Devotional: The Cross-Justification
"Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ."
— Romans 5:1 (NIV)
Reflection:
Most of us grow up thinking Christianity is about being forgiven. Like God looks at our sin, says, “Okay, I forgive you,” and then sends us on our way. And that’s good news… but it’s not the whole gospel.
The Bible says we’ve been justified by faith. That’s not just forgiveness. Forgiveness is letting you off the hook. Justification is God declaring, “You are no longer guilty. There’s no sin to see here. You are innocent.” It’s a legal verdict. It’s a cosmic announcement. And it changes everything.
Imagine you’re standing trial with an entire folder full of evidence against you—videos, receipts, eyewitnesses. You know you’re guilty. There’s no defense. But when the judge opens the folder, it’s completely empty. Clean. Nothing there. And the judge looks at you and says, “This trial is over. There’s no case here. You’re free to go.”
That’s justification. That’s what Jesus did for you.
But it doesn’t stop there. Justification doesn’t just send you out of the courtroom. It invites you into relationship. God doesn’t say, “I forgive you. Now go.” He says, “I’ve removed your guilt. Now come close.” That’s the beauty of the gospel.
And I know—it’s hard to believe. Most of us feel more comfortable with religion. We’d rather try to pay for our sins with guilt or self-effort. We think, “If I can feel bad enough or work hard enough, maybe I’ll finally feel right with God.” But that’s not the gospel. That’s exhausting.
The gospel says you don’t have to work to get close to God. You’ve already been brought close. You’re not trying to earn a verdict. The verdict has already been given. You’ve been justified by faith. Because of Jesus.
What does that mean for everyday life? It means you don’t have to live under the weight of your past. You can stop trying to fix yourself before you talk to God. You can rest in His love, not strive to deserve it. And from that place of rest and security, you’ll start to change. Not out of fear, but because you know you’re loved.
Holiness doesn’t grow from guilt. It grows out of grace.
So today, if you’re tired or ashamed or still trying to prove yourself—stop. Look to Jesus. Trust what He’s done. Come close.
You’re not just forgiven.
You’re justified.
And you are His.
A Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for the gift of justification. I don’t deserve it. I didn’t earn it. But You gave it freely. Help me believe what You say about me—that I’m no longer guilty, that I’m no longer distant, that I’m Yours.
Give me the courage to draw near, to live in the truth that I’m accepted and loved, and to walk in the joy of my new identity.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
Questions to Reflect On:
Do you ever feel like you have to “get your act together” before you can talk to God?
What would it change if you believed He wants you close, just as you are?When you make a mistake, how do you usually respond?
Do you beat yourself up or try to make it up to God? What would it look like to rest in His grace instead?Have you ever felt like you weren’t “good enough” for church, prayer, or reading the Bible?
How does it feel to know that God already calls you perfect because of Jesus?Is there anything you’ve been holding back from God—because of shame, fear, or guilt?
What would it look like to bring that to Him in honesty, trusting He still wants you close?Do you ever compare yourself to others to decide how “good” you’re doing with God?
How might your life change if you stopped measuring and started resting in what Jesus has already done for you?
Dive Deeper:
Read: The Cross of Christ by John Stott
Listen: Justified by Faith - Tim Keller
