Justified and Free

Galatians 3:1-3 NIV

You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? Before your very eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified. I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by believing what you heard? Are you so foolish? After beginning by means of the Spirit, are you now trying to finish by means of the flesh?

Galatians 3:10-11 NIV

For all who rely on the works of the law are under a curse, as it is written: “Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.” Clearly no one who relies on the law is justified before God, because “the righteous will live by faith.”

Romans 3:23-24 NIV

for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.

To be justified means we are...

1. in right relationship with God. 
2. forgiven and given a place in God’s family. 
3. being transformed by God’s grace.

Justification makes a way for God's transforming grace.

Because we are justified: 

1. We run to God, not from God, with our sins. 
2. We can be honest with God.
3. We experience transformation.

3 Questions to Ask:

1. Do I measure my closeness to God by how little I’m sinning or by my trust that, to the exact extent the Father loves Jesus, Jesus loves me? 
2. Do I see myself primarily as a saved sinner or a saint who still struggles with sin?
3. Do I read the Bible because "I ought to/should" or because "I can?"