"Therefore having been justified by faith..."

-Romans 5:1

We live in a time when justification is on the outs, especially in our political and judicial system, but that does not negate in any way the justification that comes from God. Every Christian has been justified before God the moment he places his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and that alone should be encouraging to you today. Justification means much more than being forgiven. It is as if God is saying I declare you righteous as if you never sinned. It is God saying: you are guilty, you deserve the worst, but I will set you free. Therefore, justification is a declarative act of God on your behalf, and although you are declared righteous before God, it does not make you righteous in how you live. The issue of sin is there for the rest of your life. Justification tells us that no matter how great our sin is, God's grace is greater. Does that mean we are free to sin? Paul answers that question, "Are we to continue in sin that grace might increase? May it never be!" In justification God gives us something we could never earn or deserve. Being declared righteous before God makes us fit for heaven so let us live like we are fit for heaven. Be encouraged!

Scripture References: Romans 5:1; Romans 6:1-2