Walking With JesusSample

Justification and Righteousness

We can receive the gift of righteousness through what Jesus has done! In simple terms, righteousness means that we stand in the right relationship or position before an Almighty God. This is based on the finished work of the cross.

Justification is a legal term meaning that the guilty party is declared innocent. Once we are justified, God looks at us as if we have never committed sin.

We need to believe and take ownership of what God has done for us through Jesus Christ. Once we realise what Jesus has done we never need to feel condemned, guilty or ashamed anymore.

The devil is called “the father of lies” and “the accuser of the brethren.” He loves to accuse us and remind us of our sins from the past. He wants us to feel guilty and ashamed so that we will never feel worthy to be used by God. However, we have the opportunity to approach God based on the work of the cross. Jesus made a way for us to “boldly approach God” (Hebrews 4:15-16)

Reflection questions (write your answers in a journal)

• What do you think are the two main things that keep you from coming to God as a little child?
• What is the thing in your past that you feel most guilty about?
• When someone who is born again does something wrong, do you think he or she becomes unrighteous in God’s eyes? Why?
• When God looks at you, what do you think He sees?