Transformed by Truth: Justified by Faith,
Loved by God

Transformed by Truth:
Justified by Faith, Loved by God

In a world where people often strive to earn acceptance and approval, God's truth transforms us through the power of His grace. We do not earn our salvation; it is a gift from God. Our faith in Jesus Christ brings us into right standing with God, not our works or efforts. Today, let's explore the liberating message of justification by faith and God's unwavering love.

Justified by Faith Alone
Romans 3:28 (NLT): "So we are made right with God through faith and not by obeying the law." This verse sets the foundation of our Christian faith: justification comes through faith, not by observing the law. The Greek word for "made right" here is dikaioo, meaning "to declare righteous." It's a legal term, implying that God, the righteous judge, has declared us innocent and justified, not because of our deeds but because of our faith in Jesus Christ.

Paul, writing to the Romans, wanted to make it clear that salvation is not about human effort but divine grace. Obeying the law - though good - cannot save us. This echoes Ephesians 2:8-9, "God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can't take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it." The law reveals our sin, but faith in Christ brings us the freedom of forgiveness.

As Pastor Tim Keller wrote, "It is not the strength of your faith but the object of your faith that actually saves you." The object of our faith is Christ, who has fulfilled the law on our behalf.

Faith Over Works
Romans 4:5 (NLT): "But people are counted as righteous, not because of their work, but because of their faith in God who forgives sinners." Here, Paul reinforces the idea that it is faith, not works, that makes us righteous. The term "counted as righteous" (logizomai in Greek) is an accounting term, meaning to credit or reckon. God credits righteousness to our account when we place our trust in Him, even though our works fall short.

The story of Abraham is a perfect example. Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness (Genesis 15:6). Abraham didn't earn God's favour through works; he received it through faith. Galatians 3:6-7 highlights this truth: "In the same way, 'Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith.' The real children of Abraham, then, are those who put their faith in God."

Author John Stott once wrote, "No one can ever be justified by keeping the law. The only way to be justified is through faith." We are like Abraham, made righteous by trusting in God's promises, not by our own efforts.

No Condemnation for the Elect
Romans 8:33 (NLT): "Who dares accuse us whom God has chosen for his own? No one - for God himself has given us right standing with himself." Paul asks a powerful rhetorical question here: Who can bring an accusation against God's elect? The answer is no one. God, the ultimate judge, has declared us righteous. The Greek word eklektos, translated as "chosen," refers to God's deliberate and gracious selection of His people. This is a reminder of our security in Christ - there is no condemnation for those who belong to Him (Romans 8:1).

This truth not only sets us free from fear but empowers us to live confidently in God's love. As Charles Spurgeon put it, "You stand before God as if you were Christ because Christ stood before God as if He were you." This is the beauty of the gospel: we are secure in God's love, and no accusation can stick because Christ has paid the price for us.

God's Love Revealed in Christ
Romans 5:8 (NLT): "But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners." The heart of the gospel is summed up in this verse. The Greek word for love used here is agape, which refers to unconditional, sacrificial love. God's love is not based on our performance but on His character. He loved us while we were still sinners - broken, rebellious, and unworthy. Christ died for us, paying the ultimate price to redeem us.

This verse reflects John 3:16, "For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life." We often feel like we need to clean ourselves up before coming to God, but Romans 5:8 shows us that Christ came for us when we were at our worst.

As A.W. Tozer beautifully said, "Jesus Christ knows the worst about you. Nonetheless, He is the one who loves you most." His love is not dependent on our goodness but on His grace.

A Call to Live in Grace
God's grace frees us from the bondage of trying to earn His love. We are justified, not by works but by faith. The challenge for us is to rest in this truth and live out our faith with gratitude and humility. The application is clear: stop striving for approval and rest in the finished work of Christ. If you've been trying to earn God's love, let go of that burden. Embrace His grace and trust that you are fully accepted in Him. Just as Christ loved us while we were still sinners, we are called to extend that love to others.

Call to Action: Embrace Grace, Share Love
God has already declared us righteous through our faith in Christ. Let this truth transform how we see ourselves and others. Reflect on the depth of God's love for you, and share that love with those around you.

Today, I encourage you to reflect on Romans 5:8. Think about the ways God has loved you even in your brokenness. Then, take a step to share that love with someone in need. Offer forgiveness, extend grace, or simply be a listening ear to someone who feels far from God. Let them see Christ in you.

May you live transformed by this truth: You are loved, justified, and secure in God's grace.