What is justification and what is sanctification, specifically within a theological context, such as Christian theology? Could you explain the distinctions between them, including how they relate to each other in the process of salvation? Also, please address common misconceptions about either term, and perhaps discuss how different denominations or theological traditions might emphasize one over the other? Are there specific biblical passages that are commonly used to support the understanding of each concept?
Answer
Justification and sanctification are two distinct but related concepts in Christian theology, both dealing with how God saves humanity.
Justification
Justification is God’s act of declaring or making a sinner righteous in His sight. It is a legal declaration, a verdict of "not guilty," based not on any merit or work of the individual, but solely on the righteousness of Jesus Christ, which is imputed (credited) to the believer.
-
Key aspects:
- Legal/Forensic: Justification is primarily a legal term, dealing with a person’s standing before the law of God.
- Imputation: The righteousness of Christ is imputed to the believer, meaning it is credited to their account as if it were their own. Conversely, the believer’s sin is imputed to Christ, meaning He bore the penalty for their sins on the cross.
- External: Justification is an act of God external to the believer. It is a declaration of righteousness, not an internal transformation.
- One-time event: Justification is a once-for-all event. Once a person is justified, they are always justified in God’s sight. It cannot be lost or undone.
- Based on Faith Alone: Justification is received through faith in Jesus Christ, not through works of the law or any other human effort. Faith is the instrument through which the righteousness of Christ is received.
-
Biblical Basis: Romans 3:21-26, Romans 4, Romans 5:1, Galatians 2:16, Philippians 3:9
- Effects:
- Peace with God: Romans 5:1
- Reconciliation: 2 Corinthians 5:18-21
- Adoption as Sons: Galatians 4:4-7
- Access to God’s Grace: Romans 5:2
- Hope of Eternal Life: Titus 3:7
Sanctification
Sanctification is the process by which a believer is progressively made holy, conformed to the image of Christ, and set apart for God’s purposes. It is an ongoing, lifelong process that begins at regeneration (being born again) and continues until death or the return of Christ.
-
Key aspects:
- Transformative/Internal: Sanctification is an internal transformation of the believer, a gradual change in their character and conduct.
- Progressive: Sanctification is a process, not an instantaneous event. Believers grow in holiness over time.
- Inward Renewal: It involves the renewal of the mind, will, and emotions.
- Powered by the Holy Spirit: Sanctification is primarily the work of the Holy Spirit in the believer.
- Cooperative: While the Holy Spirit is the primary agent of sanctification, the believer cooperates by actively pursuing holiness through prayer, Bible study, obedience to God’s commands, and reliance on the Spirit.
-
Biblical Basis: 1 Thessalonians 4:3, 1 Thessalonians 5:23, Hebrews 12:14, Romans 6, Romans 8:29, 2 Corinthians 3:18, Galatians 5:16-26, Ephesians 4:22-24, Philippians 2:12-13
-
Means of Sanctification:
- The Word of God: John 17:17, Ephesians 5:26
- The Holy Spirit: Galatians 5:16, 22-23
- Prayer: 1 Thessalonians 5:17
- Fellowship with Believers: Hebrews 10:24-25
- Self-Discipline: 1 Corinthians 9:24-27
- Trials and Afflictions: Romans 5:3-5, James 1:2-4
- Stages:
- Positional Sanctification: This occurs at the moment of justification when the believer is set apart in Christ. It’s a completed act.
- Progressive Sanctification: The ongoing process of becoming more like Christ throughout life.
- Ultimate Sanctification (Glorification): This occurs at death or the return of Christ when the believer is completely free from sin and perfected in holiness.
Relationship Between Justification and Sanctification:
Justification and sanctification are distinct but inseparable. They are two aspects of the same salvation.
- Justification precedes sanctification: A person must be justified before they can be sanctified. Justification provides the legal basis for sanctification.
- Sanctification is the necessary result of justification: Genuine faith, which justifies, will always produce good works and a desire to live a holy life. Sanctification is the evidence of true justification.
- They are both gifts of God: Both justification and sanctification are ultimately the work of God’s grace.
In summary, justification is God’s declaration that a sinner is righteous in His sight, based on the imputed righteousness of Christ, received through faith. Sanctification is the process by which the believer is progressively transformed into the likeness of Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit, cooperating with God’s grace. They are distinct but inseparable aspects of salvation, both necessary for a full and complete relationship with God.
Pray This Prayer
Heavenly Father,
We come before you today, seeking a deeper understanding of your grace and love. Our hearts yearn to comprehend the mysteries of justification and sanctification, two pillars upon which our salvation rests.
Lord, we know that justification is your act of declaring us righteous in your sight. It is not based on our own merit or works, for we are all sinners, falling short of your glory. Instead, it is a gift, freely given through faith in Jesus Christ. We thank you for this undeserved pardon, for forgiving our past, present, and future sins and covering us with the righteousness of your Son. Help us to truly grasp the magnitude of this gift, and to live in the freedom that comes from knowing we are acquitted and reconciled to you.
But Lord, we also know that justification is only the beginning. We pray for a greater understanding of sanctification, the ongoing process of becoming more like Christ. We recognize that you are at work in our lives, molding us, shaping us, and refining us through the power of the Holy Spirit. Forgive us for the times we resist your transforming hand, clinging to old habits and sinful desires. Grant us the strength and courage to surrender ourselves fully to you, allowing you to purify our hearts, renew our minds, and conform us to your image.
Help us to see sanctification not as a burden or a legalistic requirement, but as a joyous partnership with you, a journey of growth and deepening intimacy. May we embrace the challenges and trials that come our way, knowing that you use them to strengthen our faith and purify our character.
Lord, we pray that you would continue to reveal yourself to us, deepening our understanding of these vital truths. May we live lives that are pleasing to you, reflecting your love and grace to a world in desperate need of hope.
In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
0 Comments