How does sanctification differ from justification?

Sanctification and justification are two foundational concepts in Christian theology that often come up in discussions about salvation and the Christian life. While both are crucial to understanding the work of God in a believer's life, they serve different roles and highlight different aspects of God's grace and our response to it. Understanding the distinctions between these two terms can provide a deeper insight into the Christian journey and the transformative power of the gospel.

Understanding Justification

Justification is often the starting point in the believer's relationship with God. It is a legal act where God declares a sinner to be righteous on the basis of Christ's righteousness. Justification is about one's status before God. When we talk about justification, we are discussing a moment in time—often the moment of faith in Jesus Christ—when a person is declared righteous before God.

This declaration is not because the person has become inherently righteous or because they have earned this righteousness. Instead, it is because the righteousness of Christ has been imputed to them. This concept is beautifully encapsulated in 2 Corinthians 5:21, which states, "God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." Here, Paul emphasizes that our righteousness comes from our union with Christ, not from our own inherent goodness.

Justification is by faith alone (sola fide), a principle that was fiercely defended during the Reformation. Romans 3:28 asserts, "For we maintain that a person is justified by faith apart from the works of the law." This verse highlights that justification is a gift of grace that comes not from human effort but from trusting in the finished work of Christ.

Exploring Sanctification

Sanctification, on the other hand, refers to the process of being made holy. Unlike justification, which is a one-time legal declaration, sanctification is a progressive work of God and man that makes us more like Christ. Sanctification involves the believer's active role in pursuing holiness through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Hebrews 12:14 instructs believers to, "Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord." This verse underscores that sanctification is an ongoing process. It is about becoming what we are already declared to be in justification. Sanctification is both the divine act of the Holy Spirit and the response of the believer to pursue a life of holiness and obedience.

In sanctification, the Holy Spirit plays a crucial role. Paul in Galatians 5:16 advises, "So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh." This walking by the Spirit indicates a daily, moment-by-moment dependence on the Holy Spirit to enable us to live according to God's standards.

Key Differences

The primary difference between sanctification and justification lies in their nature and function. Justification is a legal declaration that occurs instantaneously when a person believes in Jesus Christ. It changes the believer's standing before God from guilty to righteous. Sanctification, in contrast, is a transformative process that gradually changes the believer's character and conduct to reflect Christ's image.

Another difference is in their basis. Justification is based entirely on the work of Christ applied to us; our works do not contribute to it. Sanctification, while also grounded in Christ's work, involves our active participation. It is synergistic—the believer cooperates with the Holy Spirit in the process of transformation.

Practical Implications

Understanding the distinction between justification and sanctification has profound implications for the Christian life. It guards against legalism on one hand and antinomianism (the belief that under the gospel dispensation of grace the moral law is of no use) on the other. Recognizing that justification is by faith alone assures believers that their salvation is secure in Christ and not dependent on their performance. At the same time, understanding that sanctification is a necessary and ongoing process counters the error of thinking that one can live as they please without regard to holiness or obedience.

In conclusion, both justification and sanctification are works of divine grace, but they function differently in the life of the believer. Justification addresses the believer’s legal standing before God, changing it from guilty to righteous. Sanctification addresses the believer's moral condition, gradually conforming them to the image of Christ. Together, they encapsulate the fullness of the Christian experience—being declared righteous by faith and being made righteous through the work of the Holy Spirit.