Almighty God Declares Sinners Righteous The Doctrine of Justification

Zechariah’s final visions point to God’s judgment of sin. Joshua’s crowning foreshadows Christ’s role as both priest and king.

Zechariah 6:12 says, “Here is the man whose name is the Branch, and he will branch out from his place and build the temple of the Lord.” The symbolism points to Messiah. Isaiah 4:2 describes the “Branch of the Lord” as beautiful and glorious. Isaiah 11:10 speaks of the “Root of Jesse,” who would provide a glorious resting place for peoples and nations. This refers to the physical lineage and spiritual blessing of Messiah. Jeremiah 23:5 prophesies that a “righteous Branch,” a King who would reign wisely, would be raised up for David. Zechariah 3:8 speaks of God’s “servant, the Branch.”

Jesus serves as our great High Priest, our intercessor, who makes a way for us—sinners—to be right with God. Hebrews 7:24-25 tells us Jesus can save completely those who come to God through Him because He always lives to intercede for them. Hebrews 9:11-12 describes Christ as the High Priest who purchased our eternal redemption with His own blood. Hebrews 10:12 tells us that after Jesus offered His one sacrifice, He sat down at God’s right hand, where Romans 8:34 says He is interceding for us now.

Jesus, our King, will reign without rival in eternity and rightfully deserves to reign over our lives today. Matthew 25:31 tells us that when the Son of Man returns in glory with His angels, He will sit on His glorious throne. Ephesians 1:20-22 describes Jesus’s kingly power and authority in this age and the age to come; God has appointed Him as head over everything. Philippians 2:9-11 reveals that God has exalted Jesus to the highest place, with a name above every name. Before Him every knee will bow. Revelation 1:5 describes Jesus as the ruler of the kings of earth—He is the King of all kings

Jesus describes justification, being made righteous before God, primarily through parables and his interactions with sinners, emphasizing faith, humility, and divine grace over self-righteous works. Key examples include the parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector (Luke 18:9-14) and the story of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32). 

• The Pharisee and the Tax Collector (Luke 18:9-14): Jesus directly teaches that the tax collector, who humbled himself and asked for mercy, went home justified, while the proud Pharisee did not.
• The Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32): The Father (representing God) clothes the repentant sinner in "the best robe," signifying the covering of sin with righteousness.
• Welcoming Sinners (Mark 2:17): Jesus states he came for sinners, not the righteous, highlighting that justification is for those who recognize their need for a Savior.
• The "Great Exchange" (Matt 20:28): Jesus explains that his life is a ransom for many, setting the stage for his righteousness to be imputed to believers. 

Justification is characterized as a "free gift" from God, received by faith rather than through obedience to the law. 

• When I do not believe in justification through Christ’s sacrifice, I carry the guilt of my sin and await God’s judgment. Nothing I do can ever satisfy God’s standards. I ignore the greatest gift ever offered. I live like a pharisee or a prodigal son.
• When I believe I am justified before God by Christ’s atoning sacrifice, I experience freedom from sin’s bondage. When God looks at me, He does not see my failings but instead credits Christ’s perfection to me. Filled with gratitude, I desire to know and please God, recognizing the wonder of Christ’s gift of salvation. I agree with God that I need mercy and he gives me faith. 

What helps you appreciate your status before God because of Christ’s sacrifice?