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QUESTION 59:
What does it mean in the Bible when He says, "He was raised for our justification?" Romans 4:25.

ANSWER:
The resurrection of Christ out from among the dead is the capstone of the gospel. "He died for our sins, was buried and rose again the third day.." - 1 Corinthians 15:3-4. Apart from His resurrection there would be no salvation.

The word "justification" is a legal word and means to declare one to be right in the eyes of the law. We do not have an English word that conveys its meaning. When our law acquits, or pardons a person they are free, but not really justified. They are still guilty of their unlawful deeds. When God justifies a person their sins are removed, as if they were never there. He can only do this when they believe on His Son who died to remove those sins. - Romans 3:26. Since the trusting sinner is forgiven and those sins removed, He can legally declare that person to "be righteous before Him." This is the blessed truth of the gospel of God's salvation. "Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ." - Romans 5:1. If the Judge of all the earth (Genesis 18:25), justifies you, you are justified. This by the high court of heaven. This brings much joy and great peace to those that are saved. "He was delivered for our offenses, and was raised again for our justification." - Romans 4:25. This is the truth of salvation.

Dear reader, will you not consider Him, and this great offer that He makes to you? Religion is not enough. It will not save. Your must repent of sin, (Acts 17:30) and trust Christ as your Saviour. (Acts 16:31) Since Christ bare sin in His own self on the cross, God can now be just in justifying the believing sinner. This is the only way a holy God can justify an ungodly sinner. It is as simple at that.

All comments and questions to: Harold Smith

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Updated July 2009, by Shelly Allen