Justification

We can consider justification from two perspectives. The first is the perspective of Christ's work on the cross where he "obtained" or "accomplished" the benefits of the atonement. The second perspective is the "application" of those benefits to believers by the Holy Spirit. Our justification was "accomplished" (obtained by Christ) at the cross; but it is not "applied" to us until we come to faith. The Cross ensured that we would be justified; the application actually justifies us.