Justified through faith

​6-13-22
Justified through faith
Today's daily devotion is based on Romans 5:1, "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ."
When reading this verse, knowing what the word 'justified' means is critical. The statement "I just don't know how we can justify the cost of a brand-new football stadium." To justify here means to "give a good reason for, rationalize or defend."
In Romans 5:1, justify means "to declare not guilty. It is like a judge who looks at a guilty criminal and says to him, "You're free to go!" we would call that an injustice, wouldn't we, for the man is guilty? It seems so until we realize that God, the Father, took our every attempt to rationalize our wrongdoing and every lame excuse for sin and stacked them all on the broad shoulders of Jesus. Jesus took that whole mess and paid for it on the cross. In its place, he gives us innocence and peace with him, and, just as importantly, he gives us the faith to believe it.
Through that faith, there is peace between you and God. Whether you die today or years from now, the gates of heaven are open for you. Whether you feel emotionally at peace or not, whether your body is strong or falling apart, whether you are ill or healthy, God still declares you innocent through Jesus. And he still maintains that peace between himself and you by faith.
Please pray with me; Heavenly Father, when I am troubled by my sin and wonder if I am acceptable to you, direct me to my Savior, Jesus, who willingly and out of love for me took God's punishment for my sin. Fill my heart with the peace of forgiveness. Assure me by faith in Christ that you declare me innocent in your sight and an heir of heaven. Amen.