Justification
Romans 3:23-24 (KJV)
Rom. 3:23-24 (KJV) For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; [24] Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:
Rom. 3:23: Jesus only came to save sinners (1 Timothy 1:15). Unless people acknowledge that they are sinners, they cannot be saved. Romans 4:5 says that God justifies the ungodly. Therefore, until people admit they are ungodly, they cannot be saved.
A common mistake that people make is comparing themselves with other people (2 Corinthians 10:12). Nearly everyone has heard, "If the hypocrites down there at church make it, then I'll make it." The only thing wrong with that thinking is that the hypocrites down there at church aren't God's "measuring stick." Everyone is going to be compared to Jesus, the glory of God, and therefore everyone will come up short. We all need a savior.
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Rom. 3:24: Justification is not something to be earned but a gift to be received. Seeking to earn salvation is the only sin that will prevent people from being saved, because they cannot submit themselves to the righteousness of God, which comes as a gift through faith, as long as they are seeking to establish their own righteousness (Romans 10:3).
Grace is God's ability given to us on an unearned, undeserved basis. However, this grace comes through the redemption that Jesus provided. Therefore, there can be no grace in our lives apart from faith in Jesus. Romans 5:2 says, "By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God."
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