‘It is God who justifies’ (Romans 8:33)

To be justified is to be acquitted and pronounced righteous. Every believer in Jesus, however ungodly they may have been, or however vile and unworthy they feel they are, is justified by Jehovah. The perfect work of Jesus is imputed to them, free grace is glorified in them, and they have passed from death to life.

To them there is no condemnation; no one can add anything to their charge; they are accepted because Christ has lived and died for them; they now live and shall be glorified through and with Jesus. All sins are freely forgiven and eternally forgotten.

God has cast all our sins behind His back, and now He pronounces us just. Therefore, let us approach God believing that He has justified us; and let’s look forward and rejoice that the Judge of all the earth will declare us righteous.

Who shall lay anything to our charge? It is God that justifies. Who is it that condemns us? It is Christ that died; furthermore Christ is risen, and makes intercession for us. My soul, look to Jesus, to His perfect work, and to His prevalent intercession. And there, view your salvation and find peace in Him.

They are justified by grace;
They enjoy the Saviour’s peace;
All their sins are washed away;
They shall stand in God’s great day,
With them numbered may we be,
Here, and in eternity.

THE DAILY REMEMBRANCER by James Smith (1802-1862)

Journal Jottings

‘The affection in my throat continues, though it is better. My New Year’s text and motto is, “The LORD will give grace” [Psalm 84:11]. He has given me grace hitherto, and His promise still stands good. Grace includes all I really want, and all that I ought to desire.’