What does justification free believers from?

Justification is a theological concept that primarily refers to the act by which God declares a sinner to be righteous on the basis of faith in Jesus Christ. This declaration frees believers from several significant burdens. The correct answer emphasizes that justification liberates individuals from guilt and judgment. When a person is justified, their sins are forgiven, and they are no longer subject to the eternal consequences of sin, which is judgment. Additionally, believers receive the merit of Christ, meaning that they are viewed as righteous due to Christ's redemptive work, not because of their own deeds.

This understanding is crucial within Christian doctrine as it highlights the grace extended to believers and the transformative power of faith in Christ. The merit of Christ refers to His righteousness being imputed to believers, which establishes a right standing before God.

In contrast, the other options address different aspects of the Christian experience or challenges faced by believers but don't directly relate to the theological essence of justification as articulated in Christian teachings. Sin and temptation, while they are realities in a believer's life, are not what justification specifically frees one from. Loneliness and despair, as well as physical suffering, are part of the human experience and addressed differently within the Christian worldview, often through community, hope, and the promise