Justification, sanctification, and glorification are three crucial theological concepts that describe the process of salvation in the life of a believer. While distinct, they are intricately connected and build on one another as God works in the life of a Christian. Let’s explore what each means and how they relate.
Justification
Justification refers to God’s act of declaring a sinner righteous by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. Romans 3:23-24 explains that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.” By nature, we are all sinful and separated from a holy God. But by His mercy, God sent His Son Jesus to die on the cross for our sins. When we put our faith and trust in Christ, repenting of our sins, God legally declares us righteous in His sight.
This judicial act of justification happens at the moment of salvation. As Romans 5:1 states, “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Ephesians 2:8-9 also emphasizes that this justification is “by grace…through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works.” We contribute nothing to our justification; it is wholly an act of God’s grace in response to our faith.
Sanctification
While justification happens at a point in time, sanctification is an ongoing process in the life of a believer. Sanctification means to be set apart and made holy. When God saves us, He begins the vital work of sanctifying us and making us more like Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 4:3-7 confirms, “For this is the will of God, your sanctification…that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor…For God has not called us for impurity, but in holiness.”
Sanctification involves mortifying our sinful desires and being renewed in our minds (Romans 12:1-2). The Holy Spirit empowers this process as we study Scripture, pray, worship, and actively rely on God’s strength. Believers are called to “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure” (Philippians 2:12-13). While justification is a one-time event, sanctification is gradual and progressive throughout the Christian life.
Glorification
Glorification refers to God perfecting and completing the process of salvation at the resurrection when Christ returns. Romans 8:30 outlines the sequence: “And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.” At the Second Coming, believers will finally be free from the presence and stain of sin, restored to reflect God’s glory and holiness.
1 John 3:2 promises, “Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is.” We get glimpses of this future glorification now, but one day we will be fully sanctified and made perfect in God’s presence. Glorification closes the loop on the process of salvation that begins with justification.
The Relationship Between Justification, Sanctification, and Glorification
When examining justification, sanctification, and glorification, we see a logical progression and interconnection:
- Justification – The once-for-all, past declaration of righteousness.
- Sanctification – The ongoing, present work of being made holy.
- Glorification – The future finalization of our salvation.
Justification must come first. God declares us righteous in order to begin the process of sanctification. We could not be made holy if we were still in our sins. Sanctification then flows out of justification as we cooperate with God’s work in us. Finally, glorification perfection will one day arrive when our sanctification is complete in eternity. Each step enables and leads to the next.
Romans 8:29-30 beautifully summarizes this salvation process: “For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.” From beginning to end, salvation is all of grace, to the glory of God.
In short, justification frees us from the penalty of sin; sanctification frees us from the power of sin; and glorification frees us from the presence of sin. These distinct strands have their starting point at conversion, continue through spiritual growth, and find ultimate fulfillment at the return of Jesus Christ. What God begins, He promises to complete (Philippians 1:6).
Implications for the Christian Life
Understanding the relationship between justification, sanctification, and glorification has several important implications for our lives as believers:
- We can have assurance of salvation – Since justification is secured by grace alone through faith alone, our right standing before God does not depend on our own good works but on Christ’s finished work. This gives confidence that no one can snatch us from God’s hand (John 10:27-29).
- We must pursue holiness – Justification is not a license to sin, but rather the beginning of sanctification. We now strive to grow in godliness out of gratitude (Titus 2:11-14).
- We can endure suffering – Present struggles are only temporary; future glorification awaits. We can live with hope knowing our suffering will end in eternal joy (Romans 8:18).
- We should give all glory to God – Salvation from beginning to end is for God’s glory alone. At no point can we claim credit but marvel at His undeserved grace (Ephesians 1:3-10).
In Christ, we have forgiveness of sins, freedom from sin’s control, and hope for complete deliverance from its presence. This incredible promise motivates us to live godly and obedient lives, even amidst trials, knowing “he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:6).
Common Questions about Justification, Sanctification, and Glorification
Some common questions often arise when examining the relationship between justification, sanctification, and glorification:
Are justification and sanctification interconnected?
Yes, they are interconnected but also distinct. Justification is complete the moment we are saved, while sanctification is an ongoing process. True saving faith will always lead to sanctification, but sanctification has no bearing on our justification (Galatians 2:16).
Can justification or sanctification be lost?
No, justification cannot be lost because it is grounded in Christ’s finished work, not our performance. At times our sanctification may stagnate or regress, but the Spirit continues His renewing work in us. God promises to complete the good work begun in us (Philippians 1:6).
Is glorification based on our works?
No, glorification is not earned but is fully a work of God and His grace, just as with justification. Good works have their proper place in the Christian life for purposes of sanctification, but glorification depends solely on being clothed with Christ’s righteousness.
How does sanctification lead to assurance of salvation?
As we see evidence of the Spirit’s transforming work in our lives through increasing Christlikeness, it provides assurance that God has truly saved us. But our assurance always rests first on Christ’s work, not ours (2 Corinthians 13:5).
Conclusion
Justification, sanctification, and glorification provide a beautiful picture of the full scope of salvation God graciously accomplishes for believers in Christ. While distinct, they relate intimately as part of one overarching plan from God to redeem people for Himself. Grounding our understanding in Scripture allows us to properly grasp each part of the process while giving all praise and glory to our Savior. God’s amazing grace is magnified as He justifies, sanctifies, and glorifies undeserving sinners for the praise of His glory.