Understanding Justification and Sanctification in Faith

Justification and sanctification are the two essential parts of the plan of salvation, where justification is the act of being accounted righteous through Christ's merits, and sanctification is the progressive work of the Holy Spirit transforming the character into the image of GodDHF 42.1+1.

The Nature of Justification

Justification is a free gift bestowed upon the sinner the moment they believe in Jesus Christ3MR 420.3+1.

• Imputed Righteousness: In justification, the righteousness of Christ is imputed to the believer; they are accounted completely righteous even though that righteousness is not yet wrought in themDHF 42.1+1.

• Legal Standing: It refers to a change in standing before the law, where the sinner is absolved from guilt and finds peace with God through the blood of the Lamb Romans 5:16BC 1071.10+1.

• Instantaneous Experience: While it requires a heart of repentance, justification occurs at the moment of surrender and faith in Christ’s atoning sacrifice1SM 391.1+2.

• Foundational Gift: Christ is "made unto us... righteousness," providing a perfect robe that covers our own "filthy rags" of character 1 Corinthians 1:30COL 115.1+1.

The Nature of Sanctification

Sanctification is the process by which the divine life received in justification begins to circulate through the soul, replacing old habits with new lifeDHF 42.1+1.

• Imparted Righteousness: This is the righteousness of Christ wrought in the believer through the work of the Holy Spirit and obedience to the truth 2 Thessalonians 2:13SITI November 30, 1891, page 36.17+1.

• A Lifelong Work: Unlike the immediate act of justification, sanctification is a progressive, daily work that continues as long as there is truth to be obeyedMMM 349.1+2.

• Transformation of Character: It involves the correction of inherited tendencies and the refining of the entire man—mind, will, and heart—into the likeness of the divine nature1SAT 286.4+2.

• The Fruit of Faith: True sanctification is evidenced by a life of holy conversation, godliness, and the casting away of sin-stained garments of character 2 Peter 3:11SWk 27.2+1.

Key Differences and Harmony

While distinct, these two states are inseparable in the life of a true ChristianLS80 150.2+1.

• Justification and the Law: Justification provides the title to heaven by pardoning the transgression of the law, while sanctification provides the fitness for heaven by bringing the life into conformity with that law1SM 394.3+2.

• Relationship to Works: No work of man can earn justification, yet it is impossible to be saved without the good works that flow from a sanctified life3MR 420.3+2.

• Completeness in Christ: Justification is the root, and sanctification is the fruit; together they represent the "completeness" found in Jesus, who is our wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption 1 Corinthians 1:30COL 115.1+1.

• The Danger of Distinction: We should avoid trying to define these terms so minutely that we lose sight of the fact that both are simply different aspects of receiving Christ HimselfFW 14.2+1.

By beholding the perfection of Christ, the believer is changed from glory to glory, realizing that "without holiness no man shall see God" Hebrews 12:14LS 28.2+2. 😊