The Justification of God's Elect

There is a past, present, and future aspect to our justification. The past stretches back to God’s electing purpose when he chose us in Christ (Gal. 3:8; 1 Pet. 1:1, 2; Eph. 1:5). The plan of God for the salvation of sinners includes his purpose to call, justify, and glorify (Rom. 8:30). Christ was chosen before the creation of the world as the Lamb of God, whose precious blood would atone for sin (1 Pet. 1:19, 20). God could withhold punishment for sin in the ages before Christ’s coming because of his justifying purpose in Christ (Rom. 3:25).
God’s purpose was accomplished when Jesus Christ finished his work of obedience and atonement on the cross (Gal. 4:4, 5; 1 Tim. 2:6; Rom. 4:25; 5:9; 6:6, 7; 2 Cor. 5:19; Isa. 53:11).
The present is the moment when the Holy Spirit applies to us the benefits of Christ’s redemption (Col. 1:21, 22; Gal. 2:16; Tit. 3:4–7). The future, for which we are guarded by faith, is the salvation ready to be revealed at the last time (1 Pet. 1:5).At the last judgment God’s justifying verdict will be publicly declared; God’s saints will be vindicated, and God’s judgment will bring them joy and salvation (1 Thess. 5:9; 2 Thess. 1:6–10; Rev. 6:10, 16).
Justification is by faith. Faith is the appropriate response to grace, for it acknowledges complete dependence on God as Saviour. It does not earn a reward, but receives a gift. By its very act of looking to the Lord and not to oneself, it is abandonment; it includes commitment, but commitment in the sense of fleeing for refuge.

Carson, D. (2000, c1992). Right with God : Justification in the Bible and the world. "Published on behalf of the World Evangelical Fellowship." (Page 47). Grand Rapids: Baker Book House.