…those he called, he also justified… (Romans 8:30b).

When I use the word justify in the context of my life, it usually means trying to get away with something, like taking a sick day when I’m not really sick, but justifying my actions by calling it a mental health day.

Not that I ever do that.

Ever.

In theological terms, the word justify means to absolve of guilt, to declare someone innocent.  You see, Beloved, you were useless to God when you were in your sin.  Oh, sure, he could use you as a tool, like he used Pharaoh or Pilate or Judas, but that’s not what he’s looking for with you.  You he wants as a partner.  Junior partner, yes, but a willing partner all the same. In order to accomplish this, God needed you to be clean in his sight, free from the effects of sin.  He needed the penalty for your sins to be paid.  Since you couldn’t do that for yourself, he provided a substitute to pay for you.

He provided his son.  But you know that part of the story.

If you have accepted Christ, you are justified, clean in the eyes of God.

Now he can use you.

And he will.