“For the Christian, justification is completely the work of God, which not only forgives our sins but also attributes to us the righteousness of Jesus. Justification can never be earned by our good works; it is only received by faith, based upon the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross.” 

In this episode of Kitchen Table Theology, we will discuss the doctrine of Justification, the brevity of what it truly means, and how it affects our standing with Jesus Christ.      

[00:01 - 04:23] What’s The Difference Between Systematic Theology and Doctrine?

• Systematic Theology is any study that answers the question, “What does the whole Bible teach us today?” Doctrine is what the whole Bible teaches us today about a particular topic.  

[04:24 - 08:05] What Does Justification Mean?  

• Biblically defined: Justification means to pronounce, accept, and treat as just.1
• Justification is completely the work of God, which not only forgives our sins but also attributes to us the righteousness of Jesus. Justification can never be earned by our good works.

[08:06 - 10:13] Unpacking Justification From Scripture  

• Acts 13:38-39

[10:14 - 14:51] What Does It Mean to be Justified?  

• To have your sins forgiven in such a way that God's honor and integrity are preserved by it.
  • If God merely swept sin under the rug, He could no longer be regarded as the God of justice and truth. But God has found a way, through Jesus, to lay the guilt of our life and heart upon his own Son.

[14:52 - 16:45] How does Justification Affect My Standing with Jesus and My Identity in Him?  

• Jesus shed his blood on the cross and rose from the grave to reconcile us to God.
  • Both the Old and New Testaments assure us, “The just shall live by faith”

[16:46 - 21:42] So Now What?       

• Romans 5:1 Tells us that, because of Christ, we are now at perfect peace with God.
• Final words from Pastor Jeff and Jen.

Tweetable Quotes:

“Justification means to have your sins forgiven in such a way that God's honor and integrity are preserved by it.” — Pastor Jeff Cranston

“Justification means that we are restored to favor with God… that the stain of condemnation has been replaced with God’s favor ... I am now, because of Christ, at perfect peace with God. And God has declared that so.” — Jen Denton

Bible Verses Mentioned: 

• Romans 3:24
• Romans 3:28
• Romans 5:9
• Romans 5:1
• Galatians 2:16
• Ephesians 2:8 
• Titus 3:5
• Acts 13:38-39
• 2 Corinthians 5:21
• Habakkuk 2:4 
• Romans 1:17
• Galatians 3:11
• Hebrews 10:38

Resources Mentioned/ Footnotes:

• 1 Walter A. Elwell, ed. Evangelical Dictionary of Theology. Grand Rapids: Baker Books. 1984, p. 593.
• 2 Paul Enns. The Moody Handbook of Theology. Chicago: Moody Press. 1989, p. 234.

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Remember, the real power of theology is not only knowing it but applying it. Thanks for listening!