Justified By Faith
Reverend J. Loren Russell
Romans 5:1-2 NKJV
“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God”.
Have you ever stopped and asked yourself what it means to be justified in God’s sight? If by nature we are all under the condemnation of sin just as our common ancestor Adam, will we ever be able to be vindicated or declared innocent from the guilt of our sinfulness?
The Romans text says “yes!”, it is possible to be justified, but it will not be because of the works that we do. It says we are justified by faith. Paul writes to the Galatian church, “knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ…, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified” (Gal. 2:16)
In a previous devotional, I referenced John 5:24 to affirm a promise; “he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life”. But the eternal realm of glory, we refer to as heaven, is reserved for those who are without sin. Since all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23), how can sinful people inhabit heaven?
To be justified in God’s sight means that you have been judged and declared not guilty of all charges. It means that although you are guilty of committing every sin you were accused of, because of our faith in Jesus, we receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me[Jesus]” (Acts 26:18).
Our works have always been insufficient, always falling short. We have never been able to be reconciled with God through our works. It is through faith and faith alone that we are justified, treated just-as-if we never sinned. Justified means that “we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God”(Romans 5:2). Always remember that justification in the eyes of our God is through our faith, not our works.
Be Blessed!
Rev. J. Loren Russell is the Clergy Officiant at the Evangelical Church of God and associate minister at Goodwill Baptist Church, both in the Bronx, NY. He is the President/CEO of The JLR Company and J Loren R Consulting, LLC for Church Financial & Strategic Consulting (jlorenr@jlr.llc). He writes this column and produces and host’s “Matters of Faith: The Radio Show” on Monday nights from 8:00 – 10:00 PM on The Matters of Faith YouTube channel. Be sure to Friend, Like, and Share the column and the channel. Email us at mattersoffaith.mof@gmail.com. Order your copy of Matters of Faith: The eBook at www.smashwords.com/books/view/993177
