Justification is a theological term that refers to the act of being declared righteous in the sight of God. In the context of Christian doctrine, it relates to the process by which a person is made right with God through faith in Jesus Christ. This concept emphasizes that justification is not based on one’s own works or merits, but rather on the grace of God and the redemptive work of Christ.
To be justified means that an individual is acquitted of sin and considered righteous before God. This is often viewed as a legal declaration where God, the righteous judge, pronounces a sinner not guilty due to the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ. This righteousness is considered imputed, meaning it is credited to the believer as if it were their own.
Biblical references that relate to justification include:
1. **Romans 3:23-24** – “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”
2. **Romans 5:1** – “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
3. **Galatians 2:16** – “Know that a person is not justified by the works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law, because by the works of the law no one will be justified.”
4. **Titus 3:5** – “He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.”
5. **2 Corinthians 5:21** – “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”
These verses illustrate the foundational Christian belief that justification comes through faith in Christ, emphasizing God’s grace rather than human effort.