Lloyd Wilkinson finds three distinct judgments in scripture, each with a corresponding justification. First, we are judged by ourselves, or convicted in conscience of our sin. We are delivered from this self-judgment by the justification of our faith in Christ’s work of atonement, giving peace in our hearts. Second, we are judged by others as they evaluate our deeds and actions. Clearly, our works justify us in the judgment of men, who cannot view our faith without our works. Finally we are judged by God. In His sight only the blood of Christ on the cross will justify us, shed once for all our sins and imputing Christ’s holiness to our account.
One final justification encompasses all these others. Titus 3:7 records it: “…that being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” Though we don’t deserve it, God give us faith to justify us in our own hearts. He enables us to do the works that others see, giving Him glory. He sent Christ, His own Son, to shed blood for our sins. So it is that by grace we are saved, and that not of ourselves; it is the gift of God.
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