In previous blogs I’ve often covered justification, sanctification and glorification but I never tire of the subject. Upon salvation we receive our justification or right to enter heaven. Being saved and justified are the same thing. Justification is much more that having our sins removed forever. Justification is God declaring in heaven that we are righteous. God’s forgiveness causes Him to look upon us as “in Christ” where we have Jesus’ perfect righteousness.
When Jesus died on the cross He took our sins from us and gave us His righteousness in return for those who believe in Him. When God then looks upon us it’s as if God is seeing His own dear Son. By our faith God has given us credit for Jesus’ righteousness. This is the spiritual law of imputation at work. Through Adam sin entered the world and that sin was imputed to all men who came after. In like manner, the new Adam, Jesus Christ, died on the cross to remove the sins of men and the righteousness of Christ was imputed to all who believe on His name.
Justification has to do with our standing before God with our sins forgiven. This a one time event that happens the moment we are saved and transferred from death to life in God’s kingdom. Sanctification has to do with our growth in Christian character and conduct. Sanctification is progressive as long as we live. As we become more like Jesus we become more holy. We have been set apart and declared holy for God’s use and service. We belong to God. Although God does all the work of sanctification we are called on to be active participants in the process. Faith is key to sanctification just as it is with justification.
Once we get to heaven God will complete the sanctification process so we can no longer sin, which is what we call glorification. God will not allow sin into heaven. It’s no longer anything for us to be concerned about. God is sovereign over His creation and we are the children of God. Praise and glory to God!
Witnessing for Christ