How am I made right with God? Is it just about going to Heaven?

đŸ”„The Doctrine of Justification in Focus:

Being made “right with God” is called justification. Justification is a profound biblical truth that goes beyond merely securing a place in heaven. It is a divine act in which God declares sinful men righteous through faith in Jesus Christ. This righteousness is not based on our works or merit but is credited to us through the finished work of Christ.

More than just bringing us the forgiveness of sins, justification is the qualification to become heirs of everything God has intended in His salvation. Scripture reveals that justification, in its New Testament sense, provides believers with immediate access to God, allowing us to enjoy His presence and partake in the inheritance of Christ Himself. This inheritance encompasses all the spiritual blessings and promises made to Christ, which are shared freely with us as co-heirs (Romans 8:17, Ephesians 1:3).

Justification creates peace with God, allowing believers to live in God's grace through faith without barriers (Rom 5:1-3). It goes beyond being merely a passage to heaven; rather, it fundamentally alters our current relationship with God. Through faith in Christ's blood, we have the right to come close to God and gain access to intimate fellowship, empowered by the Holy Spirit's presence within us. This access depends not on our confession of sins, our works, or any conditions we must fulfill in our state, but entirely on our faith in Christ's redemptive sacrifice.

đŸš«Summary of Common Misconceptions:

â–ș Claim: Justification is only about going to heaven.

However, scripture teaches the opposite. Justification is about our current standing before God, granting us peace and access to His grace (Romans 5:1-2). It is not limited to a future hope but is a present reality that transforms our relationship with God.

â–ș Claim: Believers must confess sins to maintain fellowship with God.

This view misunderstands the biblical principle that our access to God is through faith in the blood of Christ, not through works or confession. The Bible states that we have peace with God and stand in grace through faith, not by our efforts or rituals (Ephesians 2:18).

⚖What Scripture Actually Says:

Scripture emphasizes that justification is by faith apart from works. It is through faith in Christ's blood that we are brought near to God, enjoying the fullness of His grace. Our failures do not hinder this access, as Christ's sacrifice has dealt with all obstacles, including sin and the law, which were nailed to the cross (Colossians 2:14). Justification qualifies us for the inheritance of the saints, making us co-heirs with Christ and granting us the right to partake in all that God has promised (Galatians 3:29).

💡Correct Understanding from Scripture:

  1. Justification by Faith: "Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ" (Romans 5:1). This peace is a present reality, not just a future hope.
  2. Access to God: "For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father" (Ephesians 2:18). Our access to God is through faith, not works.
  3. Inheritance with Christ: "And if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ" (Romans 8:17). We share in Christ's inheritance now.
  4. Freedom from Condemnation: "There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus" (Romans 8:1). Our standing before God is secure.
  5. The Blessing of the Spirit: "That we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith" (Galatians 3:14). The Spirit is the blessing of the gospel, given freely to believers.

🧠Implications/Damage of Misunderstanding:

Misunderstanding justification as merely a ticket to heaven can result in a life lacking the joy and peace that comes from understanding our present standing with God. Many use the notion that justification merely secures "heaven later" as an open invitation to introduce various miseries and burdens into the Christian life now. This perspective can bring even believers in eternal security into a works-based mentality for their Christian life, as they are led to attempt to earn what has already been freely given in grace. This results in spiritual exhaustion and a feeling of separation from God.

đŸ©žTrue Grace/Application Brings You to Christ:

Recognizing justification as a means to access God and partake in Christ's inheritance fosters a more profound relationship with Him. It allows believers to live in the freedom and joy of being accepted in the Beloved, experiencing the fullness of God's grace and the power of the Spirit in daily life (Ephesians 1:6).

🛑Final Takeaways:

  1. Justification is about our current access to God and sharing in Christ's inheritance, not just a future hope (Romans 5:1-2).
  2. Our relationship with God is secured by faith in Christ's finished work, not by our efforts or confessions (Ephesians 2:18).

🌳About Discernment:

Discernment is crucial in understanding the true nature of justification. It involves recognizing the difference between a works-based approach and the grace-based reality of our standing in Christ. By rightly dividing the word of truth, believers can avoid the pitfalls of legalism and embrace the freedom that comes from being justified by faith (2 Timothy 2:15).