December 2

He did this to demonstrate His righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and to justify the one who has faith in Jesus. — Rom 3:26 BSB

Everything created, every finite being, would sooner be destroyed than for Jehovah to compromise, or allow any blemish on, even the smallest of His eternal attributes. Yet God can be just—completely, perfectly, and unchangeably just—and at the same time be “the justifier of those who have faith in Jesus.” Understanding how this is possible will take all eternity to grasp and all eternity to admire and worship.

But what does “the justifier” mean? It means that God can view a person as righteous, freely forgive their sins, graciously accept them, credit them with righteousness without any works of their own, and bring them into eternal fellowship with Himself. And who are the people He justifies in this way? Those who believe in Jesus.

How simple, yet how sweet and fitting is God’s gospel plan! Imagine if it said, “So that He might be just, and yet the justifier of the one who works, pleases God with their own deeds, and produces a righteousness that satisfies His perfect standards.” Who could be saved under those terms? Would there be anyone in heaven? Not a single soul—such a standard would condemn all humanity to hell. But the plan of salvation says instead that it’s God’s eternal purpose, which will never change, that He is “the justifier of those who believe in Jesus”—the poor, the needy, the burdened, the tempted, the troubled, and the distressed who believe in Jesus, who look to Him, rely on Him, and rest in His person, His blood, His righteousness, and His love for everything. These are the ones who are justified, forgiven, accepted, graciously received, and saved with everlasting salvation. How wonderfully sweet and suitable this gospel is to a believing, living soul!