Reformation: Justification
In Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. 2 Corinthians 5:19 (ESV)
To whom does this decree of justification apply? Who is declared “righteous” through Christ’s death and resurrection? Scripture is clear: everyone.
Some limit the meaning of “world.” They say God only justified some. If so, how can you know this is for you? Do you have to be good enough? Or did Christ only accomplish this for those He knew would believe in Him? Must you then be the cause, the doer, the chooser of your own justification? Must you be left in blank despair and doubt? No!
Consider again Romans 3:23-24, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God being justified freely by His grace.” The “all who sinned” are the same “all who are justified.” And since there is no person who does not sin, it is every person who is justified.
Do you want more proof? Trust these words from 1 John 2:2, “He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world.” That is, not for believers only, but also for the whole world. He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! He is the propitiation, the atoning sacrifice, by His holy, precious blood and innocent sufferings and death, He has declared His righteousness, His forgiveness, His salvation for this whole world.
This is why you can know that it is for you! There is no special category you have to fit in, no box you have to check, no work you have to do. Are you a part of the world? Justification is for you! Are you a sinner? Justification is for you! Are you human? It is for you! “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16 ESV)
Lord, I believe, were sinners more than sands upon the ocean shore,
Thou hast for all a ransom paid, for all a full atonement made.
Lutheran Service Book 563:4
* Editors Note: Please refer to Friday’s devotion for more on the subjective aspect of justification and faith.