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Gold Tried in the Fire - Robert J. Wieland

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for a moment <strong>the</strong> <strong>the</strong>ologians' terms, it is both<br />

forensic and effective, both legal and practical. It is<br />

not produced by any act or work of our own. "God<br />

shows that he himself is righteous and that he puts<br />

right [justifies] everyone who believes <strong>in</strong> Jesus."<br />

Romans 3:26, TEV. Justification is a "free gift<br />

[that] came upon all men" by <strong>the</strong> sacrifice of one,<br />

that is, Christ." Romans 5:18. We are "justified<br />

freely by his grace through <strong>the</strong> redemption that is<br />

<strong>in</strong> Christ Jesus." Romans 3:24 (Emphasis<br />

supplied). He even "justifieth <strong>the</strong> ungodly" Romans<br />

4:5 and He accomplishes this mighty feat "through<br />

his blood." Ephesians 1:7. It is a delicious<br />

experience to know <strong>in</strong> your <strong>in</strong>most soul that "if<br />

God is for us, who can be aga<strong>in</strong>st us? ... Who will<br />

accuse God's chosen people? God himself declares<br />

<strong>the</strong>m not guilty [justifies <strong>the</strong>m]!" Romans 8:31, 33,<br />

TEV.<br />

What Justification Meant <strong>in</strong> Bible Times<br />

If we don't let <strong>the</strong>ologians and commentators<br />

confuse us with difficult terms, Scripture alone will<br />

<strong>in</strong>terpret Scripture so we can understand it easily.<br />

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