Romans 8:33: Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies.
God has justified us. This means that He has declared us righteous in Christ. Satan would like to accuse us (Rev. 12:10), but we stand righteous in Jesus Christ. We are God’s elect—chosen in Christ and accepted in Christ. God will certainly not accuse us since it is He who has justified us. For Him to accuse us would mean that His salvation was a failure and we are still in our sins. Understanding the meaning of justification brings peace to our hearts. When God declares the believing sinner righteous in Christ, that declaration never changes. Our Christian experience changes from day to day, but justification never changes. We may accuse ourselves, and men may accuse us; but God will never take us to court and accuse us. Jesus has already paid the penalty and we are secure in Him. 1
Application
- You are completely justified today, just as you will be on the day you die. How does this truth help to lift your burdens of guilt, shame, and failure?
- How do you handle personal criticism? Do you respond with a sharp tongue or a gentle Spirit?
Prayer
Lord, thank you for being my Justifier.
1. Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
