Understanding Justification: Our New Identity in Christ
Summary
This morning, we continued our series "Do You Know That You Are My Child?" designed to remind us of God's salvation, what it gives us, and the new identity we receive when we believe in Jesus Christ. I began with a personal story about my time serving as a mentor in the Porter County Veterans Court. This court was established to help veterans who had committed low-level crimes by providing them with mentors, sponsors, and various classes to help them change their lives. If they completed the 18-month program, their records were expunged, giving them a fresh start. This concept of expungement parallels the Christian doctrine of justification, where our sins are obliterated, and we are given a new start.
Justification is a complex and profound concept. It is a forensic term opposed to condemnation, a judicial act by which God pardons all the sins of those who believe in Christ. This act is not just a partial pardon but a full one, covering all past, present, and future sins. This is crucial because many of us struggle with the idea that God can forgive all our sins, especially the deep, dark ones. But justification assures us that we are fully pardoned and free from the penalty of sin.
Paul's teachings in Romans provide a comprehensive understanding of justification. He begins by describing our pre-salvation state, where none of us are righteous, and we are all children of wrath and disobedience. This stark reality helps us understand the necessity of justification. It is a gift from God, a declaration that we are righteous because of Jesus Christ's atoning sacrifice. This righteousness is imputed to us, meaning it is assigned to us based on Jesus' righteousness, not our own.
Justification is not just a future promise but has a present aspect. Romans 3:24 tells us that we are justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption in Christ Jesus. This means that today, we are declared righteous. This declaration is not based on our moral standing but on God's grace. It transforms our identity, making us children of God, and calls us to live out this new identity in our daily lives.
Living out our justification involves understanding that we are no longer under the dominion of sin. Romans 6:14-18 explains that sin shall not be our master because we are under grace, not the law. This freedom from sin's dominion means we are now slaves to righteousness, called to live holy lives. This process of living out our righteousness is called sanctification. While justification declares us righteous, sanctification is the ongoing process of becoming more like Christ.
Paul's teachings also emphasize that justification brings us peace with God. Romans 5:1 states that having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. This peace signifies the end of our enmity with God and the beginning of a restored, loving relationship with Him. It assures us of our forgiveness and frees us from the guilt and shame of our past sins.
In conclusion, justification is a Trinitarian event involving the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The Father issues the pardon, the Son purchases our justification with His blood, and the Holy Spirit applies the benefits of justification to us. This divine act transforms our identity, assures us of our forgiveness, and calls us to live holy lives. As we go forth this week, let us remember that we are declared righteous by God and live out this truth in everything we do.
### Key Takeaways
1. Justification is a Full Pardon: Justification is not a partial pardon but a full one, covering all our past, present, and future sins. This assurance of complete forgiveness is crucial for us to understand because it frees us from the guilt and shame that often hold us back. When we live a repentant life, God forgives us entirely, allowing us to live in the freedom of His grace. [24:57]
2. Justification Transforms Our Identity: In the moment of our salvation, God declares us righteous. This declaration is not based on our moral standing but on His grace. It transforms our identity, making us children of God. This new identity calls us to live out our righteousness in our daily lives, reflecting the holiness and love of our Father. [14:50]
3. Freedom from Sin's Dominion: Justification frees us from the dominion of sin. Romans 6:14-18 explains that sin shall not be our master because we are under grace, not the law. This freedom means we are now slaves to righteousness, called to live holy lives. This ongoing process of becoming more like Christ is known as sanctification. [29:05]
4. Peace with God: Justification brings us peace with God, ending our enmity with Him and restoring a loving relationship. Romans 5:1 states that having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. This peace assures us of our forgiveness and allows us to live in the freedom and joy of being God's children. [21:14]
5. A Trinitarian Event: Justification is a Trinitarian event involving the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The Father issues the pardon, the Son purchases our justification with His blood, and the Holy Spirit applies the benefits of justification to us. This divine act transforms our identity, assures us of our forgiveness, and calls us to live holy lives. [38:32]
### Youtube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:24] - Introduction and Personal Story
[04:00] - Definition of Justification
[05:03] - Why We Need Justification
[09:26] - Justification as a Gift
[12:55] - Present Aspect of Justification
[14:50] - Declared Righteous Today
[18:38] - Condition of Faith in Jesus
[21:14] - Peace with God
[24:57] - Assurance of Forgiveness
[29:05] - Freedom from Sin's Dominion
[31:50] - Living a Holy Life
[35:58] - Sanctification Process
[38:32] - Trinitarian Event
[40:06] - Returning to Personal Story
[43:14] - Final Thoughts and Romans 1
[46:33] - Closing Worship
[47:20] - Final Blessing
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Romans 3:10-12 (NASB)
> "As it is written, 'There is none righteous, not even one; There is none who understands, There is none who seeks for God; All have turned aside, together they have become useless; There is none who does good, There is not even one.'"
