324. ACT 13:39. JUSTIFICATION
Act_13:39. Justification
"And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses."’97Act_13:39.
A clear acquaintance with the nature of true religion is of the utmost importance. It is important to the true Christian; for in this way only can he have comfortable assurance of his state and safety. It is important to the inquirer after salvation, as in this way he will be able to know the truth as it is in Jesus. And how is this correct knowledge of true religion to be obtained? By a close acquaintance with the word of God. Here, genuine piety is plainly described; the way to heaven clearly drawn out. Now, it is obvious, that genuine religion includes justification, regeneration, adoption, and sanctification. To these essential parts of evangelical religion, we propose to call your serious attention. The first in order is presented to us in the text, which is justification. Notice,
I. What is implied in Justification.
II. What is included in Justification.
III. The Medium, &c. of Justification.
I. What is implied in Justification.
It is implied,
1. That man is chargeable with transgression.
Now, this is true both of the heart and life of man. The imaginations of the heart of man are evil, &c. "The heart is deceitful," &c. See Job’s account, xv. 14. See David’s account, Psa_14:2, &c. See Isaiah’s account, Psa_53:6. See Paul’s account, Rom_3:19-23.
2. The transgression of man exposes him to punishment.
Sin is opposed to God’s holy nature Violation of his holy laws; and therefore exposes to his holy displeasure. Hence, the statements of the Divine word. The soul that sinneth, &c. Though he is merciful, &c., yet he will by no means clear he guilty, &c. "The wages of sin," &c.
II. Then, what is included in Justification?
The term is sometimes interchangeable with pardon or remission of sin. (See text.) It is the opposite of guilt and condemnation.
1. It is to stand free from charge, and as such, free from condemnation, and danger of punishment.
Now, in a court of justice, a man may be justified upon the ground of innocence, when he can vindicate himself, &c. Or,
2. Upon the ground of compensation.
When he has met the demand of the penalty. Now, the sinner cannot be justified in either of these senses. He is guilty. Eternal death is the penalty. That will never be paid, &c. So that we must now pass on.
III. To the Means and Medium of a Sinner’s Justification.
Now, in the text, there is,
1. The negative view given.
We cannot be justified by the law of Moses. Not by the ceremonial law of Moses. See Heb_10:4. Neither by the moral law of Moses.
(1) The moral law demands perfect obedience. No man ever yielded it.
(2) It does not acknowledge repentance. Do, and live; Sin and die. Seizes by the throat, &c.
(3) Its threatening cannot be repealed. Else, what becomes of the moral character of the Lawgiver. His righteousness in giving such a law. His purity in allowing evil. His truth in violating his word. See Rom_3:20; Gal_2:16. Now, observe,
2. The positive means and medium of justification asserted.
"By him," &c. Christ is the meritorious medium of justification. Now, he met all the demands of that law which condemned the sinner.
(1) The law required a holy nature’97a nature which approved of it, loved it, &c. Christ possessed such a nature. Holy, without spot’97the law of God was in his heart.
(2) The law required perfect obedience. He obeyed it both in the spirit and letter. Magnified it, &c. The law embodied, &c.
(3) It required an atonement for man’s guilt. Satisfaction for his crimes. He paid the demands. See Rom_5:8; Eph_1:7; 1Pe_3:18. "For Christ also," &c. The dignity of Christ’s person, and the preciousness of his blood, amply satisfied all the claims of the justice of God.
3. Mark the instrumental medium of justification.
By faith, "all that believe," &c. Now God requires the sinner to comply with his Divine appointments, in obtaining the benefits of Christ’s death. Not works. These, he has not. Faith, a cordial belief and trust in what Christ has effected. Now, the fact of Christ’s death does not alter the truth of my being a sinner. Nor does it make my sin a trifling matter. Nor does it free me from the possibility of being punished; but it opens a way to the favor of God, and makes my salvation possible and easy. Justice addresses me, pay, &c. I appeal to Christ. I lay hold of him. "’Tis just the sentence," &c. Now, did I not rest on Christ, and believe in him, what can I reply to Justice. I am doubly condemned. The law condemns me as a sinner. The gospel as an unbeliever. One for crime; the other for unbelief. Now, you will see I am justified, not for faith, but by it, for Christ’s sake. Observe,
4. The extent of Justification.
(1) Justification from all charges. "From all things," &c. The law made no provision for presumptuous sins. Now, this is the extent. "All manner of sin," &c. However deeply vile. Red, &c. Numerous, aggravated, continued, &c. All blotted out as a cloud.
(2) Justification to all believers. No respect of persons with God. All men guilty; all condemned; all redeemed; all invited; all welcome; and all may believe.
Application
Learn,
1. The great importance of Justification. First great blessing. Basis of all. With out it, Guilty. Wrath of God.
2. The fallacy of eternal Justification.
3. The gracious way of Justification, by faith. God will not justify us in any other way.
4. Does not militate against good works’97good works in their right place. As the fruit, &c.
5. Evidence of Justification. Love to Christ. Peace with God, &c.
Autor: JABEZ BURNS