“But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference” – Romans 3:21-22
This is not righteousness earned by law, but righteousness given by love. Paul uses a legal term—justification—to describe it. It’s not just that our charges are dropped, but that we’re declared righteous in God’s sight, clothed in Christ’s own purity. As Isaiah 53 and 1 Peter 2 remind us, this was accomplished by Jesus bearing our guilt, taking our wounds, and offering healing in His place.
Many have defined justification simply as “just as if I’d never sinned.” That’s true—but it’s not the whole truth. It’s also “just as if I’d always obeyed.” God doesn’t just acquit; He adopts. We’re not merely forgiven—we’re given sonship. Think of the prodigal son in Luke 15: broken, ashamed, returning home just hoping to be hired. But his father runs to meet him, robes him in honor, and restores him completely. That’s justification—pardon and promotion, forgiveness and full approval. Not because the son had earned it, but because love had been waiting for the moment he “came to himself.”
So here’s the invitation: Stop striving to be good enough. You can’t be. The law was never meant to save—it was meant to point you to grace. Salvation is through faith in Jesus, not effort, heritage, or performance. Let that truth settle deep today. If you’re trudging home, unsure of what God thinks of you, picture the Father running, arms wide, joy overflowing. He doesn’t meet you with a list—He meets you with a robe, a ring, and a feast. That’s justification—and that’s the foundation of living in victory.
surrendered devotions 