Salvation 2025 | Day 15
“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Romans 5:1
This declaration encapsulates the heart of the Gospel: that justification-being made right with God-is not something we earn through works, moral effort, or religious rituals, but something we receive freely through faith in Jesus Christ. To be justified is a legal term; it means to be acquitted, declared not guilty, and made righteous in God’s sight. The moment we place our faith in Christ, that declaration is made over us. It is instantaneous, complete, and unchangeable in the courtroom of heaven.
This act of justification addresses our greatest human need: reconciliation with a holy God. Due to sin, humanity stands condemned (Romans 3:23), but through Christ’s atoning sacrifice, the penalty is fully paid. Romans 4:5 reinforces this: “To the one who does not work but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, their faith is credited as righteousness.” In justification, Jesus’ righteousness is imputed to us, and our sin is fully dealt with at the cross. This is the foundation upon which the entire Christian life is built, before we grow, serve, or walk in obedience, we stand justified.
It’s crucial to understand that justification is not the same as sanctification. While sanctification is the ongoing transformation of our character, justification is the unchanging status we receive when we believe. We do not become more justified over time; it is not a process, it is a once-for-all declaration. This truth brings peace and assurance, as echoed in Romans 8:1: “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Even when we fall short in our journey, our justified status remains because it was never dependent on our performance, but on Christ’s finished work.
The process of salvation, then, begins with justification and flows into sanctification and ultimately glorification. But justification is the anchor that assures us we are truly God’s own, even in our imperfection and it comes through faith. It provides the confidence to approach God boldly and the peace to rest in His love. It is the starting point of the journey and the unshakable promise that the One who saved us will continue the work He began. In Christ, we are not only forgiven we are justified, forever made right with God. Hallelujah!
Further reading: Romans 3:23, 4:5, Hebrews 4:16
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