"Christians are simultaneously justified and still sinners. While Christians are justified in Christ and soaked in His love and mercy (freed from sin's guilt), we continue to wrestle with the ongoing realities of sin (its abiding pollution)." -- Dr. Kelly M. Kapic
In "the New Testament, justification occurs when God declares that a person is just. That declaration takes place the moment a person puts his or her faith in Christ. Sanctification is the process that follows justification by which those who have been declared just by God are actually conformed to the image of Christ. But the glorious good news of the gospel is that we don't have to wait until we become just in order to be counted just by God.
"God judges us not on the basis of our own righteousness, but on the basis of a righteousness that has been added to us by faith, namely, the righteousness of Christ.
"By grace alone through faith alone because of Christ alone we are positionally sanctified, yet in some mysterious way, God has chosen to sovereignly work in us, through us, and with us to sanctify us progressively by His free grace through repentance, faith, and obedience that we might die more and more unto sin and live unto righteousness." -- Dr. R.C. Sproul
(All quotations cited from the May 2010 issue of Ligonier Ministry's 'Tabletalk' magazine)
Pictured above is an artist's rendition of the great reformer, Martin Luther.
Have you ever read "What's so Amazing about Grace?" by Philip Yancey? If not, definitely check it out. In it, I remember him quoting C.S. Lewis. Several men of religion were sitting around discussing their different religions (Jew, Muslim, Christianity, etc...can't remember them all) C.S. Lewis was asked, "what makes Christianity stand out?" He said, "Christianity is the only religion that has grace....we just get it. Everyone else has to work for their salvation." (Okay, it's not a total quote, but you get the gist.) That has always stuck with me since reading that book.
ReplyDeleteOnce again -- good stuff, Mike!
Great post Mike! People have such a hard time with justification. Usally they have a hard time believing it.
ReplyDeleteMany confuse and attempt to mix justification with sanctification.
This is what separates biblical Christianity from any other religion.
"Christians are simultaneously justified and still sinners
ReplyDeleteRight. Sometimes this point gets lost.
Jaime, no I've not read that one. I'm not much of a Philip Yancey fan. But you're/he's right, everyone else has to work for salvation that isn't even there after the work is done. Thankfully, Jesus Christ has done all the work!
ReplyDeleteGregg, I love the doctrines of Justification and Sanctification. Once I came to understand them, my theology was radically transformed. You're right, too bad more people don't understand it. Alas, in due time they will.
Whoa! I never thought R.C. Sproul would play the "race card" like that. ;-)
ReplyDeleteThat's funny, bro! I'll make the correction. That's a good one...wish I'd thought of it!!!
ReplyDeleteUplifting post Mike, I like it! :)
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