Here’s the truth: we have all sinned, and not only fallen short of the glory of God, but have incurred His wrath, and also stand condemned (sentenced) to death(Rom.3:23; 5:9,Jn.3:36, Rom.6:23). And lo, it is a dangerous (fearful) thing to fall into the hands of God (Heb 10:31).
In accordance with divine justice, this sentenced must be served at all cost,
with the possiblity of freedom guaranteed only on the condition of full payment of the required penalty. Man is the convict, but can he (in his utter depravity) pay the penalty for his possible release? Even eternity will not suffice. But behold the wonder: the very judge who gave the verdict demonstrates unimaginable love to the convict- He provides the ransom in full.
This ransom is Christ Jesus , through His travail, He became a propitiation for us. The weight of the punishment was not reduced because it was substitutionary or supplied by the judge. No, everything was settled in full. Isaiah 53 paints a perfect picture of his travail. He was beaten fully, crushed fully, oppressed and afflicted fully. He was not spared; and not a single requirement of justice was overlooked. Though painful, He offered Himself and settled every debt in full.
Now, once the penalty is fully paid, the convict is released and declared “not guilty”; justice is fully served. He is no longer condemned; He’s now at peace with God because His wrath has been pacified (Rom.5:1). But here’s a greater joy: under God’s justification system, we are not merely acquitted, but also transformed by assuming a new status. Christ’s righteousness is imputed on us. So we become, and are seen as the righteousness of God, not as “ex-convicts”. This is the immediate results of faith in Jesus.
Justification is just, because sin is not excused, ignored, merely covered, it is fully paid for by the travail (blood) of Christ Jesus-2Cor.5:21. The necessary requirements for our Justification are duly and fully provided for by His travail.
written by Gideon Gyasi-Obodai
Pastor, APOSA-UCC
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