JUSTIFICATION - Distinguished From Faith

(2 John 9)

The Lord Jesus Christ died as the Substitute for God's elect and by His blood made atonement for their sins thus satisfying the justice of a holy God. He redeemed them from the curse of the law and obtained eternal redemption for them. By His death, Christ infallibly and justly secured the salvation of those that God the Father gave Him to represent. By His finished work at the cross, God's elect were justified, declared righteous. Christ's righteousness that He established for His elect was imputed, or charged to each one for whom He represented. When a sinner believes today, he is made to see and rest in that work of imputed righteousness by the Lord Jesus Christ. The believer's only standing before a holy God is the Lord Jesus Christ and His work of imputed righteousness that He accomplished while He was here upon this earth many years ago. (John 10:9; Rom. 3:24-26; Gal. 3:13; Heb. 9:12).

Pastor Doug Weaver, Millsite Baptist Church, Cottageville, West Virginia