What does Justification mean? Justification is not a word that we come across every day in our vocabulary. It’s actually an old Latin word that translates as “administration of justice”- meaning "action of justifying, showing something to be just or right".

For example, have you ever heard someone say that they felt that they were justified, in relation to a situation? Maybe they said something like.”… I felt that I was justified in my response…” or I think he was justified to feel that way..” Often justification is used in our vernacular to express an action or feeling that should be applauded or approved of.

1. What Does The Word Say?

However, when we see the word Justification in the Word of God, there is a very different explanation. Romans 5:1-2, says that we are justified by Faith in Jesus. Unlike everyday speech, this is not based on how we feel or what we believe to be morally correct. Our justification is based on our acceptance of the atoning sacrifice and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The good news about the God type of justification is that we receive all of the benefits of justice without the blame or punishment!

2. Justification is the result of a free gift

Praise God! The justification we have from Jesus is not just based on how we feel or what we think is right – it’s based on the truth of Jesus being the son of God, who was crucified and is now seated at the right hand of the Father. Our justification can be defined in this way- It is the free gift from God to us, that we receive by Faith and enter into an eternal relationship with him. Justification means that we can be forgiven and treated a though we had never sinned when we repent of our sin – now that’s good news!

3. Justification puts us in right-standing with God

God loves us so much, that he wanted us back in his family. The sin that entered the world through Adam was reversed when Jesus died and rose again. Whilst we were still sinners Christ died for us and we have been justified by his blood. As born again believers, we are in right-standing with God again. Hallelujah!

“For the judgment which came from one offense resulted in condemnation, but the free gift which came from many offenses resulted in justification. For if by the one man’s offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.” Romans 5:16

4. How are we justified?

We are justified by Grace – Titus 3:7

We are justified by The Blood – Romans 5:9

We are justified by Faith – Romans 8:2

Memory Verses

I have been justified by His Grace and have eternal hope. Titus 3:7

I am loved by and reconciled to God through Jesus. The Blood has rescued me! Romans 5: 8-10

I am justified by Faith, I have peace with God through my Lord Jesus. Romans 5:1

I rejoice in hope of the glory of God- this Hope does not disappoint! Romans 5:2-5