“And are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus” – Romans 3:24
What does it take to be declared “Not Guilty” in the eyes of God? Justified is a legal term describing a verdict of “not guilty” in the eyes of our perfectly just, all-knowing judge. Thankfully, to be justified doesn’t require actually living a perfect life without sin because if it did, there’d be no hope for any of us!
Jesus Christ already lived that perfect life free of sin because He knew we couldn’t. As fully God AND fully man, Jesus was able to stand as our representative and die on a cross for our sins. Through His death and resurrection, He purchased freedom from the penalty of sin for everyone who trusts in Him as Lord. That’s the redemption that’s in Him. Everyone who believes in the risen Jesus is declared “not guilty” because Jesus already paid the penalty for our guilt.
That redemption and justification is only given as a gift. We can’t buy it because Jesus already bought it. We can’t earn it because we’re actually guilty. Jesus earned it because He was innocent. We don’t deserve it because we only deserve a cross. We can never be good enough, moral enough, kind enough, loving enough, merciful enough, or altruistic enough to justify ourselves.
Justification is entirely a gift of grace – something we can never be worthy of. In this Christmas season as we dream about gifts, think about gifts, buy gifts, and give gifts, recognize that the greatest gift imaginable has already been given by God through His Son Jesus. Rather than dreaming about expensive gadgets, clever toys, fancy getaways, or new vehicles, celebrate the gift of grace that’s freely available to everyone through faith in Christ Jesus. Tell the story of that gift to those around you who are looking for the wrong kind of gift this Christmas!