Sunday 4th May, 2025
Question 34
What does it mean to be justified?
Answer
Even though we are sinners, God declares us righteous, like Christ is.
Bible Reference
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ
Romans 5:1
Bible Story – The Pharisee and the tax collector
To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable: ‘Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: “God, I thank you that I am not like other people – robbers, evildoers, adulterers – or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.”
‘But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, “God, have mercy on me, a sinner.”
‘I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.’
Luke 18:9-14