Live 4 The LORD

Understanding Justification and Response

• Justification Defined: Justification is the act by which God removes our sins and makes us righteous through grace . It involves forgiveness of sins, liberation from sin's power, and acceptance into communion with God .
• Primacy of Grace: Justification is initiated by God's grace, a free and undeserved gift . This grace precedes any human action or merit .
• Cooperation: Justification requires a cooperative response from the individual . This response involves faith in Christ, conversion, and cooperation with the Holy Spirit .

Implications for Response

• Initial Grace: God's grace is offered to all, even before justification . This initial grace, often called "actual grace," prompts individuals to seek God and turn away from sin .
• Free Will: Humans have the freedom to accept or reject God's grace . This freedom is essential for a genuine relationship with God .
• Process: Justification is not a one-time event but a process . It begins with God's grace, continues with our cooperation, and culminates in a life of holiness .
• Not Only the Justified: While justification establishes a deeper cooperation between grace and freedom, it does not mean that only those already justified can respond to God's grace . The initial stirrings of faith and the desire for conversion are themselves responses to God's prevenient grace .

Conclusion

Justification establishes a profound cooperation between God's grace and human freedom, but it does not imply that only the justified can respond to God . God's grace is offered to all, prompting a response that can lead to conversion and ultimately to justification . The interplay between grace and freedom is a continuous process, beginning with God's initial call and culminating in a life lived in accordance with His will .