Sunday Jan 25, 2026

'Justified By Grace'

Exhortation By Brother Darren Tappouras

Being justified by grace is the essential process by which a mortal, sinful person is made "right" with God. Because humans are inherently mortal and prone to sin, they cannot earn eternal life through their own effort or "good works."

1. The Meaning of Justification

To be "justified" means to be accounted righteous. This is not a literal change in human nature (which remains prone to sin). God in His mercy, chooses to "wipe away" a person's sinful past and view them as if they were righteous.

2. The Role of Grace

Grace (Charis) is defined as God’s undeserved favor or "free gift." The Problem: Romans 6:23 states that "the wages of sin is death." Since everyone sins, everyone deserves death. The Solution: Grace is God’s initiative to provide a way out of death that we did not earn. It is most perfectly demonstrated through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

3. The Necessity of Faith and Baptism

While grace is a gift, believes must receive it through a specific process outlined in the Bible: Faith: One must believe the "Gospel of the Kingdom" and the things concerning the name of Jesus Christ. This isn't just mental assent, but a deep trust in God’s promises (like the faith of Abraham). Baptism: Teaches that justification is "conferred" at baptism. By being fully immersed in water, a believer identifies with the death and resurrection of Christ. It is at this moment that past sins are forgiven and the believer enters a state of grace (Acts 2:38; Romans 6:3-4).

4. Grace vs. Works Before Justification:

Works are useless for earning salvation. We are justified by grace through faith, not by works of the law (Ephesians 2:8-9). After Justification: Once a person is a "saint" (a baptized believer), works become essential. While works don't earn the gift, they are the evidence of a living faith. Believers at the future Judgment Seat of Christ, will be judged "according to their works" to determine if they have remained faithful to their calling.

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