You were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.
1 corinthians 6:11
This is the first of the four dimensions of our new identity in Christ: when we are in Christ, we are clean, though we still sin. The word the Bible uses to describe this is justification. “Since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Rom. 5:1).
You are justified in Christ, and that means three things. Legally, you are acquitted. God throws out all charges against you. Relationally, you are forgiven. God reconciles you to Himself. Personally, you are washed. God makes you fit for life in His presence. Your guilt is taken away, and you have peace with Him. Why is this so hard to grasp? Two stories will help us understand.
An innocent man who was falsely accused. At this man’s trial, the evidence makes it clear that he is innocent. The judge pronounces his verdict—not guilty—and the man is free to go. How does the man respond? He rejoices that the truth is finally known.
The guilty man who was not convicted. At this man’s trial, the prosecution misses a key piece of evidence, and the case is not proved beyond reasonable doubt. The judge pronounces his verdict—not guilty—and the man is free to go. How does this man respond? He leaves, fearing that the truth may one day be known. He has to live with his conscience.
When God justifies us, are we like the first man or the second man? The Bible makes it clear that we are all like the second man. “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus” (Rom. 3:23-24).
Do you sometimes feel like the second man?
