Justification, an Act of God
Scripture Reading — Romans 5:1-5
Since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Justification is a legal act of God. It is accomplished in God’s court and applied to our lives, all because of the finished work of Jesus. Justification is complete and final. The newest believer is just as justified as the most seasoned, faithful believer.
Paul teaches us four important truths about justification in Romans 5:1. First, God is the author of justification. We are justified not on the basis of our merits but because of the merits of Christ.
Second, we are justified through faith. In this way faith is the instrument of our justification.
Third, the fruit of justification is that we have peace with God. We are reconciled to God and reborn into the family of God.
Fourth, the agent of justification is our Lord Jesus Christ. All of these spiritual blessings are granted to us through our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Christ is our righteousness. He is our peace. In him we have abundant redemption.
Lord and God, trusting in the righteousness of Christ for my justification brings peace and comfort to my heart. My salvation depends not on me but on you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
About the author — Hernandes Lopes
Rev. Hernandes Dias Lopes grew up in a Christian home in Brazil. Following his 1981 graduation from Seminário Presbiteriano do Sul in Campinas, Brazil, he served two congregations of the Presbyterian Church in Brazil. In 2000, he earned a doctor of ministry degree from Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson, Mississippi. Rev. Lopes has been the voice of the television program Verdade e Vida (“Truth and Life”) since 2006. In 2010 he was appointed Portuguese ministry leader for Back to God Ministries International. Rev. Lopes and his wife, Tinha, have two college-age children.
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