One of the most significant ideas in God’s Word is the theology of justification. Martin Luther’s life was spared by the discovery of this idea, and it must save ours as well. Only the judgment of God will exist in the absence of justification. It is accurate to say that justification is the fundamental tenet and hinge of Christianity.
Nobody is righteous
However, what is meant by justification? Regarding this doctrine, there has been much misunderstanding over the ages. Let’s start with the justice component. The Bible makes it quite evident that God demands flawless righteousness. God is seeking the righteous, or just, among us. The issue is that, according to Romans 3:9–20, nobody is righteous. We are worthy of God’s wrath because of our sin. No one is worthy of paradise because God would be unjust to His own holiness and righteousness if even one sinner could enter His magnificent and wonderful presence.
How can anyone come to God?
The question “Then who can ascend the hill of the LORD?” arises if you sense the seriousness of this issue. Refer to Psalms 15:1 and 24:3. Herein lies the beautiful grace of God. We learn from the Gospel that God will accept sinners because of their faith in Jesus rather than their good deeds:
“But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it — the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by His grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by His blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in His divine forbearance He had passed over former sins. It was to show His righteousness at the present time, so that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus” (Romans 3:21-26).
Declaration: You are justified!
Therefore, justification implies that God accepts sinners not because He transforms them into virtuous people, but rather because He declares them to be righteous. The Bible makes it clear that no one’s righteousness will earn them acceptance from God. One needs to have [faith-based justification] in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Christ our substitute
But how can God give sinners a pass? Because of the act of His Son, Jesus Christ, He is able to accomplish this. God announces two things in justification: first, you are guilt-free as a follower of Jesus. You have committed a sin, hence you are guilty. However, Christ’s death atones for your sins and absolves you of guilt. Secondly, as a follower of Jesus, you are entirely justified. Because of Jesus’ flawless righteousness, not because of your own good deeds. Because of your faith, you are accounted righteous because Christ lived a faultless life on earth, and this righteousness is applied to you.
Not our deeds, but our union with Christ
To be clear once more, justification does not imply that a person will be accepted by God as a result of their own good deeds. Since sinners are not entirely virtuous, they cannot be justified. Only those sinners who are connected to the sinless and righteous Christ by grace and faith will be accepted by God. Whoever is joined to Him by faith in Jesus Christ is the one who can mount the hill of the LORD, according to the answer to the question.
Hold onto this fact. You will see the power of God’s grace if you consider it every day of your life.
