Author’s Note on Big Bible Words: Every once in awhile a pastor or teacher will use a big word to describe a biblical or theological concept. These words are usually at least three syllables and almost always end with the sound of /chun/ or /shun/ such as redemption (or salvation or sanctification). There are two dangers in using words such as these. First, new believers may not understand what they mean; second, longtime believers may be overly familiar with the words, thus rendering them meaningless clichés.
However, these are important words. As we better understand these words, the better we understand what God has done for us. This devo, consequently, is the fourth of four in a series called Big Bible Words. We’ve looked at salvation, redemption and sanctification; today, justification. That’s a big word!
Quick Backdrop
In a history class along the way, you’ve probably heard something about the culture of the ancient Greeks—perhaps about their literature, philosophers or democratic systems. It was no accident that God sent His Son into the world at a time when the dominant culture was Greek—a robust society full of dynamics and elements that strangely paralleled many of God’s key traits and ways.
One of the most striking features of the Greek culture was the fact that it was very civilized and society-oriented. Consequently, the people of that day were quite aware of those who exhibited civilized behavior and those who did not. Those who exhibited civilized behavior and fulfilled community obligations were considered to be righteous. Those who were slackers or barbarians and didn’t seek to adhere to any standards of an orderly society were considered to be unrighteous. Those who were righteous in their behavior were considered justified in enjoying all the rights and privileges of that society; they earned the rights to their positions.
Understanding history will help you begin to see why certain words were used in Scripture to describe what God has done for us. We have the opportunity to be a part of a great community (God’s kingdom) and enjoy all the rights and privileges of that community. One big distinction, though, is that we don’t have to earn the right to be there. Someone did that for us.
The What
Now that you are equipped with this background, take a look at a cross-section of verses that describe the process of justification. To help notice the detail and give God a better chance of teaching you, print these passages so that as you read, you can draw a circle around the words justified or justification. Then look at the info around the word for answers to the questions below. (Remember, this is life-changing stuff you’re looking at; don’t rush through it.)
1. Who is justified?
2. How are we justified?
3. What are the benefits (the rights and privileges, you might say) of being justified?
“This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus” (Rom. 3:22-24).
“He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification” (Rom. 4:25).
“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 boast in the hope of the glory of God” (Rom. 5:1-2).
“Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him! For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! Not only is this so, but we also boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation” (Rom. 5:9-11).
“For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved” (Rom. 10:10).
“But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 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, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life” (Titus 3:4-7).
The So What
Take a minute to process what you just explored by thoughtfully responding to these questions:
• What are two or three things that strike you about this whole idea of justification or being justified?
• How are we justified? What had to happen for us to be justified?
• What does our position of being justified guarantee that we get to enjoy?
• Knowing all this, how does it make you feel about God?
Seal the Deal
Think for a minute about events that allow for preferred seating or special-access passes. Professional football and baseball games have luxury suites. Concerts and theatrical events have private boxes and backstage passes. Fundraising dinners often have special VIP receptions where big-dollar patrons can chat with a celebrity or politician. In all these cases, you must do something to earn your right to be in a privileged position: buy a premium ticket, make a large donation, etc.
The word justified denotes similar preferred access to God, but to enjoy all the perks and privileges of God’s kingdom (i.e., grace, eternal life, hope, rebirth, renewal, peace) the only thing we need to do is believe in our hearts and profess with our mouths (Rom. 10:10) that Jesus made it possible for us to be there. He is the One who justified our privileged positions in the kingdom.
Close your time by prayerfully responding to these questions. Take a few moments to journal your thoughts and let the above passages from God’s Word speak to you about your privileged position with God.
What do you have in your life that tries to tell you that you are not good enough to have a privileged position with God? How do these verses help you with that?
One of the coolest benefits to being justified is eternal life. What can you adjust in your life that reflects your hope in eternal life? Does this hope impact your outlook on your daily living?
Jesus went through a lot of hard stuff in order for us to enjoy a privileged position with God. What would you like to say to Jesus right now?
Related Devos:
Salavation
Redemption
Sanctification
