Understanding Justification, Sanctification, and Glorification
By Lynette Kittle
“It is because of Him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption.” - 1 Corinthians 1:30
Sometimes, as a Christian, it can be confusing to understand common terms used in preaching, teaching, and Christian content.
Justification, sanctification, and glorification can go right over our heads if we don’t have a clear understanding of basic Christian doctrine, which is foundational for living a life dedicated to God.
Why Are These Doctrines Important?
Justification, sanctification, and glorification address our redemption from sin. Because we are Adam’s descendants, birth doesn’t offer us a sinless option. It’s passed down from generation to generation.
The Apostle Paul explains in Romans 5:12, “Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned.”
All humans are born with sin in our DNA, which makes it easy for us to sin. Understanding foundational Christian doctrines dealing with the issue of sin helps us live a godly life. Not knowing these doctrines can lead us to feel defeated in our daily Christian walk, not understanding redemption’s principles and process.
What Does Justification Mean?
Justification is being saved from the guilt and penalty of sin and made right with God. It’s where the blood of Jesus shed on the cross washes away the debt of sin in our lives. Because Jesus took our place and paid for our sins on the cross, they are washed away, and we are set free from Satan’s claim and ownership of our lives. Revelation 1:5 states, “To Him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by His blood.”
Overall, people don’t realize that until we receive God’s gift of Salvation, the devil has claim to our lives. Many believe we belong to ourselves and have the option to choose who our life belongs to, but without receiving God’s gift of Salvation, it belongs to the evil one.
When we accept God’s gift, we receive the righteousness of Christ, which is a right, restored relationship with God--something not possible without justification. Romans 4:25 explains, “He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.”
As born sinners, we aren’t able to free ourselves from sin. Because of our sin-filled bloodline, we don’t have the ability to justify ourselves, no matter what we do or how good we try to be. “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus” (Romans 3:23-24).
Justification comes only through Jesus Christ. “Through Him everyone who believes is set free from every sin, a justification you were not able to obtain under the law of Moses” (Acts 13:39).
What Does Sanctification Mean?
Sanctification sets us apart and gives us the power to resist sin. It is where we become more Christ-like in our daily lives. Psalm 4:3 tells us the Lord sets apart His faithful servants for Himself.
It involves a daily, continual process of choosing to obey God over sinning. Before justification, sin isn’t our second-nature, it’s our nature. Romans 6:20 describes our pre-justification condition as unredeemed sinners. “When you were slaves to sin, you were free from the control of righteousness.”
In Jesus’ prayer for His disciples, He asks God to, “Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth. As You sent Me into the world, I have sent them into the world. For them I sanctify Myself, that they too may be truly sanctified” (John 17:17-19).
Romans 6:22 clarifies how the process of sanctification sets us apart and gives us the ability to resist sin and cultivate holiness in our lives. “But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life.”
As well, in 2 Corinthians 7:1, the Apostle Paul instructs us, “Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.”
What Does Glorification Mean?
Glorification completes our redemption, saving us from ever having to deal with sin again. It comes when we leave this life and enter everlasting life with Jesus. Sin will no longer be able to tempt us, and we will be free forever from ever having to resist it again.
Jesus describes how glorification comes in God’s presence. “And now, Father, glorify Me in Your presence with the glory I had with You before the world began. ‘I have revealed You to those whom You gave me out of the world. They were Yours; You gave them to Me and they have obeyed Your word’” (John 17:5-6).
In John 8:54, Jesus explains how even His glory comes from God and not Himself. “Jesus replied, ‘If I glorify Myself, My glory means nothing. My Father, whom You claim as Your God, is the One who glorifies Me.’”
Intersecting Faith & Life:
Why not commit this coming year to studying and reviewing the foundational doctrines of the Christian faith? Ask God to lead you in discovering how understanding them helps strengthen your relationship with Him.
Further Reading:
How Does Justification by Faith Work in the Life of a Believer?
Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/kevron2001
Lynette Kittle is married with four daughters. She enjoys writing about faith, marriage, parenting, relationships, and life. Her writing has been published by Focus on the Family, Decision, Today’s Christian Woman, kirkcameron.com, Ungrind.org, StartMarriageRight.com, and more. She has a M.A. in Communication from Regent University and serves as associate producer for Soul Check TV.
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