What does justification mean in the context of sovereign grace theology?

In sovereign grace theology, justification is a legal declaration from God that a sinner is accounted as righteous due to faith in Christ. It differs from mere forgiveness as it involves the imputation of Christ’s perfect righteousness to the believer. This belief is rooted in 2 Corinthians 5:21, which explains that Christ became sin for us, allowing us to receive His righteousness. Justification assures believers of their standing before God and anchors their hope in the finished work of Christ, emphasizing grace rather than human effort.