Dictionary of Theological Terms

19. Justify, justification

Justify, justification – to declare someone right. This was originally a courtroom term – the judge would declare that someone was not guilty. Through faith in Christ, we are justified. We do not need to be afraid of the Last Judgment when Christ returns – we have already been declared to be okay. This is a word-picture to explain part of what salvation is, but salvation involves more than just a pronouncement about the final judgment.