This vicarious sacrifice is, then, the only proper mean of our justification; and to this the latter is constantly attributed. We have seen already that the forgiveness of sins is through this sacrifice; and we are now to recollect that justification is not merely forgiveness, but forgiveness consistent with justice,—the acquittal of a guilty sinner by the righteous sentence of a Judge. Now it is only on the ground of this vicarious sacrifice that forgiveness can be righteousness, or pardon justification. If a sinner could be forgiven on other ground, he could not be justified; and as the forgiveness of sin cannot be granted by the righteous God who loveth righteousness, except on such terms as will render it a legal justification, we are forgiven on this ground only.

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