Lack of clarity and simplicity concerning the idea of justification is largely due to a failure in understanding the forensic nature of the day of the Lord. We are not justified from a theological concept of human depravity into a nebulous theological system of atonement. Rather, we are justified from real sins that have done real damage to a real creation before a real Judge in anticipation of a real day of judgment. That day will not be “like” a law court; it will be a real courtroom, with real charges brought against real transgressions, which have really angered a real King and Judge. -John P Harrigan