Justification
Category
Salvation & Redemption
Biblical Definition
God's judicial act of declaring sinners righteous in His sight on the basis of Christ's righteousness and saving work, received by faith.
Origin(s)
Greek: δικαίωσις / δικαιόω
Transliteration
dikaiōsis; dikaioō
Literal meaning
justification, acquittal; to declare righteous
Key Scripture(s)
Romans 3:24-28; Romans 4:5; Romans 5:1,18; Galatians 2:16; Titus 3:7
Theological Significance
Justification answers the question of how guilty sinners can stand before a holy God. It is a legal and covenantal declaration grounded in Christ, distinguishing acceptance with God from the ongoing work of sanctification.
Common Misunderstanding(s)
Justification is not moral self-improvement, nor is it identical with sanctification. Scripture speaks of a right standing granted by God, not earned by works.
Practical Application
Justification frees believers from self-justifying efforts, gives peace with God, and produces grateful obedience rooted in grace.