It is not necessary that a Christian should be able to point to the
exact time of his conversion. The important question is not, "When were
we converted?" but, "Are we now in a converted state?" that is, "Are we
now penitent and believing?"
_Justification._ All those who have true faith are justified: [Rom.
5:1+, Rom. 4:5] their sins are forgiven, and the righteousness of Christ
is imputed (counted as belonging) to them. [Phil. 3:9] When we believe
in Christ, all that He has done and suffered for us is regarded by God
as if we had done and suffered it ourselves; [II Cor. 5:21, Rom. 8:1+]
for Christ was our substitute. Consequently, those who believe in Christ
are _justified_ for His sake; that is, they are pronounced by God to be
righteous and fit to enter into heaven.
_By Faith Alone._ We are justified and saved by faith alone, without
works. [Rom. 3:28+] We shall enter heaven, not because we deserve to
enter, [Gal. 2:16+] but only because we believe in Christ. Salvation is
a _Gift_: acquired for us by Christ's holy life and innocent death;
bestowed upon us freely by God's grace; and accepted by faith.
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