Romans 5:1-2 (NIV) Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.
Many years ago as a teenager attending summer camp, I heard the best definition of being justified and it stayed with me all these years. I have no idea to whom credit should be given for this definition, but I share it with you:
Justified: just-as-if-I’d never sinned
It is through faith in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior that we gain access to God’s peace and grace. Truly this brings joy when our hope is placed in God’s glory. Whether days may be bright or dreary, whether our current circumstances find good health or pain, no matter what the day brings—it brings hope and joy for those who place their faith and trust in God. Additionally, no matter what mistakes or wrongdoing we have done, nor how we have erred in the past; once we have been justified by God's grace, nothing from the past will drag behind us like a shadow. God is faithful to forgive us and we are justified through faith in Christ. We don’t deserve this, but it is graciously provided by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. It is the sacrificial gift of Christ that frees us from all blame and guilt just-as-if-I’d never sinned; allowing us to find peace with God and hope in him.
Romans 5:1-2 (NLT) Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory.
Gracious Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your great love and mercy. Thank you for the gift of salvation through the sacrificial gift of your beloved Son, Jesus Christ. Thank you for forgiveness that leaves us fully justified. May we never take this for granted. In you we find peace, hope, and joy.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
The devotional Justified appeared first on Write From My Heart at
https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com
Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com
Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from The Thompson Chain-Reference® Bible, New International Version® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1983 by Zondervan Corporation. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Scripture quotations marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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