Knowing I’m Justified
Sunday Seminary—10
Know What You Believe. Believe What You Know.
I remember the first time I heard about “justification.” A professor wrote on the whiteboard:
What is justification?
Justification is an act of God’s free grace,
wherein he pardoneth all our sins,
and accepteth us as righteous in his sight,
only for the righteousness of Christ imputed to us,
and received by faith alone.
My heart was overwhelmed! I printed those words, pinned them to my dorm wall, and memorized them daily. God had saved me—and now I knew what that meant. I want you to know that same joy and assurance: “Having been justified by faith, we have peace with God” (Rom. 5:1).
For this Sunday Seminary, I want to explain that justification is God’s gracious act of pardoning our sins, imputing to us Christ’s righteousness, and accepting us as his children through faith alone.
The Holy Spirit Creates Faith
Scripture teaches that the Holy Spirit “kindles [creates] in our hearts a true faith” (Belgic Confession, art. 21). Paul writes, “By grace you have been saved through faith…this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God” (Eph. 2:8–9). Even the faith by which we believe is God’s gift. Jesus said, “No one can come to me unless it is granted him by the Father” (John 6:65). Peter spoke the same way: “The faith that comes through Jesus has given this man perfect health” (Acts 3:16). Paul wrote, “It has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake” (Phil. 1:29).
The Spirit draws sinners to Christ and gives the ability to believe. Without his divine gift, no one could see their need or come to the Savior. That’s why Jesus told Peter, “Flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven” (Matt. 16:17).
Faith is a gift—and justification is through faith alone.
Faith Embraces Christ
What does faith do? True faith “embraces Jesus Christ, with all his merits, and makes him its own, and no longer looks for anything apart from him” (art. 21). What a beautiful image! Faith doesn’t just agree with facts—it embraces a Person.
Faith in him isn’t cold religion—it’s a living relationship. Because faith embraces all of Christ, he must be either a whole Savior or none at all:
Either all that is required for our salvation is in Christ, or he is only half a Savior (art. 21).
Picture faith as embracing Christ like a lifeboat in a raging storm. You’re drowning, your strength is gone, but he comes to the rescue. You cling to him, and he holds you fast.
Faith itself doesn’t justify; it’s the instrument that connects us to the one who does. The Confession says, “Faith is only the instrument by which we embrace Christ, our righteousness.” He is the strong one; our faith simply holds on.
What are you trusting in? Either he’s the sinless, righteous God-man who has done everything needed for your salvation, or he isn’t.
Christ Embraces You
Here’s the wonder of justification: as you embrace Christ by faith, he embraces you!
In the great exchange, the sinless Son took your sin and gave his righteousness. By faith you cling to him; he wraps you in his perfect record. Beloved, because of your justification:
Cling to Christ.
Give glory to God.
Claim nothing of yourself.
Confidently approach God in prayer. His righteousness is “enough to cover all our sins and to make us confident, freeing the conscience from fear and dread” (art. 22).
Conclusion
Justification is God’s gracious action alone of pardoning our sins, imputing to us Christ’s righteousness alone, and accepting us as his children—through faith alone. He’s declared you righteous and acceptable! When you embrace Christ, Christ embraces you and clothes you in his righteousness, freeing you from guilt, and granting you peace with God.
Be confident. When the accuser whispers, “You’re not enough,” say, “He is.” When your conscience trembles, rest in God’s final verdict over you: “Justified.”