A Biblical Analysis Of Justification And Sanctification.

INTRODUCTION

Justification and sanctification are two essential doctrines in Christian theology, both central to the believer’s salvation. While they are distinct, they are inseparable in the life of a Christian. Understanding the difference between them is crucial for a proper grasp of your salvation and Christian living.

1. JUSTIFICATION

• What it means: Being declared righteous by God.
• When it happens: The moment someone believes in Jesus Christ (it’s instant).
• Who does it: God.
• Basis: Christ’s work on the cross—His death and resurrection.
• Key Verses:

Romans 3:24 (NLT) “Yet God, in his grace, freely makes us right in His sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when He freed us from the penalty for our sins.”

Romans 5:1 (NLT) “Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us.”

Galatians 2:16 (NLT) “Yet we know that a person is made right with God by faith in Jesus Christ, not by obeying the law. And we have believed in Christ Jesus, so that we might be made right with God because of our faith in Christ, not because we have obeyed the law. For no one will ever be made right with God by obeying the law.”

• Result: Your legal standing before God changes—you’re no longer guilty but seen as righteous.

2. SANCTIFICATION

• What it means: Being made holy—a process of becoming more like Christ.
• When it happens: Throughout a believer’s life (it’s ongoing).
• Who does it: God and the believer working together.
• Basis: The Holy Spirit working in you, through obedience and spiritual growth.
• Key Verses:

1 Thessalonians 4:3 (NLT) “For this is the will of God, even your sanctification.”

2 Corinthians 3:18 (NLT) “But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.”

Hebrews 12:14 (NLT) “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.”

• Result: Your actual life and behavior are transformed to reflect Christ more and more.

CONCLUSION

• Justification = A new status before God “I am forgiven and accepted.”
• Sanctification = A new life in God “I am being changed and purified.”

Justification is God’s work for us; Sanctification is God’s work in us. May we rest in the finished work of Christ for our justification and labor in the Spirit’s power for our sanctification.

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