God, Our Justifier

I have recently read through Romans. As I read Romans 3:21-26, one particular word applied to God touched my heart:

“… so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.” Romans 3:26 (ESV)

Justifier. God himself is our Justifier. How amazing is it that God justifies us before Himself! He satisfied His own justice by placing the penalty owed to us on His Son, Jesus Christ.

“Not guilty—the Son has paid the debt.”

What does it mean to be justified? I’ve heard this simple definition a few times: “I’m justified, just-as-if-I’d done no wrong.” God has declared us righteous, rather than condemning us as guilty. This is God’s gift of grace (unmerited favour), received through faith (trust) in Jesus.

To me, the wording “so that he might be …” indicates that God reserved this role of Justifier for Himself. The NIV words it (my emphasis): “so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.” Our Heavenly Father didn’t want this privilege and title granted to someone else.

I’m reminded that Jesus is also our advocate with the Father (1 John 2:1).

When the devil accuses you (Rev 12:10), or even when your own heart condemns you (1 John 3:20), remember that God is your Justifier—the One who makes you right with Himself. See Romans 5:1, 8:1, 8:33.

Image: Public Domain

Welcome!

Welcome to my new blog, Lucas’ Reflections On God, The Bible, Christian Life and Other Spiritual Matters. Here I hope to share with you thoughts, meditations and insights that I have learnt through study or life experiences. I pray you will be blessed as I share from my life’s spiritual journey.

Blog header image taken at Polblue in the Barrington Tops.

Do you like my header image? It’s is a photo I took at Polblue in the Barrington Tops about six weeks ago (July, 2014). Last time I was there, back in 2004, it was under 35cm of snow. I have picture on my bedroom wall my Aunty painted from a photo.

It was cold and windy on my recent visit, although no snow was there. Can you see the kangaroo? He barely moved the whole time we were there and looked almost as cold as I was!

Cold kangaroo!

For my blog, I’ve decided to go with the Blogger platform, as opposed to Wordpress.com, mainly because it is free of ads. Given that I’m a software developer, perhaps one day I’ll set up my own site, but right now I’d like to write rather than spend hours tinkering with software and servers. ;)

Father, thank You for the opportunity to share with others the things You have shown me. I pray that somehow the hearts of people can be encouraged by the words written here. In Jesus’ Name.

Images: By me