stephen R Harrison

(Read Philippians 3:9)

The next three days will cover three phases of salvation: justification, sanctification, and glorification. Justification is the act whereby God pronounces a sinner forgiven from sin and righteous because of their faith in Christ. It is Christ’s work through His atoning sacrifice on the cross. Sanctification is how Christians grow and are set apart for holiness in Christ. It is also called discipleship. It is a partnership with God to grow in Christ. Glorification is God’s final removal of sin in a Christian’s life upon death as they enter eternity with Him in heaven.

In Philippians 3:9, Paul said he was “found in Him.”  He used this phrase to mean saved, born again, or justified.  This justification wasn’t through Paul’s works but Jesus’ work on the cross.  Paul said he didn’t have “a righteousness of my own from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ.”  Faith in Christ is the only way to be saved.  We are made righteous – in right standing with God – when we profess faith in Christ.  He makes us righteous at that point. We are regenerated – born again. Obeying the gospel is trusting in Christ for the forgiveness of our sins. He declares us righteous before God, completely forgiven, and no longer liable to eternal punishment for sin.

Justification is God’s response to our faith. Paul said God is the one who justifies us (Romans 3:26) apart from the work of the law (Romans 3:20, 28). Now, since we are justified by faith, we can have “peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1). We are no longer condemned or declared guilty but justified through Jesus’ death and resurrection (Romans 8:33-34). Just as with Abraham, God credited righteousness to us when we believed (Romans 4:3).  

After listing many reasons to justify oneself through fleshly acts, Paul makes it abundantly clear in Philippians 3:9 that his righteousness is through faith in Christ, not himself.  Instead of seeing our self-righteousness and sin, God now sees Christ’s righteousness as belonging to us! We are saved by grace through faith, not by anything we could do (Ephesians 2:8-9). Paul is clear when he says, “We also have believed in Christ Jesus, to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law, no one will be justified” (Galatians 2:16). 

Questions for the Head (Think)

• Are you sure God has declared you not guilty? When were you born again?

Reflection for the Heart (Worship)

• Think about sins you have committed in the past.  How does the doctrine of justification help you deal with guilt, condemnation, or sin on your own?

Action for the Hands (Do)

• Are there sins you believe you need to repay because they are more significant than others you have committed? Read Romans 4:1-5:21 and write down phrases and verses about justification that stand out to you.