Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ (Rom 5:1).
Justification is a right standing with God where sinners are declared not guilty of sin that comes through faith in Jesus Christ.
World religions can be categorised into two. Works and Faith religion. Works religion emphasises a system of ‘do’s and don’ts’ and hopefully if your good deeds outweigh your evil deeds, then you will be saved by God. Works religion thrives on good works. Faith religion emphasises faith and trust as the only means to be saved by God. Christianity is the only faith religion. Christianity acknowledges you cannot earn your salvation or please God by your good deeds. Sinners are unable by themselves to please God (Ps 51:5, Rom. 3:23).
Christianity emphasises faith in the finished work on Calvary by Christ Jesus for salvation (1Cor 15:3-5): Though guilty of sins and deserving of God’s judgement; a way of escape is provided by God through the death of Christ. Jesus died in the place of sinners so that anyone who will believe in him will be saved. The moment we believe, we are justified; declared not guilty and reconciled to God.
Does this mean a person who professes faith can live anyhow they please? No! God forbid, Paul says in Romans 6:1-2. Peter’s says “Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul” (1Peter 2:11KJV). Faith comes with repentance from sin and obedience to God. But this doesn’t justify us.
No one stands justified before God apart from Christ’s imputed righteousness. Justification is by faith alone through Christ alone. The righteousness that saves us is outside of ourselves. It is Christ’s righteousness. Anyone who doesn’t know this righteousness by faith through Christ has no peace with God.
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