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Monthly Question Page
Q. What does it mean to be justified? Is it the same as forgiveness? (Part 1)
A. Justification goes far beyond forgiveness. Notice how Paul separates them: “Through this Man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins: And by Him all that believe are justified from all things” (Acts 13:38-39).
Let’s illustrate it this way: Suppose I broke into your home and robbed you, and having been caught, you decided to forgive me instead of pressing charges. Furthermore, since we were friends in the past, you told me that this should not break our friendship, but that we could continue our relationship as if nothing had happened. Now consider this: Would I ever really feel comfortable in your presence again? No, I would always feel like a forgiven thief, even if you assured me that all was forgiven and forgotten.
So, it is true that our sins are forgiven on the basis of the blood of Christ. But, to be justified is to be brought into a new standing of perfection before God, where there is “no more conscience of sins” (Hebrews 10:2), because, He has said, “Their sins and iniquities will I remember no more” (Hebrews 10:17). (Continued next month.)
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