The Gift of Justification

Romans 3:23-24

Preached December 28, 2008, Grace Family Church of Americus

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Here is an excerpt from the sermon transcript:

Romans 3:23 is a favorite among the Gospel presentations of various denominations, and rightfully so. It is ultimate truth. But it is also, especially in these days of blatant immorality, a universally accepted fact. I do not think I have ever witnessed to a single person that did not agree that this is a true statement….that "all have sinned." Even when used biblically, by defining what sin is by using the Law, the classic reaction of a sinner is to say, "Yes, I have broken these Commandments….but nobody's perfect." Then they will say that they can ask forgiveness. And they are absolutely correct, they DO need forgiveness. And I want to tell you something that may shake the foundations of what you have been taught about salvation, but forgiveness of sin is not primarily what a sinner needs in order to enter heaven. What every sinner needs if they will enter heaven, and what we MUST PREACH TO THEM, is this doctrine of justification, and how it is separate, but necessary to the forgiveness that they already acknowledge they need. You see, every person knows that they need forgiveness…..their conscience bears witness to that (Romans 2:15). What they need….is something they do not want in their natural state apart from the New Birth….they need to be justified….not only to have their sins forgiven, but they need to be declared righteous in the sight of God and given the power through the New Birth to live as such.