A Costly Gift

Justification is a gift (Romans 3:24). By definition, a gift comes without cost to its recipient. In this case, it comes at tremendous cost to the Giver. The price of the believer's justification is described in Romans 5:9. We are justified "by his blood," that is, the blood of Christ.

The very magnitude of the cost reveals the utter vanity of any delusion that our redemption could be a cooperative effort between God and us. It is either accomplished entirely by Him or would remain undone. The precious expense paid by our Lord should not be dishonored by hopeless attempts to procure salvation through other means. If one escapes judgement, it is only in Christ. No feeble human effort by the sinner can augment the perfect work Jesus completed at the cross for the eternal life of those who come to Him. No alternate religious path, however devoutly or earnestly pursued, that avoids the provision by Jesus Christ at the cross, can gain salvation.

And the cost of our redemption also confirms the futility of any demand upon the eternal Judge of all men for forgiveness that is not based on Christ's substitutionary atonement. God is merciful, but He is merciful on His terms. This is why the gift of justification is essential.