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I. WHAT IS JUSTIFICATION? It consists —

1. In the pardon of all our sins (Romans 4:6, 7). God, in justifying His people against the imputations of the world, doth bring forth their righteousness as the noon-day; but in justifying them against the accusations brought before His own tribunal, doth not vindicate our innocency, but show His own mercy in a free discharge of all our sins.

2. In accepting us as righteous in Christ, who died for our sins to reconcile us unto God; and therefore sometimes He is said to be "made righteousness to us" (1 Corinthians 1:30), and we are said to be "made the righteousness of God in Him" (2 Corinthians 5:21).

II. HOW MANY WAYS DOTH GOD JUSTIFY? By way of —

1. Constitution, i.e., by his gospel-grant, or the new covenant in the blood of Christ, by which we know whom, and upon what terms, God will pardon and justify — namely, all such as repent and believe the gospel. We may know the true way of justification by its opposition to the false way (Acts 13:38, 39).

2. Estimation, whereby God doth account them righteous who fulfil the terms of the gospel, and actually convey to them the fruits of Christ's death (1 Corinthians 6:11).

3. Sentence. This is in part done here, when God interpreteth our righteousness and sincerity (Job 33:23, 24); but more solemnly at the last day (Acts 3:10; Matthew 12:36, 37).

4. Execution. This is in part done here, as God taketh off the penalties and fruits of sin, and giveth us many blessings as the pledge of His love, and above all, the gift of the Holy Spirit, whereby He sanctifieth us. But more fully at the last day, when we enter into everlasting glory (Matthew 25:46).

III. HOW IT CAN STAND WITH THE WISDOM, JUSTICES AND HOLINESS OF GOD, TO JUSTIFY A SINNER. It is a great crime to take the unrighteous to be righteous, and against the word of God (Proverbs 24:24; Proverbs 17:15).

1. Christ's ransom maketh it reconcilable with God's justice, and the honour of His law and government (Job 33:24; Romans 3:25). There is full satisfaction given to God's wronged justice.

2. His covenant reconcileth it with His wisdom. God is not mistaken in judging us righteous when we are not; for we are constituted righteous, and then deemed and pronounced so (Romans 5:19).

3. Conversion reconcileth it with His holiness; for a sinner as a sinner is not justified, but a penitent believer.

IV. WHY NO CHARGE OR ACCUSATION CAN LIE AGAINST THEM WHOM GOD JUSTIFIETH.

1. Because God is the supreme law-giver, to appoint the terms and conditions upon which we shall be justified, and when He hath stated them, and declared His will, who shall reverse it or rebuke it? (Hebrews 6:17, 18).

2. Because the promise of justification is built upon Christ's everlasting merit and satisfaction, and therefore it will hold good for ever (Hebrews 10:14).

3. Because it is conveyed by the solemnity of a covenant (1 John 1:9; 2 Timothy 4:8).

4. When we believe, God, as the supreme judge, actually determineth our right, so that a believer is rectus in curia, hath his quietus est. (Romans 5:1). And, then, who can lay anything to our charge to reverse God's grant?

5. The Lord, as the sovereign disposer of man's felicity, doth many times uncontrollably give us the comfort of it in our own consciences (Job 34:29). None can obstruct the peace which He giveth.

(T. Manton, D.D.)

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KJV: Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth.

WEB: Who could bring a charge against God's chosen ones? It is God who justifies.