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Minister’s Website Article July 2020

One church belief that seems to come up now and then, and can confuse people, is that of justification. Sounds complicated, but let me explain. Justification is the biblical doctrine that because of Christ’s death on the cross, on our behalf, we have been made just, or justified - made right with God. I could quote reams of scripture, but I’ll give you one: The book of Romans, in the bible says:

‘While we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for church people…’

Does it say that? No. Perhaps it says:

‘..at the right time Christ died for those who tried really hard to be good…’

No. It doesn’t say that either. Maybe it says:

’..Christ died for the faithful and the pure ones…’ 

No. I’ll tell you what it says. It says:

‘While we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the UNGODLY… but God shows his love for us in that, while we were still SINNERS, Christ died for us.’

I don’t know about you, but that gives me comfort every time. Don’t listen to people who say you must be good and wonderful before God will love you. Everyone has a chance to be accepted by God, no matter what you’ve done. Covid-19 isn’t a punishment from God. He loves this world too much.

But, that’s not all. Not only are we justified (our sins taken away) by the sacrifice of Christ, we’re given something priceless in exchange. That same book of Romans also says:

‘It (righteousness) shall be imputed to us who believe in him who raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead.’

That means the goodness and purity and obedience and perfection of Christ are given to those who believe in Jesus. That doesn’t mean simply agree he was real, but means trusting in him and following his ways.

Martin Luther said, ‘Either sin is with you, lying on your shoulders, or lying on Christ, the Lamb of God. If it’s on your back, you’re lost. But if it’s resting on Christ, you’re free, and you’ll be saved. Now choose what you want. According to law or justice, your sins should, no doubt, remain on you. But grace has cast them upon Christ. If God were minded to reason with us on other terms, we would be done for.’

Perhaps the most important thing we can know is that our righteousness is settled as soon as we trust Jesus. You can’t add to it. You’re righteous, with the righteousness of Christ.

You don’t have to work to be accepted, because you’re already accepted, because of Christ.

Isn’t that wonderful? So, I apologise for all those, perhaps well-meaning, church folk who may have given you the wrong idea. God loves you. Trust in Jesus as God’s way to solve the sin problem. Then enjoy walking with him.

Again, that great book of Romans says,

‘There is, now, no condemnation for those in Christ.’

Have a great day.

Duncan