JustificationSample

Romans 6:18, 22 NET
[18] and having been freed from sin, you became enslaved to righteousness.
[22] But now, freed from sin and enslaved to God, you have your benefit leading to sanctification, and the end is eternal life.

The proof of a truly justified man is that he lives to please the one who justified him. If a criminal who knows he is deserving of death becomes acquitted by mercy, he knows that he is forever indebted to the one who showed him mercy. We must understand that we were justified by God so that we can live a life pleasing to Him. It is our reasonable response to such marvelous grace bestowed upon us.

In Justification, we were freed from sin and its penalty but enslaved to God. God sets us free so we can serve Him and live for Him. When Moses went to Pharaoh to order the release of the Israelites from oppression and bondage, these were God's words on His lips:
Exodus 9:1 NET
[1] Then the Lord said to Moses, “Go to Pharaoh and tell him, ‘Thus says the Lord, the God of the Hebrews, “Release my people that they may serve me!

God wanted to set them free so that they might serve Him. We are justified so that we can live sanctified lives. We must not settle for less. Our ambition and desire must be to keep growing in sanctification and holiness so that we can duly and truly serve God in righteousness and holiness.

Yes, we will face all manner of temptations and challenges, but we must never settle for a life that displeases God. We must keep climbing the hills of holy living. Indeed, God's grace is sufficient for these things.

Doctrine of Justification