Justified by Christ Freely and Fully

“Wherefore, the law is holy, and the commandment holy

and just and good.”

(Romans 7:12)

The law here is the body of law, most particularly the law of Moses. The commandment means each law in particular. The phrase ‘holy, just and good’ describes law and commandment which describe the character of God. What is holy opposes all that is sinful and approved by God. Just describes demands that are consistent with God and perfect obedience. Everything else is a trespass. As sinful creatures, mankind is due the justice of God. Raw justice without Grace is punishment and condemnation. 'Good’ promotes order and happiness as seen in each of the Ten Commandments. The three may refer to the three divisions of the law: ceremonial, judicial, moral. These three qualities are so because their Author is God, they reveal the character and will of God and they are impartial without regard to any external concerns. Their result is to condemn violations or violators but also justify those who keep them. However, no man can keep them; therefore he must have a Justifier.

Justification by righteousness imputed does not degrade God’s law. Righteousness is obedience to the law. Righteousness was earned by Christ’s perfect obedience to the law. Righteousness was established (caused to stand up, which had never happened previously) in that God accepted it. Righteousness was imputed by Grace alone, without regard to external considerations: race, social standing, economic levels, intelligence or education, etc. Righteousness was imputed to all the elect at the same time and place, at the cross, so there can be no boasting on our part before God or His law.