Yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified. Galatians 2:16
The Good News of Jesus Christ stands or falls on the teaching of justification by faith. Indeed Martin Luther called it "the most important doctrine of Christianity. If there is such a great weight on justification by faith, it's important for us to know and dwell on this wonderful truth.
We are judged righteous because Jesus Christ took our sin and God's wrath on Himself when He died on the cross as our substitute. Not only did Jesus remove our sin, we receive His righteousness. WE HAVE THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF CHRIST! Due to the life, death, and resurrection of our Lord and Savior, we are not condemned as rebels, as sinners, as God's enemies. There is no more guilt. There is no more shame. Jesus died for our sins and gives us right standing before God (righteousness). We win because Jesus has won for us. There is no problem or sin that you can't overcome because you have been justified by our Lord and Savior.
Our justification is by faith in what Christ has done rather than in our good works. The Good News of Jesus Christ is your reason to worship. God has done all the work on our behalf. Celebrate His goodness and love for you because He accomplished your salvation, a work that you or I could never do.
Prayer:
Father, thank you for your goodness and love to me. I praise you because you have saved me from my sin through your Son, Jesus. Remind me of your great love for me. Help me to know that I don't have to earn your love or earn right standing before you. I know you have given me grace and salvation that I did not deserve or earn. May I treat others with grace and love them like you have loved me. Thank you for your wonderful salvation. Through you I pray Jesus, amen.
