How are justification, sanctification, and glorification related?

Answer

Every Christian acknowledges the significant stages in the Christian life. Just as we are physically born, go through school, and secure a job, spiritually we are born anew in Christ, progress in holiness through the Holy Spirit, and ultimately join God for eternity. The terms used by Christians to depict these crucial moments are justification, sanctification, and glorification. These three terms delineate the Christian journey from inception to resurrection.

Firstly, it is essential to understand the meanings of these terms. Here are some definitions:

• Justification is defined as “an act of God in which He declares a sinner righteous based on that individual’s faith in Christ.” We experience justification, or are pronounced righteous, at the point of our salvation.

• Sanctification is described as “the process through which Christians are consecrated to God from the rest of the world, or the process through which Christians are made holy.” Progressive, or experiential, sanctification, as it is sometimes referred to, is the outcome of obedience to the Word of God in one’s life. It is synonymous with spiritual growth “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.”, (2 Peter 3:18), or spiritual maturity.

• Glorification is explained as “God’s ultimate eradication of sin from the lives of the saints so that they stand blameless before Him in glory for eternity” (Romans 8:18;2 Corinthians 4:17). Upon Christ’s return, the glory of God “by whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.”, (Romans 5:2)—His honor, praise, and magnificence.Majesty, and holiness—will be realized in us; we will have direct and unhindered access to God’s presence, and we will enjoy holy communion with Him throughout eternity.

As mentioned above, these three words describe the complete process of salvation. As Christians, we were justified when we confessed Christ and believed «that if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. », (Romans 10:9), we are sanctified as we grow in holiness through the work of the Spirit (Ephesians 4:11-32;Galatians 5:16-24), and we will someday be glorified when we are resurrected into eternal life «When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. », (Colossians 3:4). Justification is a one-time event, sanctification is a process, and glorification is a future event.

If you are a Christian, you are guaranteed all three steps (see Romans 8:29-30). You are forever justified, you are being sanctified, and you will for sure be glorified «And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. », (1 Corinthians 6:11). All three of these amazing things are from God’s grace, not because of anything you have done or will do to earn them (Ephesians 2:8-9). You cannot earn your justification, you cannot achieve your sanctification, and you cannot merit your glorification.God orchestrates all these events out of His love for you, solely through His grace (Romans 3:24; 2 Corinthians 9:8; Philippians 2:13; Titus 2:11). If you attempt to accomplish any of these things through your own strength, you will inevitably fail. Instead, seek God’s grace, depend on His power, and walk in the Spirit.

If you are not a Christian, you might be striving to attain these things through your own efforts. You could be seeking to be righteous in God’s eyes, lead a virtuous life, and establish a lasting legacy after death. However, you cannot achieve this on your own (Romans 3:10-20)! God does not expect you to “try harder,” but to approach Him in faith. Jesus declared, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). Have you received forgiveness for your sins? Have you embraced God’s generous offer of eternal life? If not, why not begin today?

The path to salvation is straightforward and only through Jesus Christ. “If you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. As Scripture states, ‘Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.’ For there is no distinction between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and abundantly blesses all who call on him, for, ‘Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved’” (Romans 10:9-13).