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Abundant Life in the Son: A Study of Salvation

Extent of Justification

In Chapter 1, we evaluated the Scriptures that dealt with the extent
of the atonement and concluded that it was unlimited. However, when
we consider the extent of justification, we find that there is a difference.
Justification is limited to those who receive Christ. Each person must
accept the work of Christ (Revelation 3:20). We can say that the provision
of justification is unlimited, but the application of it is limited to those
who will take advantage of that provision.

There was a young man who was convicted of a serious crime and
condemned to die. His mother pleaded with the governor of the state
to intervene and grant her son a pardon. After considering the case
carefully, the governor responded by granting a pardon. The warden
of the prison received the pardon and quickly went to the cellblock to
inform the young man. However, the rebellious prisoner refused to see
anyone, including the warden—even though the warden tried repeatedly.

Therefore, the young man was scheduled for execution. On the way
to the death chamber, he was informed that the warden had tried to
see him to offer the governor’s pardon. Only then, when it was too
late, did he realize the awfulness of his situation; he would die even
though he might have been free had he accepted the pardon. Likewise,
in justification all who will accept the offer by believing in what Christ
has done for them may be freely justified.

The Means of Justification
As we have seen, since neither good works nor the Law justifies a
person, what people need is the righteousness of God. The righteousness
of God is a gift that is freely offered (Romans 3:24), but this gift must
be accepted. How is the gift of righteousness accepted, and what is the
means of justification?

• “A man is justified by faith apart from observing the law”
(Romans 3:28).
• “Righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to
all who believe” (Romans 3:22).
• “Therefore…we have been justified through faith” (Romans 5:1).
• “Noah…became heir of the righteousness that comes by faith”
(Hebrews 11:7).

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