The Doctrine of Salvation
How
"Righteousness by Faith"
Really Works
"Righteousness by Faith"
Really Works
Section C:
What are Justification
& Sanctification?
What are Justification
& Sanctification?
Lesson 11:
Sanctification Declared
(10:36)
Sanctification Declared
(10:36)
Lesson 11 Transcript:
Sanctification Declared
Sanctification Declared
Justification and sanctification are terms to describe two parts of the process of salvation. It is critically important to understand their relationship to each other and to the status of the one who wishes to be saved by the atoning death of Jesus Christ.
What part does sanctification play in the saving process? Two different gospels arise from the two different answers to this question. Let us examine the inspired evidence regarding sanctification.
What part does sanctification play in the saving process? Two different gospels arise from the two different answers to this question. Let us examine the inspired evidence regarding sanctification.
What does "sanctify" mean?
- Genesis 2:3 - And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made.
A. Adam sanctified the seventh day.
B. God sanctified the seventh day.
C. God blesses what He sanctifies.
B. God sanctified the seventh day.
C. God blesses what He sanctifies.
The most basic meaning of sanctification is "to set apart for a holy use." When God finished creating the earth and all life upon it, He set apart the seventh day as a memorial of His creative acts. God put His special blessing upon this day, because it was to be set apart for all time for the human race to use in a holy way.
Who does the sanctifying?
- Exodus 31:13 - Verily my sabbaths ye shall keep: for it is a sign between me and you throughout your generations; that ye may know that I am the Lord that doth sanctify you.
A. God sanctifies us.
B. Man sanctifies himself.
C. God and man together
do the sanctifying.
B. Man sanctifies himself.
C. God and man together
do the sanctifying.
The Sabbath was set apart as a holy day, not only as a memorial of His creative acts, but also to be a sign or symbol that God, in like manner to sanctifying the Sabbath, sanctified His people. God also set His people apart for a holy use.
It is very important to note that God does the sanctifying. He sanctified the Sabbath, and He sanctifies us. It is currently popular to think that while God does the justifying, God and man together do the sanctifying. This understanding of a “joint effort” in sanctification is not Biblical.
We must understand that in the process of salvation, it is God's work from beginning to end, both in justification and sanctification. Now keep in mind that we do have a part to play in responding to God's saving work: we believe, we respond, we surrender,we cooperate, but these are only our responses to God's saving grace. None of these responses earn or merit our salvation.
At most, our responses only give God permission to do His justifying and sanctifying work in our lives. This means that His promise to save us is only conditional on our acceptance of His free gift of salvation.
It is very important to note that God does the sanctifying. He sanctified the Sabbath, and He sanctifies us. It is currently popular to think that while God does the justifying, God and man together do the sanctifying. This understanding of a “joint effort” in sanctification is not Biblical.
We must understand that in the process of salvation, it is God's work from beginning to end, both in justification and sanctification. Now keep in mind that we do have a part to play in responding to God's saving work: we believe, we respond, we surrender,we cooperate, but these are only our responses to God's saving grace. None of these responses earn or merit our salvation.
At most, our responses only give God permission to do His justifying and sanctifying work in our lives. This means that His promise to save us is only conditional on our acceptance of His free gift of salvation.
What part did sanctification play in the sanctuary?
- Exodus 40:10-13 - And thou shalt anoint the altar of the burnt offering, and all his vessels, and sanctify the altar: and it shall be an altar most holy. And thou shalt anoint the laver and his foot, and sanctify it... And thou shalt put upon Aaron the holy garments, and anoint him, and sanctify him; that he may minister unto me in the priest's office.
A. Aaron sanctified himself.
B. Aaron sanctified the altar and the laver.
C. God sanctified the altar, the laver, and Aaron.
B. Aaron sanctified the altar and the laver.
C. God sanctified the altar, the laver, and Aaron.
When God instituted the sanctuary system, which revealed His plan of salvation in symbols, the first thing He did, before any ceremonies were carried out in the sanctuary, was to set apart the furniture and the priest for holy use. Before any sacrifices for sin were offered, God sanctified the altar for its holy use.
It is important to note that God sanctified Aaron in exactly the same way that He sanctified the altar. (Did the alter have to do anything to be sanctified?) It was God alone who did the work of sanctification. From that point on, the sanctuary and the priests were set apart for holy use.
It is important to note that God sanctified Aaron in exactly the same way that He sanctified the altar. (Did the alter have to do anything to be sanctified?) It was God alone who did the work of sanctification. From that point on, the sanctuary and the priests were set apart for holy use.
How does God sanctify us?
- 1 Corinthians 6:11 - 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.
