believed justification came by works, Paul said in Romans 4: 2, if in fact, Abraham was justified by works, he had something to boast about—but not before God. Are we justified before God by the blood of Jesus?
Meditation
Jesus’ blood establishes us in the pureness of his holiness by grace upon confession. Peter said in Romans 5: 1, therefore since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. What does the blood of Jesus mean to you? Acts 4: 12 says, salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved. Be justified in Christ Jesus and be at peace with God!
Prayer
Dear Lord Jesus Christ, we acknowledge you as Lord and Saviour in faith through your blood. Only your blood can justify us before your throne of grace. Justify us by your blood and restore us in eternity with you. Help us from the moment to live a righteous life in the faith. We pray in your name, Amen!!
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