Read Romans 3:21-26

“…being justified freely…” (Romans 3:24)

The good news continues in the most profound way. Having already learned that we are declared right with God continually, we next learn that this great justification is free! We are being justified freely.

Imagine that! There is no cost to you for this legal transaction in the heavens! You are being declared right with God without charge! As soon as you put your faith in Jesus, all of His righteousness has been transferred and imputed into your account. You have literally become the righteousness of God in Christ.

“For [God] made [Christ] who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” (2 Corinthians 5:21)

What wonderful news! And yet, it is this part of the doctrine of justification that we tend to have the hardest time with. Free? Truly free?

The word free is bounced around in our culture like a ping-pong ball but no one ever means it. There's always a hidden fee, an upfront cost, an expiration or a handling cost of sorts. Unfortunately, the word free usually means it cost us more than we bargained for. Humanity has abused the word and it been raised up like a worn out flag that has lost its true colors.

But this is not true with God! God is not charging a lick. There are no fees, payments, interest charges or penalties. Justification by faith is just simply free to those who want to be made right with God. In fact, more often than not, it is called a free gift of God. (see Romans 5:15-16; John 3:16)

“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8–9)

Dear church, there is no penance you need to perform. There is no shaming you need to experience. There is no fine print or agreement to be prepared for. There is no initiation, written test or application process you must pass. Being declared right with God does not cost you anything! And it never will!

When sin knocks on your door and you give in, even that does not change God’s declaration over you. The position of your righteousness in Christ cannot be altered by human works or human faults. If it were, then it would no longer be free, would it? No, but His grace abounds over sin, and our justification in His name remains like a firm foundation.

Therefore, Beloved, remember today that you are justified for free. God loves you dearly! He finds no pleasure in your misery or self inflicted shaming. The greatest life you can live for Him is to trust the free gift He has given you, which thereby, you may live in victory over those sins which so easily ensnare you. But all of this must begin with the realization that your righteousness in Him is truly, eternally, and immutably free.

“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)

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