One day Bible teacher and evangelist R. A. Torrey spoke with a woman who lacked assurance that her sins were forgiven. He told her to read aloud Acts 13:39, “By Him everyone who believes is justified from all things.”
Then Torrey inquired, “Who does God say is justified?”
“Everyone who believes,” she replied.
“Believe on whom?” he asked.
“Believe on Christ,” she said.
“Have you accepted Him as your Savior and Lord?” asked Torrey.
“Yes,” replied the woman.
“Then what does this verse promise?” he prodded.
The doubting woman could not say, “I’m justified from all things.” So Torrey went over that Scripture again and again. At last the simple meaning of the words dawned on her. “Praise God!” she exclaimed. “I’m justified from all things!” She finally experienced the peace that comes from knowing complete forgiveness.
Self-effort, religious ritual, or agonizing prayer cannot take away sin. But when we trust in Christ for salvation, we are justified—declared righteous by God. Then, as we lose our burden of guilt and experience total justification, we will have real peace.
— Henry G. Bosch
All my iniquities on Him were laid—
He nailed them all to the tree;
Jesus the debt of my sin fully paid—
He paid the ransom for me. —Moore
© 1953 Singspiration, Inc.
Justification: Our guilt gone, Christ’s goodness given.