Justification

Acts 15:11 - "We believe that it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are."

2 Peter 3:18 - "But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and forever! Amen."

In Paul's letters the focus of justification is mostly on the acquittal of guilt. But justification - being declared free from guilt - does not instantly make us mature Christians. Both Peter and Paul make it very clear that growth in godly righteousness is a process requiring time and experience. That process starts with repentance and baptism. But achieving the mature righteousness of Jesus is a goal which we strive towards all of our Christian lives. It is not given to us in an instant. It comes through a spiritual growth process we learn from the Scriptures.

When we are given forgiveness we must try hard to behave in a righteous manner from that time forward. In other words, the faith required to be justified must be confirmed in our actions.

James 2:21 - "was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar? Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by his works faith was made perfect"

However, James' words do not in any way suggest that forgiveness of sin is earned by our works. James is only confirming that once we are forgiven, we must continue on the righteous path.

Once forgiven, our status in God's eyes is that of a righteous person. However, there is still lots of character building that lies ahead. A justified person is not to take his or her righteousness for granted. It must be increased according to the example of righteousness set by Jesus. It is expected that each child of God is expected to grow towards 'the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ'. All this does not mean that if a Christian sins after conversion that they lose salvation.

John 1:7-9 - "If we walk in the light as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from all sin. If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

Yet spiritual growth and overcoming sin clearly continue to be required of every Christian.

Revelation 2:26 - "To him who overcomes and does my will to the end, I will give my authority over the nations."

1 John 2:6 - "He who says he abides in Christ ought himself also to walk just as Christ walked."