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Scripture testifies of a five-fold justification. This distinction is important when examining the question, "When is a child of God justified?" The five steps of a believer's justification are listed in the chart below.

THE FIVE-FOLD JUSTIFICATI0N OF GOD'S PEOPLE

PRECEDES

FAITH

Collective Justification

1. From Eternity in the electing decree of God

Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began.

- II Timothy 1:9

2. In theResurrection of Christ

Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.

- Romans 4:25

ACCOMPANIES

FAITH

Personal Justification

3. In theMoment of Regeneration

And you hath He quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;

Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved).

- Ephesians 2:1,5

4. In theTribunal of One's Conscience

But ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God.

- Romans 8: 15b-16

FOLLOWS

FAITH

Public Justification

5. On the Final Judgement Day

Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love His appearing.

- II Timothy 4:8


What rich security and comfort is missed by those who deny the truth that God's justification is from eternity?

Justification from eternity refers to God's electing decree from the Council of Peace in which the Triune God agreed to elect and save His Church on the basis of Christ's merits. All the saved are included in this eternal decree.

All true believers, God's entire Church, are also included in the resurrection of Christ, the Church's Victory Day. On Easter morning, God confirmed that Jesus had paid the full price for sin and earned a legal title to eternal life for all His elect. As Church and Covenant Head, all His people were included with Him.

These first two steps of justification refer to the elect sinner' justification in the thoughts and works of God. They are collective and objective -they include all the elect, without their person knowledge. Each one of God's children is an elect soul in God's


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