Galatians 2:16 English Standard Version (ESV) yet we know that a person is not justifiedby works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified.

Hidden within this passage is one salient point that justification comes only by faith in Christ. Even if we obey all the law we will not be justified before God the Father. This is one of the most arguable issues among those who insist on keeping the law. The law is no longer the basis for acquittal.

2 Corinthians 5:14-15 English Standard Version (ESV) For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.

Having died for all is inclusive not only of the law breakers but the law keepers as well. Acquittal in this court is not based on the actions of the accused but rather in the faith that was given to each of us to place that faith in Christ.

As stated yesterday all transgressions were nailed to the cross and justice was served in the court of heaven by the death of His Son Jesus Christ. No one gets to have a relationship with God the Father without accepting that His provision for cancelling our debt, whether to sin or to law, was paid for by Christ’s death.

Justification, a judicial nullification, can only be accepted by placing our faith in Christ.

Galatians 5:3-4 King James Version (KJV) For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law. Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.

This leads us to our next definition word, grace.

Colossians 2:13-14 English Standard Version (ESV)

¹³ And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, ¹⁴ by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross.

Recently I said that I skipped over definitions and ordinances in favor of speaking about the reciprocal force of love. It is a good time to return to ordered lesson plans for disciples. Where should be begin?

Did any of us understand that we were trespassers before we came to Christ? This one falls into the law courts. A legal no trespassing sign states the ordinances upon which the violation is judged.  Those ordinances define the penalty for trespassing. I am reminded of a judge telling a defendant, “Ignorance of the law is no excuse.”

Romans 1:20 English Standard Version (ESV) For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.

Psalm 39:2-4 English Standard Version (ESV) I was mute and silent; I held my peace to no avail,
and my distress grew worse. My heart became hot within me. As I mused, the fire burned; then I spoke with my tongue: “O Lord, make me know my end and what is the measure of my days; let me know how fleeting I am!

All who are chosen will feel that burning you their heart, a longing to know that life is more than food and drink, more than work and position. Something is missing because we have transgressed.

The ordinance defines the penalty for transgression. Death.

What justifies me in this court that God should set aside the verdict, pay my debt and set me free?

Our first definition word shall be justification.