In the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible, “justified” refers to being declared righteous in the sight of God. This occurs through faith in Jesus Christ, as exemplified in Romans 5:1, which states, “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Scripture
21 But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it—
22 the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction:
23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
24 and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,
25 whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins.
26 It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.
Justified Definition in KJV Bible
The concept of justification in the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible embodies the transformative process through which individuals are declared righteous before God, not by their own merits, but by their faith in Jesus Christ. This fundamental doctrine is articulated in Romans 3:28, which asserts, “Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.” Here, the Apostle Paul underscores that adherence to the law alone cannot attain righteousness; instead, it is faith that bridges the chasm caused by sin. This notion reflects the overarching theme of grace interwoven throughout the New Testament, emphasizing that justification is a gift from God, rooted in His mercy and love.
Moreover, justification serves as the cornerstone of Christian identity and relationship with God. In Romans 5:9, Paul elaborates, stating, “Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.” This highlights the assurance and security that comes with being justified, revealing that believers are not only pardoned but are also reconciled with God, freeing them from the impending judgment of sin. This transformative experience is further validated in the lives of the faithful, evidenced as they bear the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) and walk in accordance with God’s will. Ultimately, the doctrine of justification by faith encapsulates the essence of the Gospel, offering hope and a renewed relationship with God through Christ, where believers can find peace, purpose, and a profound sense of belonging.
The theme of justification permeates various passages in the King James Version (KJV) Bible, demonstrating its significance in the believer’s journey of faith. In James 2:24, the writer affirms that “by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.” This verse presents an essential dialogue between faith and action, encouraging believers to manifest their faith through good works. Here, justification is portrayed as not merely a static state of being declared righteous but as a dynamic relationship expressed through one’s actions. This tension between faith and works reinforces the idea that true faith will be evidenced by a transformed life, a continual response to God’s grace that reflects His character.
Additionally, the process of justification is inherently tied to God’s sovereignty and His divine grace. Ephesians 2:8-9 states, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” These verses articulate that justification is entirely a work of God, emphasizing His initiative in the salvation process. The believers’ role is passive in the sense that they cannot earn their righteousness; instead, they must accept the gift of grace through faith. This foundational principle not only reassures believers of their status before God but also fosters humility, as it liberates them from any attempt to achieve righteousness through self-effort. Thus, the doctrine of justification echoes throughout the KJV Bible, inviting believers to trust in God’s redemptive plan while encouraging them to reflect this grace in their lives.
Theological Significance of Justification
In the context of the KJV Bible, justification refers to the act of God declaring a sinner to be righteous on the basis of faith in Jesus Christ. This theological concept emphasizes that justification is not based on human works or merit but is a divine act of grace. It signifies a transformative relationship between the believer and God, where the believer is seen as righteous in the eyes of God, allowing for reconciliation and acceptance into His presence.
Justification as Assurance of Salvation
Justification also carries the broader meaning of assurance of salvation for believers. It provides a foundation for the believer’s confidence in their standing before God. This assurance is rooted in the belief that through faith in Christ, individuals are not only forgiven but also granted eternal life. This aspect of justification encourages believers to live in the light of their new identity, free from the fear of condemnation, and empowered to pursue a life that reflects their faith.
Justification and Ethical Living
Furthermore, justification in the KJV Bible implies a call to ethical living and moral responsibility. While justification is an act of grace, it also invites believers to respond to that grace through righteous living. The understanding that one has been justified leads to a transformation of character and behavior, motivating individuals to embody the principles of love, justice, and mercy as a reflection of their justified status before God. This connection between justification and ethical conduct underscores the holistic nature of salvation in the Christian faith.
How to Pursue Righteousness Through Faith in Christ
Pursuing righteousness through faith in Christ is a deeply personal journey that begins with a sincere heart and a willingness to surrender to God’s will. It’s essential to immerse yourself in Scripture, allowing the Word to transform your mind and guide your actions. As you read passages like Romans 1:17, which reminds us that “the righteous shall live by faith,” let it resonate in your daily life, encouraging you to trust in God’s promises even when circumstances seem daunting. Prayer is your lifeline—engage in honest conversations with God, seeking His guidance and strength to live righteously. Surround yourself with a community of believers who can support and challenge you, helping you to grow in your faith. Remember, righteousness isn’t about perfection; it’s about a heart that seeks to align with Christ’s teachings and reflects His love in every interaction. Embrace the grace that comes from faith, knowing that it’s through Christ’s sacrifice that you are empowered to pursue a life that honors Him.
Bible References to Justification in KJV:
Romans 5:1-11: 1 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
2 Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
3 Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance,
4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope,
5 and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.
6 For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.
7 For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die—
8 but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
9 Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God.
10 For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life.
11 More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.
Galatians 2:15-21: 15 We ourselves are Jews by birth and not Gentile sinners;
16 yet we know that a person is not justified by 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.
17 But if, in our endeavor to be justified in Christ, we too were found to be sinners, is Christ then a servant of sin? Certainly not!
18 For if I rebuild what I tore down, I prove myself to be a transgressor.
19 For through the law I died to the law, so that I might live to God.
20 I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
21 I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose.
Galatians 3:10-14: 10 For all who rely on works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, “Cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the Book of the Law, and do them.”
11 Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for “The righteous shall live by faith.”
3:12 But the law is not of faith, rather “The one who does them shall live by them.”
13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree”—
14 so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith.
Titus 3:4-7: 4 But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared,
5 he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit,
6 whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior,
7 so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
James 2:14-26: 14 What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him?
15 If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food,
16 and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that?
17 So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
18 But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.
19 You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder.
20 Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless?
21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar?
22 You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works;
23 and the Scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness”—and he was called a friend of God.
24 You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone.
25 And in the same way was not also Rahab the prostitute justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way?
26 For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead.
Romans 4:1-8: 1 What then shall we say was gained by Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh?
2 For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God.
3 For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.”
4 Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due.
5 And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness,
6 just as David also speaks of the blessing of the one to whom God counts righteousness apart from works:
7 “Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven,
and whose sins are covered;
8 blessed is the man against whom the Lord will not count his sin.”
Romans 8:28-30: 28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.
30 And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.
1 Corinthians 6:9-11: 9 Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality,
10 nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.
11 And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.
Philippians 3:8-11: 8 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.
9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith—
10 that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,
11 that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.