Ordo Salutis Field Manual Lesson 5
Justification & Adoption: The Gavel and the Embrace
“Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” – Romans 5:1
“See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are.” – 1 John 3:1
The soul cries out, “How can I be right with God?”
The world answers: “Be good enough.”
Religion says: “Work harder.”
But the gospel says: “It is finished.”
Justification is the thunderous response of heaven to a sinner’s cry for mercy. It is not probation. It is pardon and position—fully, finally, and forever. And it doesn’t stop at the courtroom. The Judge steps down, tears the record of debt, and calls you son. That’s adoption.
I. Definition: What Are Justification and Adoption?
Justification (Greek: δικαίωσις, dikaiōsis)
A legal declaration by God that a sinner is counted righteous—not by works, but through faith in Christ alone—on the basis of Christ’s imputed righteousness.
It is instantaneous, not progressive.
It is external (objective), not internal (subjective).
It is received by faith, not earned by merit.
Adoption (Greek: υἱοθεσία, huiothesia)
The gracious act of God whereby He makes justified sinners His sons and daughters, granting them all the rights and privileges of full heirs in Christ.
Justification is the gavel.
Adoption is the embrace.
II. Biblical Theology: The Great Exchange and the Family Name
Genesis 15:6 – Abraham “believed the Lord, and He counted it to him as righteousness.”
Romans 3:23–26 – “Justified by His grace… through the redemption in Christ Jesus.”
2 Corinthians 5:21 – “He made Him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.”
Galatians 4:4–7 – “God sent forth His Son… so that we might receive adoption as sons.”
Justification solves the guilt problem.
Adoption solves the alienation problem.
Together, they secure peace with God and intimacy with the Father.
III. Historical Theology: Faithful Voices Through the Ages
Martin Luther: “This is the article by which the church stands or falls.”
John Calvin: “As long as Christ remains outside of us… all that He has suffered and done for the salvation of the human race remains useless and of no value for us.”
Thomas Watson: “In justification, we are not only pardoned but accepted.”
J.I. Packer: “Adoption is the highest privilege that the gospel offers: higher even than justification.”
IV. Counterfeit Doctrines Exposed
✘ Roman Catholicism:
Teaches that justification is infused righteousness, a process involving sacraments and human cooperation.
📖 Refuted by Romans 4:4–5: “To the one who does not work but believes… his faith is counted as righteousness.”
☠ This confuses justification with sanctification and makes grace a wage.
✘ Arminianism:
Often blurs faith into a kind of work or performance, making it a condition God rewards.
📖 Refuted by Ephesians 2:8–9: “Not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”
☠ This shifts the ground of salvation from Christ’s finished work to man’s decision.
✘ Molinism:
Ties justification to God’s foresight of hypothetical belief.
📖 Refuted by Titus 3:5: “He saved us… not because of works done by us in righteousness.”
☠ This treats justification like a calculated probability, not a sovereign decree.
V. Metaphor: The Courtroom and the Crown
Picture it: a guilty criminal stands condemned. The Judge reads the charges. But instead of sentencing, He declares: “Not guilty. Fully righteous.” Why? Because the perfect record of Another has been transferred to his name.
Then the Judge removes His robe, kneels beside the criminal, and says, “Come home, son.”
That’s justification (earned by Christ’s perfect life, his painful death, and his glorious resurrection). That’s adoption (decreed by the Father). That’s grace.
VI. Application: What This Means for You Today
You don’t need to prove yourself.
Justification means your case is closed if you have repented of your sins and believe in Christ’s atonement to save you. God is not waiting for you to measure up. He sees Christ’s record in your place—and this is the only record that matters.You don’t need to live like an orphan.
You are not just not guilty. You are loved. You are part of the family. God is not just your Judge—He is your Father. Your life should reflect this truth. Live for His glory and supremacy in all things.When Satan accuses, point to Christ.
Your defense is not your sincerity. It is your substitute. You will be accused. You will feel undeserving (you are). You will feel like you haven’t done enough (you never could). So, in those moments, remember this definition. Remember this important truth—Justification by faith alone! Christ accomplished every work on the cross that He set out to do. He did not fail in being the perfect sacrificial lamb. If you are In Him, then you will be with Him in paradise.Teach this to your children often.
Tell them: “God doesn’t love you more on your good days. And He won’t cast you off on your worst. He sees you in Jesus.” Catechize them in the truth. We use Truth and Grace Book 1 by Founder’s Ministries. It is so well done! There are others that are great too though.
VII. Discussion Questions
Why must we distinguish between justification and sanctification?
How does adoption change your view of God—not just as Judge, but as Father?
How can you preach justification to your heart when you feel crushed by sin?
Final Word:
You are not on probation. You are pardoned.
You are not tolerated. You are adopted.
And the One who justifies will never cast you out.