Justified

“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God.” Romans 5:1-2

“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8

“For if by the transgression of the one, death reigned through the one, much more those who receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ. So then as through one transgression there resulted condemnation to all men, even so through one act of righteousness there resulted justification of life to all men. For as through the one man's disobedience the many were made sinners, even so through the obedience of the One the many will be made righteous. The Law came in so that the transgression would increase; but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, so that, as sin reigned in death, even so grace would reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 5:17-21

The key to the issue of our justification is to see it from God’s point of view. Once we enter into a relationship with God, our position takes a drastic change. You’ll recall the story The Prince and the Pauper in which a prince and a street boy (who happen to look just alike) change places. Even though the boys changed their identity, they could not change their position.

That’s just how it is with you. As a Christian, you have been born again into a position as an heir of God. How do you see yourself? As a lowly sinner saved by grace? Or as a saint? Begin to see yourself from God’s point of view. Your nature has been changed; you are a new creation. Old things - old desires which controlled you - have passed away. All things have become new.

“But I don’t feel like a saint.” Just remember that you carry that name because of what Jesus did, not for anything you have done. Your position as a saint is:
- All of God
- All of grace
- All of faith

Thought for the Day:
Beware of justifying yourself when God alone is the Justifier