Justification, Forgiven, Accepted (Also Check Out Jim's Illustrations)

When God forgives through the risen, glorified Jesus, He not only forgives, but He justifies. It is impossible for an earthly judge to both forgive and to justify a man. If a man is justified, he does not need to be forgiven. Imagine a man charged with a crime going into court, and, after the evidence is all in, he is pronounced not guilty, and the judge sets him free. Someone says, as he leaves the building, "I want to congratulate you. It was very kind of the judge to forgive you." "Forgive? He did not forgive me; I was justified. There is nothing to forgive. You cannot justify a man if he does a wicked thing, but you can forgive. God not only forgives but He justifies the ungodly, because He links the believer with Christ, and we are made "accepted in the Beloved. --H. A. Ironside

Another Illustration on Acceptance

 

Sermon Outlines for Christian Living By Gene Williams / Beacon Hill Press This book provides sermon outlines for the busy pastor needing a place to start in sermon preparation or additional thoughts to add substance to Sunday's message. While these fully developed outlines are designed to be used in series preaching, most can be adapted for stand-alone sermons. Every sermon outline is directed to the needs of today's congregants - to challenge, isnpire, and motivate to service for Christ and His kingdom.