Being on “good terms” with God isn’t something you earn or achieve, but rather a faith you embrace. It’s the concept of “justification” – the idea that God accepts you “just as if I never sinned” and chooses to see you like that every time you take a closer step towards Him.

Embracing this truth can transform every part of your life - giving freedom from the pressures of “doing more” and “working harder” for God’s acceptance. It’s the key to developing a guilt-free, authentic relationship with Him.  Here’s how it breaks down and how you can practically live it out.

Understanding Justification by Faith

Romans 3:24 says, "Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus." Justification means God declares us righteous (in right standing with Him) because of our faith in Jesus. It's not about earning God's favor through our actions but about receiving His grace through faith.

Jesus' work on the cross is the foundation of our justification. In John 19:30, Jesus said, "It is finished." His sacrifice was enough to cover all our sins, and makes us righteous before God. This truth frees us from the exhausting effort to earn, enhance, or erase our sins by our own means.

Recognizing Who We Are

Let's be real: human nature is flawed. Romans 3:23 reminds us, "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." So here’s the hardest truth to swallow: we aren't inherently good or neutral; we're a sinful mess and desperately in need of God's grace. When we mess up, our instincts lead us to want to fix it, hide it, or take care of it all by ourselves, but we must acknowledge our inability to meet God's standards on our own.

Embracing God's Grace

God's promise of salvation is clear in Isaiah 53:11, where it says, "And because of his experience, my righteous servant will make it possible for many to be counted righteous, for he will bear all their sins." This promise has been consistent throughout Scripture, from the Old Testament to the New Testament.

Justification by faith has always been God’s plan. Genesis 15:6 says, "And he (Abraham) believed in the Lord, and He accounted it to him for righteousness." Faith in God’s promise, fulfilled in Jesus, is the means by which we are made right with God.

So how do we take this and move towards living a more courageous life, embracing our righteousness with God?

• Show up with God. Make time each day to pray and read some Scripture. Verses like Ephesians 2:8-9 will remind you, "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast." Take time to write out your thoughts and prayers. This can help you see how God is working in your life and strengthen your trust in His grace.
• Practice humility and repentance. It’s important to regularly confess your sins and acknowledge your need for God’s grace. Romans 3:23 reminds us that we all fall short, but God’s grace is more than enough. Take steps to join a small group where you can gather and grow in your faith and mature in your actions.

• Live differently. Work towards living out a better lifestyle. Let your faith transform your actions. Show grace to others as God has shown grace to you. Practice forgiveness, kindness, and love in your daily interactions. Step up and get involved in the local church. Serving others is a reflection of Christ’s love. Remember, your works don’t earn your salvation, but they are a response to the grace you’ve received.

Justification by faith is a powerful truth that frees you from the burden of self-justification and invites you into a guilt-free, authentic relationship with God. By understanding and embracing this truth, you can experience the fullness of God’s grace and let it transform your life. As you grow your faith in God, embrace humility, and work towards living differently, your life will become a living testimony of God’s incredible love and grace for everyone.