Galatians 1:1-9 The Apostle Paul wasted no time in addressing his readers with chit chat. He abruptly went to the meat of his epistle, i.e. defending the gospel of grace. In 1:8 he boldly declares,
"But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. " One of the benefits of that gospel message was justification (3:8) and so we could call it the gospel of justification. Justification is an act of God that takes place in the life of every believer at the time of his new birth. He thereby is forgiven all sins and is declared righteous before God. Any other gospel would not be an act of God but simply a creation of fallen man no matter how ingenious the system.
Can man possibly do by his working what Christ has done by His working?- The unsaved person stands _______________ before God. (Rom. 5:16, 18; John 3:18)
- The unsaved person is without acceptable _____________. (Rom. 3:10, 23)
The theologian, Floyd Hays Barackman, describes justification as "the act of God whereby He acquits the gospel believer of the divine verdict of condemnation and declares him to be righteous." (
Practical Christian Theology, Practical Press, Bible School Park, NY, p. 267). What could be better? No more condemnation before God! Only righteousness before God! That's the standing of the believer in Jesus Christ.
A believer's justification gives him advantages in daily living over non-believers. What are they?
- Since God has forgiven us of all our sins by acquitting us of condemnation, what attitude should we have daily?
- Since God has declared us righteous in Christ, what should we do daily?
1 comment:
Hi Dick;
Answer to Q 1: (Short answer)Work out my salvation daily by studying to show myself approved unto God; by putting off the old man, renewing the spirit of my mind, and putting on the new man; by recognition of my position as a new creature in Christ as being an adopted son of God and joint heir with Jesus Christ; walk in newness of life in His spirit and power. Love God with all my heart, soul, mind, strength and my meighbor as myself.
Answer to Q2: Same as above.
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