What the Bible teaches about "justification" is clear as sunlight, but "the
little horn" of Daniel's prophecies has sought to confuse this truth. It had
been God's intention that "the faith of Jesus" should lighten the earth with
glory. But the great "falling away" (apostasy) that Paul predicted in 2
Thessalonians 2 (based on Daniel!) was the work of "the man of sin" (vss. 3-7).
He has stirred up debate and confusion about "justification." These have
darkened this glorious truth for many sincere people. (Maybe you, too!)
The New English Bible aptly defines that big word "justification" as simply
God's "verdict of acquittal" (Rom. 5:16). Our enemy, Satan, condemns us in
God's law court; he himself is shut out of heaven, and charges that we should
be, too. But God steps in and vindicates, "acquits" us, as though we had never
sinned. Now He can send His rain and sunshine on all alike as though we were
innocent. He gives "all men" this "free gift ... unto justification of life"
(vs. 18, KJV; Matt. 5:45). But how can the Father pronounce this "acquittal"
that Satan hates? Is it fair? Muslims say, "No!" But what's the Bible answer?
The Son of God has become "the second Adam," the new corporate Head of our
human race, has taken all our guilt in upon Himself ("the Lord hath laid on Him
the iniquity of us all," Isa. 53:6), accepted our condemnation, died our second
death both "for us" and "as us," and thus has "acquitted" us. We are "justified
by His blood," says Paul (Rom. 5:9), which was shed at the cross of Jesus. Six
times Paul says the "acquittal" is a "gift" given to "all men." "Many" reject
the "gift," throw it away, "sell the birthright." But if you clasp it to your
heart, cherish it, keep it, appreciate it, that is, "believe"--you cannot be
lost.
--Robert J. Wieland
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