Sanctification and justification are two of the most important concepts in Christianity. While they are often used interchangeably, they are distinct in their meaning and implications. Sanctification refers to the process of becoming holy, while justification refers to being declared righteous before God.
In the Bible, sanctification is described as a lifelong process of growth in holiness through the work of the Holy Spirit. It is a gradual process of transformation that involves putting off the old self and putting on the new self in Christ (Ephesians 4:22-24). Justification, on the other hand, is a one-time event that occurs when a person places their faith in Jesus Christ and is declared righteous before God (Romans 3:22-24).
While both sanctification and justification are essential to the Christian life, they serve different purposes. Sanctification is about growing in holiness and becoming more like Christ, while justification is about being made right with God through faith in Jesus Christ. As believers, we are called to pursue both sanctification and justification, trusting in the work of the Holy Spirit to transform us and relying on the finished work of Christ for our salvation.
Justification
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Definition
Justification is the act of God declaring a sinner righteous based on the person’s faith in Jesus Christ. It is a legal term that denotes the acquittal of a person who has been charged with a crime. In the case of justification, the person is acquitted of the charge of sin and declared righteous before God. This declaration is not based on the person’s works or merit but on the righteousness of Jesus Christ.
Biblical Basis
The doctrine of justification is central to the gospel message and is found throughout the Bible. In Romans 3:23-24, Paul writes, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.” This verse highlights the fact that all humans have sinned and are in need of justification, which is freely given by God through Jesus Christ.
In Romans 5:1, Paul writes, “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” This verse emphasizes that justification is received through faith in Jesus Christ and results in peace with God.
Relationship to Salvation
Justification is a vital part of salvation. It is the first step in the process of salvation and is followed by sanctification and glorification. Without justification, there can be no salvation. In Romans 8:30, Paul writes, “Moreover, whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.” This verse shows that justification is a necessary step in the process of salvation.
Other Relevant Entities
- Sin: Justification is the solution to the problem of sin. It is the means by which sinners are made righteous before God.
- God: Justification is an act of God’s grace. It is freely given to those who have faith in Jesus Christ.
- Righteousness: Justification is the act of declaring a sinner righteous based on the righteousness of Jesus Christ.
- Jesus: Justification is made possible through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross.
- Faith: Justification is received through faith in Jesus Christ.
- Works: Justification is not based on works or merit, but on the righteousness of Jesus Christ.
- Forgiven: Justification results in the forgiveness of sins.
- Romans: The doctrine of justification is a central theme in the book of Romans.
- Paul: Paul is the primary author of the New Testament letters that explain the doctrine of justification.
- Bible: The doctrine of justification is found throughout the Bible.
- Cross: Justification is made possible through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross.
- Holiness: Justification is the means by which sinners are made holy before God.
- Gospel: The gospel message includes the doctrine of justification.
- Law: Justification is not based on adherence to the law but on faith in Jesus Christ.
- Grace of God: Justification is an act of God’s grace.
- Scripture: The doctrine of justification is found throughout the Bible.
- Atonement: Justification is made possible through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross.
- Theology: The doctrine of justification is a central part of Christian theology.
- Identity: Justification is the means by which sinners are given a new identity as righteous before God.
- Repentance: Repentance is necessary for receiving justification.
- Belief: Justification is received through faith in Jesus Christ.
Sanctification
Definition
Sanctification is the process of being made holy or set apart for God’s purposes. It involves a continual process of growth and transformation in a believer’s life, as they are conformed to the image of Christ. Sanctification is not a one-time act, but rather a continual process that occurs throughout a believer’s life.
Biblical Basis
The Bible teaches that sanctification is a necessary part of the Christian life. In Romans 6:22, it says, “But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life.” This verse shows that sanctification is a result of being set free from sin and becoming a slave of God.
In Philippians 2:12-13, it says, “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.” This verse shows that sanctification is a process that involves both the believer’s effort and God’s work in them.
Relationship to Salvation
Sanctification is closely related to salvation, but it is not the same thing. Salvation is a one-time act of being forgiven and declared righteous by God through faith in Jesus Christ. Sanctification, on the other hand, is a continual process of growth and transformation in a believer’s life after they have been saved.
