How can justification impact my life? As Christians, we understand justification is a foundational part of our faith. But have you ever stopped to think about how it impacts your daily life? In Galatians 2:15-19, Paul addresses this question. Let’s explore how this truth can dramatically transform the way you live. The doctrine of justification has the power to revolutionize every aspect of your life. So, let’s dive in.
Gal 2:15-19
15“We who are Jews by birth and not sinful Gentiles 16know that a person is not justified by the works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law because, by the works of the law, no one will be justified. 17“But if, in seeking to be justified in Christ, we Jews find ourselves also among the sinners, doesn’t that mean that Christ promotes sin? Absolutely not! 18If I rebuild what I destroyed, then I really would be a lawbreaker. 19“For through the law I died to the law so that I might live for God.
Contents
What is Justification?
The Greek word used for “justification” is steeped in the concept of legality. Imagine standing before a judge. And you are accused of countless severe crimes. Then you are overcome with the knowledge of your guilt. Your penalty will exceed your lifetime earnings. The repercussions include multiple life sentences, with no hope of release. You hear your future echo with the sound of torture every day. The constant reminder of your sin painfully reminds you of the sheer magnitude of what you have lost.
Yet, instead of punishment and condemnation, the judge utters the most beautiful words you will ever hear: “You are righteous, you are justified. You are free to go.” The weight of the world is lifted from your shoulders. God declares you 100% forever free from the penalty of your past, present, and future sins.
Let that penetrate you for a moment. The utter joy of being declared right before the highest court in the universe! This is the transformative power of justification. And it has the potential to impact every aspect of your daily life. You have a newfound sense of purpose and direction. You can now live life with confidence, knowing that you have been justified by the Creator of the universe.
My Struggle
As a new Christian, I was struck with the realization of how sinful I was. I was amazed by the fact that Jesus died for me. Despite that, I started feeling terrible. And I couldn’t understand why. Knowing that Jesus’s death was a sacrifice for my sins should have brought me peace and joy. But I felt the opposite.
How Justification Did Not Impact My Life
I understood I was justified in Christ from the moment of salvation. But it did not have God’s intended goal. I should have been thankful and appreciative. Instead, I couldn’t get how unworthy I was out of my head. So, I strived to “show” God how thankful I was, and how I would “earn it”.
I had a ridiculous superiority complex for a long time. So I figured, “Heck, I’ve succeeded at basically anything I focused on. So I can nail this too”. While the reality was that I had “yucky” flesh, I tried to disguise it as “Grade A” flesh. I lied to myself for decades. So it became my normal and accepted truth.
All of that to say, justification is supposed to lead us to a life-changing perspective.
So, How Can Justification Change My Daily Life?
Ok, short and sweet.
1. Remember your salvation is assured By God. He saved you. It’s Jesus’ finished work that assures you are saved. (1 John 5:11-13 & John 19:30 & Phil 1:6).
2. Trust God that The Holy Spirit Is active in you. (Prov 3:5-6 & Phil 1:6 & 1 Cor 2:10-13)
3. Be obedient because of His amazing gift. (Ps 100:2, Phil 4:4, Rom 12:1). Think about this. Doing good is a form of worship.
Conclusion
Let me know if what I’ve said resonates with you. Please leave a comment. Hearing how you’re handling justification in your life will encourage me. And help me to keep opening up and being more help to you.
God Bless,
DonR
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