Romans 5:1 says, “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” As I was meditating on this verse, I focused on the words ‘having been’ which is past tense.

This takes us to how God’s word is profitable for doctrine. Justification took place once at salvation. It is not a repeated event. Romans 8:29 says that He uses all things in our lives to conform us to His image.

Verse 30 says, “Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these he also glorified.” 

Verse 33 says, ‘Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies.” We see from these verses that the work is all done at salvation by God. It has nothing to do with us. The Greek word for justified means to acquit or declare righteous. 

Justification is a foundation doctrine that we stand in. Romans 3:24 says, “Being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.” Justified freely at salvation!