How do we know that justification is real?

Justification is a fundamental doctrine in the Reformed tradition, described as being declared righteous before God through faith. Romans 5:1 states that 'Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.' This means our standing before God is not based on our merit or works, but rather the righteousness of Christ imputed to us. In Titus 3:7, Paul emphasizes that we are justified by grace, reinforcing that it is not through our righteousness but through God’s mercy that we are saved. This underscores the importance of the cross, where Christ bore our sins and satisfied the requirements of justice on behalf of the elect. The assurance that we are justified comes not only from these truths but also from the witness of the Holy Spirit within us, affirming our adoption as sons and the reality of our transformed lives reflecting this justification.