Theology Terms Explained: “Justification”
In this series on the blog, we’re providing sound doctrine for everyday people by providing you with clear and simple definitions that will strengthen your theological foundation. Each article covers 4 categories including:
The Term – We lay out how it’s pronounced.
The Definition – We provide the Merriam-Webster definition and an everyday version.
The Biblical Connection – We show you where the term connects with Scripture.
Used in an Everyday Conversation – We use it in a basic conversation.
Here we go!
The Term
“Justification”
jus·ti·fi·ca·tion
The Definition
Merriam Webster: The act or an instance of justifying something; an acceptable reason for doing something; something that justifies an act or way of behaving; the act, process, or state of being justified by God.
FTG’s Expanded Explanation: The doctrine of justification means that a believer has been “justified” by God and is not guilty for the punishment that accompanies sin which is namely, death (Romans 6:23). In its theological sense, justification is a forensic, or purely legal, term. It describes what God declares about the believer, not what He does to change the believer. Justification is about your position as a believer. You will still sin, but you are justified. You may endure trial, temptation, persecution, or suffering, but you are justified. Nothing can change what God declares about you. The reason that God declares a believer “justified” is only because of faith in Jesus Christ. This is what is meant by “justification by faith.” According to many religions like Catholicism and Mormonism, someone is justified by works in addition to faith. But true Christianity holds that one is justified apart from works and only by having faith in Jesus Christ. When God sees a justified sinner, He looks upon that sinner through the lens of Christ and only through Christ.
The Biblical Connection
Justification is all over the New Testament. It is at the very core of the gospel. According to Romans 3:24, we are justified by God’s grace and it is a gift through Christ. Paul says in Titus 3:7 that we are justified by God’s grace. This is key to understand because justification and the grace of God are closely related concepts that liberate Christians from the burden of works-based religious systems.
According to Romans 3:20, no one can be justified by works or doing “deeds of the Law.” Romans 5:1 tells us that because we have been justified by faith, we are able to “have peace with God.” Romans 5:9 declares that we are justified by the blood of Christ and saved from the wrath of God. Finally, Romans 8:30 boldly states that if God has called you, you are justified! Nothing can steal your salvation or position in Him.
Further Study: Romans 3, Romans 5, Romans 8, Galatians 2, Titus 3:7
Used in Everyday Conversation
“The doctrine of justification shatters the beliefs of false religions like Roman Catholicism and Mormonism because it highlights what the Bible teaches about faith and works. We are not justified by works, but by faith alone, in Christ alone.”
“When we have been justified through faith in Christ, we no longer have to live in fear of ‘losing our salvation’ or doing enough good works to pay for our sins. We can obey God and love Him because He has poured out grace upon us and loved us first!”