A. Sanctification is a result of justification.
B. Jesus does the justifying, and the Holy Spirit does the sanctifying.
C. Washing, sanctifying, and justifying are all done by God.
B. Jesus does the justifying, and the Holy Spirit does the sanctifying.
C. Washing, sanctifying, and justifying are all done by God.
The person who is washed from sin, who has been cleansed by the blood of Jesus, who stands justified and pardoned in the sight of God, is also sanctified (set apart for holy use) in that very same act and moment. When we are justified and washed, we are set apart for a holy use (sanctified).
God looks at us, not in our filthy garments of sin, but now clothed with the pure righteousness of Christ. We are declared to be sanctified. God sets us apart for holiness. Just as we are declared to be justified, or pardoned from our sins, we are declared to be sanctified.
It was in this way that the thief on the cross was both justified and sanctified, because he was set apart for holiness at that moment.
Also notice that Paul lists washing and sanctifying before justifying. Perhaps this was intentional to make the point that all three events occur simultaneously as different parts of really one saving process.
God looks at us, not in our filthy garments of sin, but now clothed with the pure righteousness of Christ. We are declared to be sanctified. God sets us apart for holiness. Just as we are declared to be justified, or pardoned from our sins, we are declared to be sanctified.
It was in this way that the thief on the cross was both justified and sanctified, because he was set apart for holiness at that moment.
Also notice that Paul lists washing and sanctifying before justifying. Perhaps this was intentional to make the point that all three events occur simultaneously as different parts of really one saving process.
What does God say about those who are forgiven?
- Acts 26:18 - To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.
A. Sanctification takes place over a long period.
B. Sanctification is a result of being saved.
C. Forgiveness and sanctification occur together.
B. Sanctification is a result of being saved.
C. Forgiveness and sanctification occur together.
When Jesus spoke to Paul on the road to Damascus, He told Paul that his mission would be to bring the Gentiles to forgiveness of sins and salvation. If the Gentiles would turn from Satan to God, they would be called sanctified by faith in Christ (the same faith which would justify them).
Just as forgiveness of sins is possible only by faith in Christ's life and death, so sanctification is possible only by the same faith in Christ. Both justification and sanctification are received by faith, because both are acts of God and flow totally from God's grace.
It is crucial to understand that both justification and sanctification are necessary prerequisites to salvation. The Bible does not teach that justification saves, while sanctification comes along later as the result of being saved.
Just as justification (forgiveness and renewal) is declared by God at the moment of conversion (denial of self and complete surrender to the indwelling power of God’s Holy Spirit), so sanctification (being set apart for a holy use) is declared by God at the same moment. God looks at us through the holy character of Jesus Christ. We are “in Christ.” We are saved.
It is through this way -- God’s way -- that we can have complete assurance of our salvation, because this is the gospel of Christ -- the power of God unto salvation for every one who believes.
This is certainly nothing of which we should be ashamed, but rather something about which we should be exceedingly grateful and joyful -- so much so that we would be compelled to share this “good news” with others, especially those who are doubtful and confused regarding Satan’s false version of the gospel.
It is sometimes said that full and instantaneous salvation by faith (the true gospel) deprives us of any “assurance,” because there’s no evidence of a changed life as we may progress from our efforts during the sanctification process with the help of the Holy Spirit. This is totally false! It echoes of legalism and self-righteousness.
When the heart is surrendered to God and we wear the robe of Christ's righteousness, we have perfect peace and assurance, while we continue growing in Christ -- becoming stronger and wiser disciples. We can become more Christlike only by living in the Spirit of Christ-- not in our own flesh. That “old man” died.
Just as forgiveness of sins is possible only by faith in Christ's life and death, so sanctification is possible only by the same faith in Christ. Both justification and sanctification are received by faith, because both are acts of God and flow totally from God's grace.
It is crucial to understand that both justification and sanctification are necessary prerequisites to salvation. The Bible does not teach that justification saves, while sanctification comes along later as the result of being saved.
Just as justification (forgiveness and renewal) is declared by God at the moment of conversion (denial of self and complete surrender to the indwelling power of God’s Holy Spirit), so sanctification (being set apart for a holy use) is declared by God at the same moment. God looks at us through the holy character of Jesus Christ. We are “in Christ.” We are saved.
It is through this way -- God’s way -- that we can have complete assurance of our salvation, because this is the gospel of Christ -- the power of God unto salvation for every one who believes.
This is certainly nothing of which we should be ashamed, but rather something about which we should be exceedingly grateful and joyful -- so much so that we would be compelled to share this “good news” with others, especially those who are doubtful and confused regarding Satan’s false version of the gospel.
It is sometimes said that full and instantaneous salvation by faith (the true gospel) deprives us of any “assurance,” because there’s no evidence of a changed life as we may progress from our efforts during the sanctification process with the help of the Holy Spirit. This is totally false! It echoes of legalism and self-righteousness.
When the heart is surrendered to God and we wear the robe of Christ's righteousness, we have perfect peace and assurance, while we continue growing in Christ -- becoming stronger and wiser disciples. We can become more Christlike only by living in the Spirit of Christ-- not in our own flesh. That “old man” died.