Day 194

Of Justification.

Chapter 11, Paragraph 3.

“Christ, by his obedience, and death, did fully discharge the debt of all those that are justified; and did, by the sacrifice of himself, in the blood of his cross, undergoing in their stead, the penalty due to them: make a proper, real, and full satisfaction to God’s justice in their behalf: yet in as much as he was given by the Father for them, and his Obedience and Satisfaction accepted in their stead, and both freely, not for anything in them; their justification is only of Free Grace, that both the exact justice and rich Grace of God might be glorified in the Justification of sinners.”

Scripture Lookup

Hebrews 10:14

1 Peter 1:18,1

Isaiah 53:5,6

Romans 8:32

2 Corinthians 5:21

Romans 3:26

Ephesians 1:6,7, 2:7

Reflection

Christ’s sacrifice satisfied the justice of God for the elect. He stood in our place; His life and sacrifice are considered ours when we are justified by faith. In the substitutionary atonement of Christ, we see the power, wisdom, and grace of God displayed.

Christ’s powerful obedience and death fully saves the elect. It does not make salvation possible and leaves the rest to fallen man to achieve. Not one tenth of a cent is owed to God; there is no longer any shadow of an outstanding debt. Jesus paid that debt, and proved that it was paid with His resurrection.

The sacrificial death of Christ demonstrates the wisdom of God in that it does not disregard the law. The wrath of God is not a case of unjust, uncontrolled temper poured out on a helpless victim. Transgression against a holy eternal God carries an infinite punishment. Christ, who knew no sin, freely and willingly endured that punishment on our behalf, satisfying the demand for justice properly.

Grace is abundantly displayed not only in Christ’s willingness to become the mediator of the elect, but in God’s freely accepting that obedience and satisfaction given. God did not have to redeem any sinner, but graciously agreed in the Covenant of Redemption to save the elect. Thus all who are effectually called are justified by His free grace.

Steadfast love and faithfulness meet; righteousness and peace kiss each other. -Psalm 85:10

Questions to Consider

• Is there any part of justification that is not just or gracious?