MEMORY VERSE: ‘Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.’ Romans 5:1.
LESSON AIM: To study what the Bible means by justification and pardon.
‘Pardon and justification are one and the same thing. Through faith, the believer passes from the position of a rebel, a child of sin and Satan, to the position of a loyal subject of Christ Jesus, not because of an inherent goodness, but because Christ receives him as His child by adoption. The sinner receives the forgiveness of his sins, because these sins are borne by his Substitute and Surety. The Lord speaks to His heavenly Father, saying: “This is My child, I reprieve him from the condemnation of death, giving him My life insurance policy, eternal life, because I have taken his place and have suffered for his sins. He is even My beloved son.” Thus man, pardoned, and clothed with the beautiful garments of Christ’s righteousness, stands faultless before God.’ Faith & Works, page 103.
Compiler’s note: If a crime has been committed we are guilty of punishment. In legal terms, such a pardon means that the offender has been released from that which was justly due to him. The one who is considering the crime can declare that he will forgo this obligation to punish and the one who has been found guilty can walk free. This is how it is with God. He can do this because Another has been given to us in love to take that punishment in our place so that we can go free. The people in the Old Testament did not see the Saviour come. They had to accept by faith that such a One would come. We did not see Jesus on the cross either and so we too must accept this pardon by faith. God’s pardoning love to sinners is sometimes called grace, as His intention is that we should not just be set free to go back to do it all over again but to have the tools and the ability to live without falling into sin again. It is described in the Old Testament but is more clearly presented in the New Testament, as God’s plan has been unfolding.
1. What invitation does God extend to the sinner? Isaiah 55:7.
NOTE: ‘Have you wandered far from God? Have you sought to feast upon the fruits of transgression, only to find them turn to ashes upon your lips? And now, your life plans thwarted and your hopes dead, do you sit alone and desolate? That voice which has long been speaking to your heart, but to which you would not listen, comes to you distinct and clear, “Arise ye, and depart; for this is not your rest: because it is polluted, it shall destroy you, even with a sore destruction.” Micah 2:10. Return to your Father’s house. He invites you, saying, “Return unto Me; for I have redeemed thee.” “Come unto Me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David.” Isaiah 44:22; 55:3.’ Prophets & Kings, page 319.
2. Why does God provide pardon for us? Psalm 103:8.
NOTE: ‘The word of God reveals His character. He Himself has declared His infinite love and pity. When Moses prayed, “Show me Thy glory,” the Lord answered, “I will make all My goodness pass before thee.” Exodus 33:18, 19. This is His glory. The Lord passed before Moses, and proclaimed, “The Lord, The Lord God, merciful and gracious, long-suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin.” Exodus 34:6, 7. He is “slow to anger, and of great kindness,” “because He delighteth in mercy.” Jonah 4:2; Micah 7:18.’ Steps to Christ, page 10.