Justification vs sanctification—what are the differences?

Answer

Justification, a term used in the Bible in a forensic/legal context, is defined as “an act of God by which those who are unrighteous in themselves are nevertheless declared righteous before God while still in a state of sin.” Justification is a deliverance from the penalty of sin and is a past action for all believers, accomplished by Christ at the cross.

Paul summarizes the concept of justification: “So then as through one transgression [Adam’s sin] there resulted condemnation to all men, even so through one act of righteousness [Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross] there resulted justification of life to all men” «Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. », (Romans 5:18, NASB).

In contrast, sanctification is not the act of God declaring a person righteous; rather, it is the continual process by which God is actually making a person righteous. Sanctification is the deliverance from the power of sin and is a present and continuous process of believers becoming Christlike, accomplished by the Holy Spirit’s power and presence. Sanctification represents a believer’s victory over the flesh (Romans 7:24-25), the world «For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. », (1 John 5:4), and the devil «Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. », (James 4:7).

The ultimate end result of our sanctification is that we will be found in Christ.It’s image, as Paul describes in Romans 8:29–30: “For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren; and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified” (NASB).

In summary, justification occurs when God declares a guilty sinner to be righteous; sanctification occurs when God makes the believing sinner righteous. Justification is a one-time act; sanctification is a continual process. Justification frees us from the penalty of sin; sanctification frees us from the power of sin. Both justification and sanctification are facets of our “eternal salvation” «and being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him; », (Hebrews 5:9).