Justification Sanctification 02

Let’s clarify the relationship between justification and sanctification. Justification precedes sanctification and is given freely by God’s grace. It is a gift from God, just like sanctification. Both are received by faith and are found only in the saved.

Justification is the work of Christ, and so is sanctification. However, they are distinct from one another. Justification stands alone as a one-time act where God declares us not guilty—a forensic legal declaration. In contrast, sanctification is linked to justification and flows out of it, representing an ongoing work of becoming more righteous.

Justification is a passive action done by God to us, while sanctification is active, involving our participation as we work out our salvation with fear and trembling. Justification changes our standing before God; it is our declaration of being saved. Sanctification, on the other hand, is the moral development of our character, an ongoing process of being perfected.

In summary, justification is positional—God sees us as perfect through Christ, declaring us not guilty. Sanctification is practical—it’s the visible process of becoming more like Christ. Understanding these distinctions helps us grasp the full scope of the great salvation God has gifted to us.