In 1 Thessalonians 4:3, it says, “For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality.” This verse shows that sanctification is God’s will for believers, and it involves living a holy and righteous life.
In conclusion, sanctification is the process of being made holy or set apart for God’s purposes. It is a continual process that occurs throughout a believer’s life, and it is closely related to salvation. As believers, we are called to live a holy and righteous life, and sanctification is the process by which we are conformed to the image of Christ.
Comparison
Differences
Sanctification and justification are two terms that are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings and implications. Justification is a legal term that refers to being declared righteous by God. It is a one-time event that occurs at the moment of salvation, when a person places their faith in Jesus Christ and is forgiven of their sins. Sanctification, on the other hand, is a process of growth and transformation that occurs after justification. It involves becoming more like Christ and living a holy life.
Another key difference between justification and sanctification is their relationship to sin. Justification deals with the penalty of sin, while sanctification deals with the power of sin. Justification frees us from the guilt and punishment of sin, while sanctification empowers us to overcome sin and live a life that pleases God.
Relationship to Each Other
While justification and sanctification are distinct, they are also closely related. Justification is the foundation of sanctification, and sanctification is the fruit of justification. Without justification, sanctification is impossible. It is only through the imputed righteousness of Christ that we can be sanctified and made holy.
Furthermore, sanctification is evidence of justification. If a person claims to be justified but does not exhibit the fruit of sanctification, their claim is suspect. James 2:17 says, “Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” In other words, if our faith is genuine, it will produce good works and fruit of the Spirit, which are evidence of our sanctification.
In summary, justification and sanctification are distinct but closely related concepts in Christian theology. Justification deals with the penalty of sin, while sanctification deals with the power of sin. Justification is the foundation of sanctification, and sanctification is evidence of justification. Both are essential aspects of the Christian life, and we should strive to understand and apply them in our daily walk with Christ.
Conclusion
In conclusion, sanctification and justification are two distinct yet interconnected concepts in Christianity. While justification is the act of being declared righteous by God through faith in Jesus Christ, sanctification is the process of becoming more like Christ through the work of the Holy Spirit.
Both justification and sanctification are essential to the Christian faith and cannot be separated. Justification is the starting point of the Christian life, and sanctification is the ongoing process of growth in Christlikeness. As believers, we are called to pursue holiness and to cooperate with the Holy Spirit in the process of sanctification.
It is important to note that sanctification is not a one-time event but a lifelong process. As we grow in our relationship with God, we will experience both successes and failures in our pursuit of holiness. However, we can take comfort in the fact that God is faithful to complete the work He has begun in us (Philippians 1:6).
Ultimately, our goal as Christians should be to glorify God in all that we do, both in our justification and in our sanctification. May we always strive to live a life that honors Him and reflects His love and grace to a world in need.
It is essential to understand the distinctions between justification and sanctification when studying Christian theology. Both concepts are essential characteristics of Christian faith and represent fundamental ideals that inform the overall understanding of the faith.
Justification is the act of God by which He imputes the righteousness of Christ to a person’s account and, in effect, declares them righteous in His sight. Justification is a one-time experience that occurs at the moment of salvation and is based on an individual’s faith in Jesus Christ. It is through faith alone that on can be justified before God. It is only through justification do we receive forgiveness of sins and the removal of impurities from the conscience.
Sanctification on the other hand is a longer-term and ongoing process. It is the process of setting apart believers to live a life of holiness and obedience to God. It begins at the moment of conversion, occurs in stages throughout life, and is completed when the believer returns to God. Sanctification involves our decisions and actions to live for Christ day by day. It involves growing in grace through Bible study and prayer, learning to obey God’s will, and developing Christian character.
Justification and sanctification are both essential components of the Christian faith. Justification is something that only occurs at the moment of conversion and is based purely on our faith in Jesus Christ. Sanctification however is an ongoing process throughout the Christian lifestyle and requires that believers live a life of holiness and obedience to God. Understanding the distinctions between the two is key to gaining a full appreciation of the Christian faith.