2. Romans 5:1 (NASB)
> "Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ."
3. Romans 6:14-18 (NASB)
> "For sin shall not be master over you, for you are not under law but under grace. What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? May it never be! Do you not know that when you present yourselves to someone as slaves for obedience, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin resulting in death, or of obedience resulting in righteousness? But thanks be to God that though you were slaves of sin, you became obedient from the heart to that form of teaching to which you were committed, and having been freed from sin, you became slaves of righteousness."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does the term "justification" mean according to the sermon? ([04:00])
2. How does Paul describe our state before salvation in Romans 3:10-12? ([05:54])
3. What does Romans 5:1 say is the result of being justified by faith? ([21:14])
4. According to Romans 6:14-18, what are we freed from and what are we now called to be? ([29:05])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it important to understand that justification is a full pardon and not a partial one? How does this impact our view of God's forgiveness? ([24:57])
2. How does the concept of being declared righteous today (Romans 3:24) change the way we should live our daily lives? ([14:50])
3. What does it mean to have peace with God through justification, and how does this peace affect our relationship with Him? ([21:14])
4. How does the process of sanctification relate to our justification, and why is it important to distinguish between the two? ([35:58])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you struggled to believe that God could forgive all your sins. How does understanding justification as a full pardon help you move past that struggle? ([24:57])
2. In what ways can you live out your new identity as a child of God in your daily interactions with others? ([14:50])
3. How can you remind yourself daily that you are no longer under the dominion of sin but are now called to live a holy life? ([29:05])
4. Think of a specific area in your life where you need to experience peace with God. How can you apply the truth of Romans 5:1 to that situation? ([21:14])
5. How can you actively participate in the process of sanctification in your life? What practical steps can you take to become more like Christ? ([35:58])
6. Identify one person in your life who needs to hear about the peace and forgiveness that comes through justification. How can you share this message with them this week? ([21:14])
7. Reflect on the Trinitarian nature of justification. How does understanding the roles of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in your justification deepen your appreciation for your salvation? ([38:32])
Devotional
Day 1: Complete Forgiveness in Justification
Justification is a full pardon, covering all our past, present, and future sins. This assurance of complete forgiveness is crucial for us to understand because it frees us from the guilt and shame that often hold us back. When we live a repentant life, God forgives us entirely, allowing us to live in the freedom of His grace. This concept is similar to the expungement process in the Porter County Veterans Court, where records are wiped clean, giving individuals a fresh start. In the same way, justification obliterates our sins, giving us a new beginning in Christ. [24:57]
Isaiah 1:18 (ESV): "Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool."
Reflection: Think of a sin or mistake from your past that you struggle to let go of. Can you ask God to help you fully embrace His complete forgiveness and live in the freedom of His grace today?
Day 2: New Identity in Christ
In the moment of our salvation, God declares us righteous. This declaration is not based on our moral standing but on His grace. It transforms our identity, making us children of God. This new identity calls us to live out our righteousness in our daily lives, reflecting the holiness and love of our Father. Understanding that we are now children of God should change how we see ourselves and how we interact with the world around us. [14:50]
2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV): "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."
Reflection: How does knowing that you are a child of God change the way you view yourself and your actions? What is one practical way you can reflect your new identity in Christ today?
Day 3: Freedom from Sin's Power
Justification frees us from the dominion of sin. Romans 6:14-18 explains that sin shall not be our master because we are under grace, not the law. This freedom means we are now slaves to righteousness, called to live holy lives. This ongoing process of becoming more like Christ is known as sanctification. Understanding that we are no longer under sin's power empowers us to live in a way that honors God. [29:05]
Galatians 5:1 (ESV): "For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery."
Reflection: Identify an area in your life where you feel sin has a stronghold. How can you rely on God's grace to break free from this sin and live a life of righteousness today?
