The concept of “justification” as “being counted righteous whether you are or not” is nonsense and characteristic of the false gospel. Some who hold to this make a play on the word “justification” saying that it means “just as if I’d never sinned.”
The Greek word “δικαιωσις” which is usually translated as “justification” comes from “δικαιοω” which comes from “δικαιος.” The word “δικαιος” means “righteous.” Therefore the word “δικαιοω” means "to render righteous. Therefore the word “δικαιωσις” means “righteousification.” But there is no such English word. So it is usually translated as “justification.”
God doesn’t count practising sinners as righteous. When He looks at practising sinners, He is not blinded to their sin, seeing only Christ’s righteousness if they have “accepted Christ as their personal Saviour.” God is not interested in counting evil doers righteous. He is interested in seeing them depart from wrongdoing and become workers of righteousness. That is why He provided the death of His Son for them—to make available His enabling grace so that they may begin to walk in the paths of righteousness.
For the grace of God has appeared for the salvation of all people, training us to renounce impiety and worldly passions, and to live sensible, righteous, and devout lives in the present age, expecting the blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of the great God and of our Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people of his own who are zealous for good works. Declare these things; encourage and reprove with all authority. Let no one disregard you. (Titus 2:11-15)
How do we appropriate this enabling grace? We appropriate it through faith. Salvation is a life-long process which will some day be completed.
I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. (Philippians 1:6)