What are justification, sanctification, and glorification? Overview Justification, sanctification, and glorification are three interrelated concepts describing how individuals who believe experience salvation and transformation. They appear throughout Scripture as distinct but connected steps in the believer’s journey, ultimately grounded in the saving work of Jesus Christ. Justification Justification refers to being declared righteous before God. It is often emphasized as a legal standing, showing that believers are no longer under condemnation but are credited with righteousness because of Christ’s sacrifice. Biblical Definition • Romans 3:24: “and are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.” • Romans 5:1: “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” These passages highlight that justification is not earned; it is granted by God’s grace, through faith in Christ. It involves the righteousness of Christ being imputed (credited) to the believer, meaning the individual’s sins are forgiven, and they stand acceptable before God. Key Points 1. Solely by Faith: While obedience and righteous deeds stem from a changed life, Scripture consistently teaches that good works do not merit justification. Instead, faith in Christ’s atoning work accomplishes it (cf. Ephesians 2:8–9). 2. Christ’s Atonement: Jesus’ death and resurrection secure the believer’s righteous standing. Romans 4:25 explains that He was “raised to life for our justification”. 3. Immediate and Complete: Justification is a one-time act and is not a fluctuating status. Once declared righteous, the believer has assurance of God’s acceptance (Romans 8:1). Sanctification Sanctification is the process of growing in holiness, whereby believers are progressively conformed to the character of Christ. Though sparked by the Holy Spirit at conversion, it is a lifelong journey of spiritual maturity. Biblical Definition • 1 Thessalonians 5:23: “Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely. And may your entire spirit, soul, and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” • John 17:17: “Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth.” These verses illustrate that sanctification involves an ongoing work of God in the believer’s life, aligning thoughts, actions, and desires with His will. Key Points 1. Holy Spirit’s Role: Sanctification is primarily a work of the Holy Spirit, who convicts, empowers, and transforms the believer from the inside out (Galatians 5:16–25). 2. Cooperation with God: Believers are commanded to “be holy” (1 Peter 1:15–16). This implies an active response—turning away from sin, pursuing righteousness, and applying God’s Word. 3. Lifetime Process: Unlike justification, which happens the moment one believes, sanctification extends throughout earthly life, reflecting steady growth into Christlikeness. Glorification Glorification describes the final transformation of believers when they enter into the full reality of God’s presence, free from the effects of sin and decay. This event occurs at Christ’s return, culminating in resurrected bodies and perfect fellowship with God. Biblical Definition • Romans 8:30: “And those He predestined He also called; those He called He also justified; those He justified He also glorified.” • 1 John 3:2: “Beloved, we are now children of God, and what we will be has not yet been revealed. We know that when Christ appears, we will be like Him, for we will see Him as He is.” Here, glorification is presented as a secure future completion of God’s redemptive plan—believers receive perfected, resurrected bodies and dwell eternally with Him. Key Points 1. Freedom from All Sin: Sin and its consequences—death and suffering—will no longer have any hold. As Revelation 21:4 indicates, there will be no more pain, mourning, or death in the new creation. 2. Resurrection Hope: Christ’s resurrection guarantees believers’ future bodily resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:20–23). 3. Eternal Union with God: Glorification results in full, unbroken fellowship with God, fulfilling the ultimate purpose of creation in a new heaven and new earth (Revelation 21–22). Relationship Among Justification, Sanctification, and Glorification 1. Sequential and Interwoven: Justification is the legal declaration of righteousness, immediately followed by a lifelong sanctification process, and ultimately concluded in glorification. 2. Rooted in Christ’s Work: At each stage—whether declared righteous, being made holy, or ultimately glorified—Christ’s death and resurrection remain central. 3. Assurance of Completion: The believer’s path is secure in God’s plan. As Philippians 1:6 teaches, “He who began a good work in you will continue to perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus” (paraphrase from context). Practical Implications • Peace with God: Knowing we are justified removes the weight of condemnation and brings confidence to stand before Him. • Pursuit of Holiness: Recognizing sanctification as collaborative encourages believers to surrender to the Holy Spirit’s guidance and day-by-day growth. • Enduring Hope: Anticipating glorification brings comfort and courage. When life’s trials bear down, the believer remembers the promise of a future free from sin and suffering. Conclusion Justification, sanctification, and glorification form a cohesive framework describing the believer’s past, present, and future in salvation. They highlight God’s forgiving grace, transformative power, and ultimate plan to resurrect and perfect those who trust in Him. Together, these doctrines assure that believers who have been justified can experience sanctification by the Holy Spirit and look forward with joy to the final hope of glorification in the eternal presence of the risen Christ. |
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