Read Romans 3:21-26

“[We are] being justified freely by His grace…” (Romans 3:24)

Our whole relationship with God is built on the terms of 6 words: “being justified freely by His grace.” The old terms of righteousness contained 613 commandments in about 77,000 words in length — but the new terms of righteousness through faith in Jesus contain, once again, just six words. This right here speaks for itself of the simplicity and power of the gospel message!

But at the center of the New Covenant provided to us by the blood of Christ there is one word in particular that stands emphatic: the word justified. Paul will use this keyword around 15 times throughout the Book of Romans and another 15 times throughout the rest of his letters.

“Justified” is a legal word used in ancient courts of law and it means to be declared right; to be regarded as innocent; and to be acquitted of all wrong. The word speaks of complete vindication. All criminal actions are pardoned as if they never happened! The record is gone. The slate is clean.

This is exactly the point that the great apostle wants us to understand. God has declared you righteous, innocent, guiltless, and just because of Jesus has paid it all!

“But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” (Titus 3:4–7)

Hear that again. It is God who is declaring you right with God. It comes from the highest source and the supremest authority. It can never be broken. If this is God's declaration over you, who can resist it?

“Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies.” (Romans 8:33)

Think of it — all that you have done wrong or ever will do wrong in this life is not held against you! It’s gone. It will never count. Never! It doesn’t matter what it was. If you have put your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ then you have been declared righteous by God.

This means you are fully reconciled to God, you have peace with God, and have become God’s very own child. All of this is the result of justification.

“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 5:1)

Beloved, this is the power of the gospel message. Christ’s blood has washed away all of your sins and you are now walking in His everlasting life. Nothing can change that. Nothing. None of this is based on our own feelings or emotions. It’s based upon the sovereign decree of God the Almighty. Therefore you must hear these words yet once more: You are declared right with God.

Dear friend — do you believe Him?

“For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” (2 Corinthians 5:21)

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