Being Justified by Faith

Romans 5:1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 

‘Justified by faith’ The Greek word for justified dikaioo means to declare righteous or not guilty; justify. It is translated “freed from sin” (6:7); “justifier” (3:26); “be righteous” (Rev. 22:11); and “justify” 33 times. One is justified the moment he repents and is forgiven (Luke 18:14; Acts 13:39; Rom. 3:24, 28, 30; 4:5; 5:1, 9; 1Cor. 6:11; Gal. 2:16-17; 3:8, 24; Tit. 3:5-7).

Proofs when people are justified: When they are washed and sanctified (1Cor. 6:11; 2Cor. 5:17-18). When they repent (Luke 18:13-14); and believe (3:24-31; 4:5; 5:1; Acts 13:38-39; Gal. 2-3). When redeemed (3:24; 5:9) and when they partake of grace (3:24-25; 5:1-2; Tit. 2:11-14; 3:4-7). When they accept God’s call (8:30) and when they are born again (Tit. 3:4-7; 1Jn. 2:29; 3:9; 5:1-4, 18; 2Cor. 5:17-18). When brought to Christ (Gal. 3:24; 2Cor. 5:17-18; Gal. 3:27) and when reconciled (5:9-11; 2Cor. 5:17-21; Col. 1:20-23). When all sins are blotted out (Isa. 43:25; Acts 13:38-39; 1Cor. 6:11).

Justification is used of the final settlement between people (Job 11:2; 13:18; 27:5; 32:2; 33:32; Pro. 17:15; Luke 10:29; 16:15); of people clearing God of all wrong (Ps. 51:4; Luke 7:29; Rom. 3:26); and of people justifying themselves of all guilt (Jer. 3:11; Ezek. 16:51-52; Job 9:20; 13:18; 32:2; Luke 16:15). Thus the meaning is clear: to declare not guilty. The justification of man by God simply means that God washes, sanctifies the believer, and declares him no longer guilty (1Cor. 6:9-11; 2Cor. 5:17-18; Acts 13:38-39). God cannot declare one not guilty before he is cleansed from all sin and made holy by the blood of Christ. Sanctification makes the sinner not guilty; justification declares him not guilty.

‘We have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ’ this is the peace that is described in Philippians 4:7 “And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

Ten Blessings of Romans 5:1-21: Justification (5:1, 9); peace with God (5:1); access by faith into grace (5:2); standing in grace (5:2); joy in God (5:2-3, 11); grace in tribulations (5:3-5); love of God in the heart (5:5); the Holy Spirit (5:5); salvation from wrath (5:9-10); reconciliation by blood (5:10-11).