Abounding Grace: The Law of God and the Resurrection - Raised for Our Justification

We believe that faith in Jesus provides us with imputed (credited) righteousness, what Scripture refers to as justification. Justification is legal terminology and refers to the work of a surety: one who takes responsibility for another’s guilt while allowing that person to benefit from his credit. The gospel teaches that Christ is our Surety, that he assumes our guilt, and allows us to benefit from his righteousness. When God’s law exposes our guilt, calling for condemnation and subsequent judgment, our Surety assumes that guilt and all the legal consequences. When God’s law demands unwavering obedience, our Surety covers us with his record of steadfast obedience. This is the doctrine of justification.

On Easter, we celebrate Jesus’ resurrection because it is essential to our justification. First, it signifies that the death of Christ was undeserved due to his spotless record. While a criminal can and should be held under the punishment of his lawbreaking, a righteous person cannot legally be held. Jesus had to be released. Second, it signals that payment was made for our sin, as Jesus assumed our guilt, submitting to the law’s judgment on our behalf. He is the sacrificial Lamb of God that pays for our sin. Third, it allows for him to appear in the presence of God to apply his blood sacrifice to the mercy seat. Finally, it signals to all who believe that as our Surety, his obedience is credited to us.

The Apostle Paul says, “who was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification,” Romans 4:25. We’ll consider Jesus’ assumption of our guilt on Friday night and our standing in his obedience on Sunday. Join us and invite others to hear the gospel.