Understanding Wrath, Righteousness, and Justification in Simple Terms
The Bible teaches us something extraordinary: through the blood of Jesus, we are justified—declared right before God. This is beautifully explained in Romans 5:9, which says, “Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him!” But what does this mean, and why is it such good news?
God’s Wrath and Love
To understand justification, we need to first understand God’s nature. God is holy—that means He is completely pure, good, and perfect. Because of this, He can’t ignore the presence of evil in the world. Sin is our wrong choices and rejection of God’s ways. It hurts people and ruins lives. It also separates us from living the full and meaningful lives God intended for us. Naturally, God hates sin and the damage it causes.
But here’s the amazing part: humanity has rejected God. We have ignored His love and mocked His mercy (Romans 1:17-19). Despite this, God still loves us deeply. His wrath against sin is real, but so is His mercy, forgiveness, and love. Instead of punishing us for our sins, He placed the punishment on His Son, Jesus. This act is for anyone who turns from sin and puts their trust in Him (Romans 5:9). This is the ultimate act of love.
What Does It Mean to Be Justified?
Something incredible happens when we believe in Jesus and what He has done for us. God declares us righteous in His eyes. This means He no longer sees us as guilty or broken but as blameless and forgiven. Romans 3:22-23 explains that through faith in Jesus, God’s righteousness is transferred to us. We are freed from the guilt, punishment, and power of sin. Isn’t that good news?
Being justified doesn’t depend on us being perfect or doing good works. It’s a gift that comes entirely through faith in Jesus. Abraham is a great example of this. The Bible says that because Abraham believed God’s promises, his faith made him righteous in God’s eyes (Romans 4:3). Similarly, David celebrated the joy of having sins forgiven and covered by God’s grace (Romans 4:7-8).
The Hope We Have
Life isn’t always easy, and we all face challenges. But the good news is that even in times of trouble, we can have confidence and hope. The Bible tells us that trials help us grow—developing patience, refining our character, and strengthening our hope. This hope isn’t wishful thinking. It’s real and solid. It is rooted in the endless love of God, which flows into our hearts through the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:3-5).
This means that no matter what happens, we can trust that God is working everything out for our good. We can remain steady and find peace, knowing we are loved and cared for by Him.
Sharing the Good News
God loves all people and wants everyone to experience His grace and new life. Romans 10:13-15 reminds us that anyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be rescued. But to call on Him, people need to hear the message of salvation. That’s where believers come in. We are called to share this good news with others. We do this not out of judgment but in love.
Unfortunately, the gospel message is often watered down, making it lose its power. As followers of Christ, we can share the truth. God loves His creation and wishes for none to perish. We’ve been gifted grace, not because we deserve it, but because of God’s unfailing love. Let’s share this amazing gift with others!
A Blessing for You
As we reflect on this incredible truth. As you trust Him, the God of hope fill you with joy and peace. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, may you experience abounding hope and rest in His love.
Blessings,
Minister A. Francine Green
afrancinegreen.com 