Justification is the act of God by which he declares sinners righteous in his sight. Justification is not based on one’s works, efforts, or merits, but on God’s grace and mercy, on the merits of Christ’s death and resurrection, and on the power of the Holy Spirit. “He saved us, not because of any righteous deeds we had done, but because of his mercy, through the bath of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he richly poured out on us through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that we might be justified by his grace and become heirs in hope of eternal life.” (Tit. 3:5-7).

Justification is a gift of God that can only be received by faith in Jesus Christ. “All are justified freely by the grace of God through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.” (Rom. 3:24). Justification is the work of the Holy Spirit. While justification is often associated with the atoning sacrifice of Christ, the work of the Holy Spirit is indispensable in bringing about this divine declaration of righteousness.

It is the Holy Spirit who applies the benefits of Christ’s work to us. You have been washed, sanctified, and justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. (I Cor. 6:11). It is also the Holy Spirit who convicts hearts of sin, leading individuals to repentance and faith in Christ (Jn. 16:8). Moreover, he unites us to Christ and makes us part of Christ’s body, the Church. He seals us as God’s children and guarantees our inheritance. He also sanctifies us and makes us more like Christ in our thoughts, words, and deeds. The Holy Spirit also testifies to us that we are justified and adopted as God’s children. The Holy Spirit also sanctifies believers, making them more like Christ and empowering them to live a holy life.

Justification has many benefits for believers, both in this life and in the life to come. Some of the benefits are: 1. Peace with God: Justification removes the enmity and hostility between God and sinners, and establishes a relationship of love and friendship. (Rom. 5:1). 2. Forgiveness of sins: Justification cancels the debt and penalty of sin, and cleanses the conscience from guilt and shame. (Rom. 4:7-8). 3. Access to God: Justification grants believers the privilege of approaching God with confidence and boldness, and receiving his grace and help. (Heb. 4:16). 4. Assurance of salvation: Justification assures us that we are secure in God’s hand, and that nothing can separate them from his love. (Rom. 8:31-39). 5. Glorification: Justification guarantees believers that they will be conformed to the image of Christ, and share in his glory and inheritance. (Rom. 8:29-30).

Let us pray. O Holy Spirit, I come before you with a heart filled with gratitude and awe for the gift of justification that you have bestowed upon me through the merits of Jesus Christ. Your mercy and grace have cleansed me from my sins and brought me into the light of redemption. Thank you, Holy Spirit, for the work you have done in my life, for the transformation you have brought about in my heart. It is by your power that I am justified before the Father and made righteous through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. I acknowledge my dependence on you, for it is through you that I have been guided to the truth. As I journey through life, I ask for your guidance and strength, so that I may walk in the path of righteousness and fulfill the purpose for which I have been created. May your presence dwell within me always, illuminating my mind, strengthening my spirit, and guiding my step. Amen.