Romans 3:24a ...and are justified...
A long time ago I was taught an easy way to remember the meaning and concept of justification: "Just as if I hadn't sinned." I was speaking with a young man recently who was concerned about his salvation because he had fallen back into some of his old sinful ways. He couldn't imagine why or how God would forgive him once again. I explained we are all susceptible to sin no matter how hard we try. Justification ("just as if I hadn't sinned") is not a one-time event -- it's an action that happens continually -- as long as we desire and pursue a relationship with the Lord through repentance: turning away from our sin while asking to be forgiven. I think perhaps the King James translation of our passage today provides a clearer understanding: "Being justified..." This means: Justification didn't take place only the day we were saved or baptized -- it's taking place at this very moment -- we are right now "being justified". Sin can often make us feel as if we have forfeited the access and right to be in God's Holy presence. Not so. Justification is a continuous cleansing process -- a declaration of righteousness that God provides through faith and trust in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Paul tells us we are being justified right now -- the work has been done -- our sin paid for -- not just the past, but the present and future as well. Isn't that Good News!
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