+DEV+ Justified as a Gift

Date: May 19, 2011 11:59 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Justified as a Gift

Justified as a Gift

"...and justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus." (ROMANS 3:24)
Scripture Focus: Romans 3:21-26

The notion of righteousness has two prominent meanings in the Bible. We readily identify with the notion of our conduct: behave righteously; be consistent with God's character. But even at our best, we fall short of this ideal.

This inability to fully live in accordance with God's righteous character is what necessitates the other notion of righteousness. This is something that is positively added to our credit. It isn't just not sinning; it is a positive entry in our account. Not sinning is like not owing anything - a zero balance. But having Christ's righteousness attributed to us is like having a bank account with an unlimited positive balance. You are unable to even use it all up!

This is also referred to as justification. Paul says that we are justified "as a gift." When we come to faith in Christ, not only are our sins or debts forgiven, but we are supplied with a righteousness bank account that has an unlimited balance in it. It is God's gracious free gift to us. Receive His gift today.

Insight: Living righteously comes about as we learn to live on the unlimited righteous balance in our Heavenly bank account that was given to us in Christ.