Therefore, my friends, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. Through him everyone who believes is set free from every sin, a justification you were not able to obtain under the law of Moses.
Acts 14:38-39
God’s opinion of our relationship with Himself is what counts. If He judges us “guilty,” we face an eternity in hell, separated from God’s affections and comfort. But if
God judges us “not guilty,” we are welcomed as God’s beloved children who will inherit heaven forever in the fullness of His presence. If we are judged in right-standing with God, this is called justification.
Justification or right-standing with God could not come through the Law of Moses because no one could keep the entirety of the Law. Humanity has failed to live up to the standard of righteousness. But in Jesus “everyone who believes is set free from every sin.” Jesus did what our attempts to keep the Law could not do. We can’t achieve righteousness by keeping God’s rules; however, Jesus is willing to give us His righteousness. Because Jesus took our sins to the cross, we can take His righteousness.
This sounds wonderful. Where do I sign up? This salvation is for “everyone who believes.” We must believe that we are a sinner who has failed to please God. We must also believe that God sent His Son, Jesus, to live a perfect life, to die in our place, to receive our punishment upon Himself, and to rise from the dead. Jesus is our Savior who is able to forgive us of our sins.
To be saved we must believe that Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection are better than our very best efforts to save ourselves.
