The Bible is a book full of important words.  In fact, every word in the original text was put there by God, for all scripture is given by inspiration (2 Timothy 3:16).  The very words that the inspired writers used were chosen by the Spirit of God.  Paul made this clear when he wrote to the saints at Corinth about inspiration.

1 Corinthians 2:13 (ESV)
¹³ And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual.

The Spirit was able to use words from the writer’s own vocabulary to express exactly what God wanted to communicate to us.  We should see, then, the importance of every word in the Bible, and the value of studying words that are found in it.  While our Bibles are translations of the original language, the most popular translations (KJV, NKJV, NAS, ESV, RSV, etc.), do a great job translating the manuscripts that are in the original language.  Of course, using a Bible dictionary, encyclopedia, or lexicon is always a good idea in personal Bible study.  Those resources are readily available today for us to use.

A comforting doctrine in the Bible that can be set forth with just one word is the doctrine of justification. The Greek word for justification is a forensic term meaning “to be pronounced just, or to be acquitted” (Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon).  It refers to being declared not guilty in a court of law.  In our case, it is heaven’s court that we are declared “not guilty,” that is to say, we are justified by God.  That is great news since God is the One to Whom we must give account (Hebrews 4:13).  It is a wonderful blessing to be justified by God.  Never forget, being declared not guilty does not mean that we are innocent.  In truth, we have all sinned (Romans 3:23).  God, however, has forgiven us and covered our sins.  David spoke of the blessing involved in this.

 Psalm 32:1-2 (ESV)
¹ Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven; whose sin is covered. ² Blessed is the man against whom the LORD counts no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit.

The practical outcome is that we stand before God without sin.  Some have made a play on the word justification, saying that it means, “just as if we have never sinned.”  That is a pretty accurate way of thinking about it because after being justified, we appear before God as if we have not sinned.  This is what allows us to enjoy fellowship with Him.  Since God is morally perfect and pure, He can have no fellowship with darkness (1 John 1:5-6).  This is why the sinner cannot pray (John 9:31).  God is too righteous to have any kind of relationship with sin.  Be thankful that He was willing to come up with a scheme that allow Him to justify us and remain just at the same time (Romans 3:21-26).  Make sure you read this passage from Romans before you go to sleep tonight.  It will remind you of the great price it took for you to be declared “not guilty.”

Our justification has not in any way been earned.  It has been imputed to us by faith (Romans 3:28).  Yes, it was an obedient faith that involved our response to the gospel by repenting and being baptized (Acts 2:38), but we in no way deserved it.  Having obeyed the gospel, the righteous requirement of the law, that is, sinless living, is fulfilled in us (Romans 8:4).  What a blessing!  Because of the grace of God, we appear before Him every day just as if we have never sinned.  Now that is a comforting doctrine.

As you wind down for the night, think about these things.