Daily Christian Journey

Understanding Sanctification: A Crucial Aspect of Christian Life

The Two Sides of Sanctification

When we talk about sanctification, we’re referring to the process by which God transforms believers into His divine image. This transformation is both passive, where God works in us, and active, where we participate in the process. It’s essential to recognize both aspects to avoid an unbalanced and unbiblical understanding of sanctification.

Distinguishing Justification and Sanctification

Justification and sanctification are related but distinct gifts. Justification deals with guilt, while sanctification addresses pollution. Justification is a judicial act, forgiving our sins and imputing Christ’s righteousness to us. Sanctification, on the other hand, is a moral act that infuses righteousness in the believer and begins a lifelong process of personal renewal.

Key Differences Between Justification and Sanctification

According to Turretin, justification and sanctification differ in five significant ways:

• Object: Justification concerns guilt, while sanctification addresses pollution.
• Form: Justification is a judicial act, whereas sanctification is a moral act.
• Recipient Subject: In justification, man receives a new objective status, while in sanctification, we are subjectively renewed by God.
• Degrees: Justification is fully given in this life, while sanctification is begun in this life and perfected in the next.
• Order: God only sanctifies those who are already reconciled and justified by faith.

The Role of Faith in Sanctification

While faith is essential for both justification and sanctification, the phrase “by faith alone” can be misleading when applied to sanctification. Faith is the instrument through which we receive justification, but it’s the root and principle out of which sanctification grows. Sanctification explicitly includes our cooperation with God, making the description of “alone” inaccurate.

Avoiding Misunderstandings

To avoid misunderstandings, we must describe justification and sanctification in ways that acknowledge their differences. By recognizing the distinct aspects of these two gifts, we can better understand God’s work in our lives and our role in the process of sanctification.