5. Justified
Romans 2:13 For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.
One definition of Justified = made just; “faceo” is the Latin word for “make; “just” is the Latin word for “just;” thus, “make just.” Another definition of Justified = ‘just-if-I’d’-never-sinned. The strict and proper definition of Justify = “declare righteous,” or pass the verdict of innocent or not guilty; but “righteous” is positive and active, while “innocent” is neutral and passive. “Make just” can bear the implication that the substance or character of the person is changed; this is not true, for the corrupt flesh cannot change or be improved. (By the way, self-improvement steps will not change the nature of sinful flesh). The flesh must be crucified; the self must die; the soul must surrender to the spirit.
Therefore, declare righteous, as a verdict with a gavel, is the most helpful understanding of justification; the verdict is final and cannot be appealed. God is the Supreme Court and there is no higher judge. Let it be settled forever in your heart and mind and do not let your soul argue the point: I am righteous! By faith. Period.
Though I am a righteous, perfect, holy saint declared so by God the Eternal Judge I am still at the same time an unrighteous, sinful, unholy sinner. Though I am constantly forgiven both the saint and the sinner in me are struggling to rule. I will not end this spiritual war until my physical death, at which time I will be changed in the twinkling of an eye in the resurrection of the body.
But there is a “rub:” This justification is only for the doers of the law. Now I am plunged into even more despair for I cannot “do” the law. The promise held out is unattainable for me. Only One Person in history has actually done the law and kept God’s Law perfectly: He is the Only One who has earned justification; Jesus earned it for me and gave His doing of the law to me. Wow! Now, by faith, I am a “doer of the law.”Therefore, there is no doubt: God’s promise of justification is for me.