Justification or Sanctification? Understanding God’s Saving and Transforming Grace
Justification & Sanctification
What Are Justification and Sanctification?
Many Christians struggle to understand the difference between justification and sanctification. Both are central to the gospel, yet they describe different aspects of God’s work in a believer's life.
In short:
Justification is God declaring us righteous.
Sanctification is God making us righteous in character.
Let’s explore these in depth.
COMMENTS:
A good way to think of the differences: Justification is when you first believed in Jesus Christ your Savior and became saved through His Grace. Sanctification is the Lord loves you too much to leave you in your sinful self and He transforms your character over your lifetime to reflect His.
Remember, by Beholding Him will allow Him to transform your life thru the process of Sanctification.
1. Definition of Justification
Justification is the legal declaration by God that a sinner is righteous, based on faith in Jesus Christ. It is instantaneous, not a process.
Supporting Bible Verses:
Romans 5:1 – “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Romans 3:24 – “…and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”
Galatians 2:16 – “A person is not justified by the works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ…”
Key Features:
Instant and complete
Based on Christ’s righteousness, not ours
A change in status before God (from guilty to righteous)
Happens once at the moment of salvation
2. Definition of Sanctification
Sanctification is the ongoing process of becoming more like Christ. It involves spiritual growth, obedience, and the transforming work of the Holy Spirit.
Supporting Bible Verses:
1 Thessalonians 4:3 – “For this is the will of God, your sanctification…”
2 Corinthians 3:18 – “…we are being transformed into his image from one degree of glory to another.”
John 17:17 – “Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.”
Philippians 2:12-13 – “Work out your salvation… for it is God who works in you…”
Key Features:
Ongoing and progressive
Affects our character and behavior
Involves our cooperation with the Holy Spirit
Not complete until glorification (in heaven)
3. Comparison Chart: Justification vs. Sanctification
Definition of Justification from the Bible:
Romans 5:1 - “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Romans 3:24 - “…being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.” (NKJV)
Romans 3:28 - “For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law.”
Galatians 2:16 - “A person is not justified by the words of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ…”
Titus 3:7 - “…so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.”
Philippians 3:9 - “…not having a righteousness of my own…but that which is through faith in Christ….”
Definition of Sanctification from the Bible:
1 Thessalonians 4:3 - “For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality.”
John 17:17 - “Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.”
Hebrews 10:14 - “For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified.”
2 Corinthians 3:18 - “…being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another…”
Romans 6:19 - “…so now present your members as slaves to righteousness leading to sanctification.”
Philippians 2:12-13 - “…work out your own salvation...for it is God who works in you…”
1 Corinthians 6:11 - “But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ…”
4. Do Justification and Sanctification Ever Overlap?
Yes - but they are not the same.
They both happen after salvation.
Both are rooted in grace and made possible by Jesus’ sacrifice.
Sanctification flows out of justification. Once declared righteous, the believer begins the journey of becoming righteous in practice.
Romans 6:22 – “But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life.”
5. Why Does This Matter?
Understanding the difference helps:
Prevent legalism (thinking works earn salvation)
Avoid license (thinking grace means no transformation)
Encourage true discipleship
Strengthen assurance of salvation
Conclusion
Justification is about our position in Christ - declared righteous by faith.
Sanctification is about our progress - becoming holy in daily life.
Key Takeaway: You don’t become justified by being sanctified - you become sanctified because you are justified.
COMMENTS:
Always Remember to take some time each day in Thoughtful Prayer and in His Holy Word the Bible.
Suggested Study Bibles and Tools (for deeper reference)
These source resources provide expanded commentary and concordance tools:
ESV Study Bible – robust theological notes on justification and sanctification
Strong’s Concordance – word studies on “justify” (G1344 – dikaioō) and “sanctify” (G37 – hagiazō)
BibleHub.com / Blue Letter Bible – for interlinear Greek/Hebrew study
Systematic Theology by Wayne Grudem – chapters on salvation and sanctification
Romans Commentary by Douglas Moo – detailed look at Paul's theology of justification