justified by faith

January 28, 2009

Daily Office readings, ESV

we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order 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)

To be justified or righteous is not so much a legal standing, or a standing of moral purity, but simply God saying "we're in right relationship," or "you have fulfilled the 'demands' of being rightly related to me." And what is that? What is God looking for? What is God's will?

That we trust him, believe him, stake the whole weight of our existence upon him, his love and faithfulness.

Peace and joy.