Day 4: Peace with God
Justification brings us peace with God, ending our enmity with Him and restoring a loving relationship. Romans 5:1 states that having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. This peace assures us of our forgiveness and allows us to live in the freedom and joy of being God's children. Knowing that we have peace with God should fill us with a sense of security and joy, impacting our daily lives. [21:14]
Colossians 1:20 (ESV): "And through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross."
Reflection: Reflect on the peace you have with God through Jesus Christ. How does this peace affect your daily life and interactions with others? What is one way you can share this peace with someone else today?
Day 5: The Trinitarian Work of Justification
Justification is a Trinitarian event involving the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The Father issues the pardon, the Son purchases our justification with His blood, and the Holy Spirit applies the benefits of justification to us. This divine act transforms our identity, assures us of our forgiveness, and calls us to live holy lives. Recognizing the roles of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in our justification helps us appreciate the depth of God's love and the completeness of our salvation. [38:32]
Ephesians 1:13-14 (ESV): "In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory."
Reflection: How does understanding the Trinitarian nature of your justification deepen your appreciation for God's work in your life? What is one way you can live out this appreciation in your daily walk with Christ?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "For whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved. What Paul is saying everyone is able to be called a child of God. Everyone. We like to put up barriers in our humanity. And what Paul is saying, when he uses the terms Jew and Greek, he's referring to the known world at that point. And he's saying it doesn't make a difference. Your nationality, race, your sex, all of that, doesn't make a difference. All can be called a child of God." [15:28]
2. "Jesus Christ died on the cross so we could live a new life. He didn't die on the cross so we could mope around so we could still be under the chains of bondage. He died so we could live a life like we have never lived before. A life full of love of peace of joy. One that is able to persevere and endure the trials of this world with strength and assurance because we are children of God." [28:15]
3. "We are no longer under the threat of penalty of sin. All of our sins have been covered by the blood of Christ. And we are now free to live a new life. But I've been a pastor long enough to know this. There's more than one here. You're saying, yeah, but pastor you don't know all that I've done. You don't know the deep dark corners of my life. No, but God does. You think you're actually hiding something from God?" [23:48]
4. "What can we do in response to God's gracious pardon? And the answer is simple. We simply live a holy life because God has declared us righteous. I want to read Romans 6 beginning in verse 1. What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin so that grace may increase? It may never be. How shall we who died to sin still live in it?" [31:50]
5. "So we're to understand justification as a free gift from God, whereas He declares us His children today. We also understand that justification comes to us under one condition. Our high priest who stands between us and God pleading our case when we repent of our sins and the Holy Spirit applies the benefits of justification to us as God's children." [17:56]
### Quotes for Members
1. "Some of us do that it breaks my heart when I come across Christians who have been in the church for decades and they say no I believe in Jesus but I know he just can't forgive me of this one thing. And they hold on to that. And I just I want to grab them one and hug them but also two do you not understand your faith? When we're justified God erases all of that. There is no condemnation. None. None by others and more specifically none by God." [27:20]
2. "Justification is a massive topic one that doesn't get preached enough how many times have you been told in your life you are holy you are righteous not too many right the world will tell us what we're not God tells us what we are let me say that again God tells us what we are we are His children created in His image we are meant designed created to live a holy life." [39:13]
3. "What does justification bring to us? It brings us into a right relationship with God. Romans 5, 1 says this, Therefore, having been justified by God, by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. We have peace with God. We talked about this a little bit in my life group this morning. We have terms pre-salvation, right? I already talked about them. Children of wrath, sons of disobedience." [21:14]
4. "In God's forgiveness, our sins are taken away, and with justification, divine righteousness is given to us. Maybe you've never heard that before. There's a lot that happens in the moment we are saved. It's not just that we're saved and Christ forgives us. There's actually other things that are happening, and we're zeroing in on that this morning. And I want you to understand this, and I'm kind of pausing from the sermon for a moment, because you need to hear these things, because they impact how we view our relationship with God." [12:55]
5. "I used to stumble on that why does Paul always call the church saints because Paul understood justification if what Paul is teaching what I am teaching this morning is true in the moment of salvation you are not only saved but you are declared righteous in other words you are saints that's why he's making the statement you're a saint now now go live like that that is your mission for the Father has declared you holy and righteous now be that example to the world." [45:54]
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