What does it mean to be Justified

Justified is another powerful word used in the Bible to describe the forgiveness of our sins and restoration of our relationship with God. my favorite verses in the Bible!

Romans 5:1, "Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ."

If we take the word justified in this verse, and look it up... we are given the Greek word dikaioo, which means, "to render (that is, show or regard as) just or innocent: - free, justify (-ier), be righteous." When a person is justified, it makes them innocent... just as if they have never sinned! That is  is exceedingly great news for us! This is the very reason that we can live a new life in Christ, is because when we have repented of our sins, we are made right with God and have the righteousness of God upon us! Righteousness of God is upon us? That's right! Look at this...

Romans 3:22, "Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe..."

This is often referred to as part of the divine exchange. Christ was punished for our sins, so that we can receive forgiveness, He was given our shame so that we can receive His righteousness.

2 Corinthians 5:21, "For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him."