Justified and Sanctified
“We maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from observing the law.”
Romans 3:28
“What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, ‘Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.”
James 2:14-17
Justification is a finished and complete work, and we are perfectly justified the moment we believe; sanctification is an incomplete work and will never be perfected until we reach heaven. Justification admits to no growth (we are as much justified the hour we first come to Christ by faith as we will be for all eternity); sanctification is a progressive work as we keep changing and enlarging our hearts for Christ.
Justification has special reference to our person, our standing in God’s sight. Sanctification has special reference to our character and the moral renewal of our hearts. Justification is the act of God about us and is not easily discerned by others; sanctification is the work of God within us and cannot be hidden from others. Justification gives us our title to heaven; sanctification prepares us for heaven. So live each moment, each day, with eternity in mind, full of gratitude that Jesus has justified you.
Today is your chance to open yourself to God’s sanctifying work in your life.
Lord, may my life overflow with gratitude for your Son’s saving grace. It can’t be any other way. Holy Spirit, grant me strength to set myself apart to God.
Why Should We Love the Return of Christ?
Pastor John Piper joins the podcast to share a hopeful vision for the second coming of Jesus. Hear how anticipating the return of Christ can help people who are suffering with hardship and disability today, plus the importance of cultivating a deep love for the Savior as we await his return.
