Justification and Forgiveness

In the earthly courts of mortal man when one is found innocent of a crime they are justified. There is no need of forgiveness because there is nothing to forgive. In the celestial courts of heaven every mortal being is guilty before Almighty God. "All have sinned and come short of the glory of God." Romans 3:23. "There is none that doeth good" Romans 3:12.

This is another of many distinctions of God that make Him otherworldly and His ways not our ways. The justification of the believer is inextricably linked to the cross of Jesus Christ. It is there at the cross where justification for our sin was satisfied yet we still stand in need of forgiveness. The work of justification is complete in Christ. There is no priest, bishop or pope who can appropriate the work of justification to our souls. Baptism, communion or any other sacrament can not appropriate the finished work of Christ to our account.

The modern church does not teach a spirit of brokenness or sorrow for sin. It believes that justification and forgiveness were automatically bestowed upon every soul on the planet and one does not need to acknowledge and turn from sin. Even so-called evangelical churches today have accepted an "easy beleivism" that does not count the cost of discipleship nor acknowledge the dreadful state of the sinner before God.

Davids prayer in Psalm 51 is the perfect example of how one must come to God in order to find forgiveness of sin and appropriate justification to our account. Forgiveness of sin does not happen unless we acknowledge our wretched state before God and ask forgiveness.

Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.

2Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.

3For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.

4Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest.

5Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.

6Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.

7Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

8Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice.

9Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.

10Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.

11Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.

12Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.

13Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.

14Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation: and my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness.

15O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise.

16For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering.

17The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.

18Do good in thy good pleasure unto Zion: build thou the walls of Jerusalem.

19Then shalt thou be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness, with burnt offering and whole burnt offering: then shall they offer bullocks upon thine altar. Psalm 51