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As we approach the Christmas season, it's natural to reflect on traditions and how they've changed over time. One striking shift is how our culture has moved from frightening Christmas myths to more benevolent ones. Where once children were scared into good behavior with tales of child-stealing demons, we now have the jolly figure of Santa Claus.

This cultural shift mirrors a broader change in how we view human nature. Many modern philosophies teach the inherent goodness of humanity. But is this optimistic view accurate? The Bible paints a very different picture.

Romans 3:10-18 delivers a sobering assessment of human nature. It declares that "None is righteous, no, not one," and goes on to describe the corruption that touches every part of our being – from our throats and tongues to our feet and eyes. This passage makes it clear: we are not born with a clean slate. We are, by nature, unrighteous and corrupted by sin.

This stark reality leads us to a crucial Christian doctrine: justification. But why is this doctrine so necessary? There are three key reasons:

  1. The Nature of Humanity: As Romans 3 shows, all people – regardless of ethnicity or background – are born sinners.

  2. The Nature of God: God is holy and just. He cannot simply overlook our sins or "sweep them under the rug."

  3. The Nature of the Law: God's law, exemplified by the Ten Commandments, doesn't make us clean. Instead, it reveals our filthiness, like a mirror showing us our flaws.

So what exactly is justification? It's defined by Joel Beeke and Paul Smalley as "God's gracious forensic declaration that guilty sinners are forgiven (and thus freed from condemnation) and reckoned as obedient to the law (and thus worthy of eternal life), both on the basis of the finished work of Jesus Christ received by faith alone."

Let's break this down into five key points:

  1. Justification is the work of God: It's not something we do to ourselves, but something God does for us. Romans 4:5 states, "And to the one who does not work but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness."

  2. Justification is a gift of grace: We don't deserve it. Romans 3:23-24 reminds us that "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift."

  3. Justification is a legal verdict: It's a declaration made in heaven's courtroom. When God justifies us, He's not changing our behavior but rendering a verdict about our eternal souls.

  4. Justification was purchased by Jesus: On the cross, Jesus took our sins upon Himself and offers us His righteousness in return. As 2 Corinthians 5:21 beautifully puts it, "For our sake He made Him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God."

  5. Justification is received by faith alone: We don't earn it through good behavior or religious observance. It's received through faith in Jesus Christ.

This doctrine has profound implications for our lives. For those who have put their faith in Christ, it offers assurance of salvation. Our standing before God doesn't depend on our fluctuating efforts or emotions, but on the finished work of Christ.

Justification also gives us a reason for deep humility. We aren't righteous because we've worked hard to clean ourselves up. We're declared righteous because of what Jesus has done for us.

Moreover, this doctrine provides a foundation for unity among believers. At the foot of the cross, we all stand on level ground. We've all needed the same sacrifice to save us, and we've all received the same gift of righteousness through Jesus.

Finally, justification gives us reason for hope, joy, and peace – not based on our circumstances, but on what Christ has accomplished on our behalf.

As we celebrate Christmas, let's remember that the heart of the season isn't about our attempts to be "good enough." It's about God's incredible gift of justification through Jesus Christ. In Him, we who were once filthy with sin have been declared clean.

The hymn writer Fanny Crosby captured this beautifully:

"Oh, perfect redemption, the purchase of blood, To every believer the promise of God; The vilest offender who truly believes, That moment from Jesus a pardon receives."

This Christmas, may we marvel at the gift of justification. May we find assurance in God's declaration of our righteousness. May we cultivate humility as we recognize that our standing before God is entirely due to Christ's work. May we embrace unity with fellow believers who have received the same grace. And may we overflow with hope, joy, and peace, knowing that in Christ, we have been declared clean.

Let's close with the powerful words of another hymn:

"For nothing good have I Where-by Thy grace to claim; I'll wash my garments white In the blood of Calv'ry's Lamb

Jesus paid it all, All to Him I owe; Sin had left a crimson stain, He washed it white as snow"

This Christmas, rejoice in the transforming power of justification. Through faith in Christ, you who were once filthy have been declared clean. This is the true gift of Christmas – one that brings joy, peace, and hope for eternity.