GOD is Both Just and Justifier

What do I do with my guilt? FATHER, I am to be perfect as You are perfect (Matt 5:48)! Since I was born in Your image (Gen 1:26) the deepest desire of my heart is to live with You, but I don’t do the things I know I should do (Rom 7:15). I disappoint and have no ability to clear my own name before You (Rom 3:23). I just can’t always do what I know is right—sometimes I can, but not all the time. And You demand that I be perfect… (Matt 5:48).

But, what I could not do, You did (Isa 52:10). Since You require justice, You, Yourself, must be the justifier (Rom 3:26). And this You did, all on Your own, without any help from me. So, You are both just and the One who brings justice.

Even though I am a sinner (Rom 5:8), You confer—You reckon—You count me as righteous (Rom 4:22). You consider me righteous when I am a sinner. You pronounce sinners righteous! You don’t change me so I am righteous, but You “pronounce” me righteous.

FATHER, You give the free gift of a right standing before You because of what Your Son JESUS did. I am drawn into Your favor because You have accepted the blood of Your Son in His death to soothe Your anger for all my sins—past, present, and future (Rom 3:25).

CHRIST’s dying on the cross does not automatically defuse Your anger toward every sinner. You confer righteousness only upon sinners who support Your way of reconciliation—who believe CHRIST provides the only way to make peace with You— in contrast to believing that any efforts on my part has any power at all for my justification (Rom 3:28).

It is all about You, FATHER, and not about me. I have nothing to boast about. You simply confer on me righteousness when I recognize the amazing actions of JESUS and by faith believe Your way of putting me right with Yourself.

However, this faith that You demand must be a real faith. I cannot just believe what You say in Scripture about JESUS, I must find my interest in Him—connect with Him— communicate with Him to the point of desiring to be blameless in His presence.

FATHER, as I put myself in the presence of CHRIST, I will strive to do good deeds for no other purpose than to honor Him. Forgive me now for all my attempts to bolster my favor in Your sight by trying to impress You.