What Really Happened at the Cross?Mercy and Grace

“Therefore, having been justified by faith,
we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Romans 5:1

Justification. That’s a big churchy word! But what does it mean? Justification is a one-time legal action. Justification occurs when you stand before a judge, and he declares you not guilty. Then he files it. Never again can you be brought before a judge for that same crime.

God justified each of us once for all. It is a one-time past action (‘…having been justified.”). We each stood before the Judge on the day of our salvation, and because of our faith in Jesus Christ, we were declared innocent. Innocent of all sin – past, present, and future. God filed our innocence into His great file room. Never again will we have to stand before the Judge for our sins. At the Great White Throne Judgment, we will not stand trembling, afraid of God’s judgment – if we were good enough. No! We will stand trembling at His awesome mercy and grace. We will receive crowns for our faithfulness and service of obedience.

This justification that took place when we each bowed before the cross and asked Jesus to take over our life, brings an eternal peace between us and God. It’s a truce. A promise. A contract. A reality. Truth. You cannot undo it, and God will not go back on His word. So live it! Claim freedom! Praise God for His overwhelming grace and mercy! Live in obedience to His word. Seek Him. Know peace.