Since the day that sin entered the world man has sought to
justify himself before a Holy God. We see this so clearly today as more 
and more ways of coming to God are being invented. This is leading
farther and farther away from the Scriptures and into the realm of man’s
reasoning. The truth that comes by Jesus Christ is no more a factor when
it comes to salvation and justification. To seek to be justified apart
from Christ is an act of the old man and should be judged as such.
        We see the act of self-justification manifested in Adam as he
attempts to justify his own disobedience. Adam deliberately hearkens
unto the voice of his wife and then attempts to shed all responsibility.
"The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I
did eat." "It’s that woman, it was her fault!" And so he strove to justify 
himself. (Genesis 3: 9-12)
        Cain was the second man who sought to be justified by his own 
reasoning. God called him to account for the slaying of his brother Abel for
his blood cried out to God from the earth. His response was not only a lie, 
but a very weak attempt to justify himself.  "Am I my brother’s
keeper?" (Genesis 4: 8-11)
        We could go on and on with many examples of those who have sought
to be justified in the flesh, but we must face the fact that this will
fail as justification is not achieved by the strength and will of man. We 
in our natural state will never be justified , but must come to the one
who Justifies.
        Many today use a form of blackmail when they seek admittance into
the presence of God . (e.g. If I live a life of outward sinlessness,
repent every day, and keep myself under control; then surely God must be
obligated to save me.) What a lie and fantasy for we are no position nor
ever shall be to bargain with God.
        We find the way of justification in Romans 3: 19-31, but first we
must realize that the playing field is being leveled in chapters 1, 2,
and part of 3. No one can rise and proclaim themselves to be righteous, for 
only God is righteous, holy, and true.

        There is none righteous, no not one: there is none that
understandeth, there are none that seek after God. They are all gone out
of the way, they are together become unprofitable: there is none that
doeth good, no not one. (Romans 3: 10-12)

        This shows forth all of mankind in his Spiritless, unjustified,
and dead condition. Can we turn to the law and be justified?  (Verse 20)
By the deed(or keeping) of the law there shall no flesh be justified in
the sight of God, for by the law came the knowledge of sin.  The law
taught me that I was a sinner, it had no power to cleanse me and set me
free, but could only condemn me.  How am I justified?
        The righteousness of God has been set forth, having been
witnessed by the law and the prophets. This comes forth by the faith of
Jesus Christ which has been set forth for all and has come unto those who 
believe. Christ is our propitiation and can be laid hold of by faith in
the finished work of the cross. We are now redeemed unto God, no more 
children of Satan, but of God. Being now found redeemed we are freely
justified. You cannot add to nor take away from the blood that was shed
on Calvery.  (refer to verses 21-26)
        We now find the righteousness of an Almighty God has been
manifested by one, Jesus Christ, and that He is just and the Justifier 
of those who believe in Him. My past, present, and future sins(if I do
sin) are covered by the blood of Jesus. Being now pardoned(set free) I
need no more to serve the law of sin and death. Where is room for
boasting? for I am now justified by the law of faith.
        There is freedom now to serve God and to please Him in all that I
do. The reason though is because I am justified and there is no more need
for self-justification. I can now die to self and be alive in Christ:
justified, cleansed, and set free.
        Does this mean that I disregard the law because faith has come
forth. Paul’s answer is, "Nay God forbid." We establish the law for it
shows us ourselves and casts us back upon the righteousness of Christ.
        Saints, let us not be caught up in the way of self-justification,
for we have been purchased and bought by the blood of Jesus. The work has
been done , now let us walk in it and serve the King of Glory in newness
of life. Let us pray.


        We thank thee O’Lord for the giving of your Son. That Father we
can come before your throne fully justified and able to worship and have
sweet communion with you. Our prayer is, that this great and wonderful
work will grip our minds, our hearts, and change us into the image of
your Son. Thank thee O God for thy mercy and love in that glorious and
powerful name of your Son, Jesus.        Amen!

                                                          M. H. G.