If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.(Romans 10:9)
Salvation is the most important of Christian doctrines, and we must understand all three parts–justification (includes imputation), sanctification, and glorification.
We could write thousands of words on this subject…and we have! But perhaps a concise summary would be more helpful. (For deeper study, read: Justification & Imputation (Imputed Righteousness) and Sanctification & Glorification).
Let’s keep it simple!
It’s easy to remember these doctrines by understanding the progression of salvation, starting with justification (being born again), then sanctification (living for Christ and being conformed to His image), and then finally, glorification (being fully transformed in Heaven).
Justification, Sanctification, and Glorification
- Justification saves us from the penalty of sin.
- Sanctification separates us from the power of sin.
- Glorification removes us from the presence of sin.
The Three Tenses of Salvation
- Past Tense—Justification: we have been saved from the penalty of sin.
- Present Tense—Sanctification: we are being saved from the power of sin.
- Future Tense—Glorification: we will be saved from the presence of sin.
Past and Present Works of Salvation
Justification is what Christ did for us.
Sanctification is what the Spirit is doing in us.
Justification declares the sinner righteous.
Sanctification makes the sinner righteous.
Justification removes the guilt and penalty of sin.
Sanctification removes the growth and the power of sin.
Justification is of God and by God alone.
Sanctification is of God and by God, but we also participate.
Participation in Sanctification
In justification, God has forgiven our sins, washed us clean, and regenerated our souls. It was His work alone. However, in sanctification, we are called to renew our minds daily (Rom 12:1) and choose to follow His will and ways.
Rom 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
In justification, God has given us His Holy Spirit. It was His work alone. However, in sanctification, we are called to surrender to the Holy Spirit’s leading and walk in His light.
Gal 5:25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
In justification, God has saved us for Himself. It was His work alone. However, in sanctification, we are called to honor Him and share His love, our hope, and His saving grace with all people.
His Love: [Jesus said] “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.” (John 13:34)
[Paul wrote] Let all that you do be done with love. (1 Cor 16:14)
Our Hope: [Peter wrote] Sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man who asks you for a reason of the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear (1 Pet 3:15)
His Saving Grace: [Jesus] said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” (Mark 16:15)
Walk in the Spirit
Live your life walking in the Spirit and bringing honor and glory to the One who lived, died, and rose for you. And choose every day to let His Spirit direct your thoughts, influence your words, and guide your deeds.
Jude 1:24-25 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and forever. Amen.
Future Work of Salvation
So we understand Justification and Sanctification. But what about Glorification?
Glorification is future. And it will be amazing. Glorification will happen in part when we leave our sinful flesh. At death, our bodies go into the grave. Our souls and spirits go to be with the Lord in Heaven (2 Corinthians 5:8). But a day will come when Jesus will return for His Bride, in what we call the Rapture of the Church (Read: What is the Rapture?). And then our bodies will be resurrected to glory (Phil 3:21) and made new. What a glorious day that will be!
Titus 2:12-13 …we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,
<*}}}><
Articles About Salvation
- How can I convince someone that they have eternal security?
- Does Hebrews 6 Teach Salvation Can Be Lost?
- What is eternal security/assurance of salvation? Can I lose salvation?
- What Happens If I Continue to Sin?
- 1 John 1:9 What is the Christian “Bar of Soap?”
- The Gift of SalvaTION: Justification & Imputation
- What you need to know about Sanctification & Glorification
- What are the Doctrines of Imputed, Infused, and Imparted Righteousness?
- Did Jesus Really Mean “Be Perfect?” (Matthew 5:48)
- Ways to Glorify God - Bookmark
- How Should I Understand Salvation? In Simple Terms
*******
Jesus is the Reason this Ministry Exists
We continue to reach people worldwide with the truths of God's Word and the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. Your generosity is both a blessing and encouragement. Our mission is to glorify God by equipping, encouraging, and empowering YOU to understand the Bible and grow in faith. If our online resources have blessed you, please support Reasons for Hope* Jesus. Our ministry outreach has grown significantly and . . .
Please support Reasons for Hope* Jesus with a donation of $5, $10, $20, or more. A donation of any amount is needed and greatly appreciated.
CLICK TO DONATE
to Reasons for Hope*Jesus(a 501c3 Ministry)
Use a Credit Card or PayPal for safe, secure giving.
*******
***A Hidden Message in Psalm 23?***
Hidden in the six verses of Psalm 23 are 11 names for Jesus. When you subscribe to our newsletter, we’ll send you The Names of God in Psalm 23 PDF that reveals all 11 names and Scripture verses of comfort and hope (link will be sent in your confirmation email).
A Room with a View of Eternity—The Last Will & Testament of Jesus Christ Take a seat at the Master's table. Learn about the riches He gives to all who are His. This book will bless and encourage you, give you hope, and help you live in the joy of your salvation and the riches of Christ that are yours.
The Top Ten Got Questions? in 2022
- The Meaning of NUMBERS in the Bible?
- Was Jesus CRUCIFIED on Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday?
- Did The Wise Men Arrive 12 DAYS AFTER JESUS’ BIRTH? Or Was It Much Later?
- How long did JOB SUFFER?
- What is the Significance of the Wise Men's THREE GIFTS? And were they kings?
- How are the Shepherd’s ROD and STAFF Different?
- Which Old Testament Book Did JESUS QUOTE most often?
- The Meaning of COLORS in the Bible?
- ONLY ONE LIFE, Twill Soon Be Past – by C.T. Studd (1860 – 1931)
- How was Jesus Like a Worm? What’s the CRIMSON (OR SCARLET) WORM in Psalm 22?
This is not a Got Questions? article. But it's so popular it ranked among the top pages viewed:
More Popular Got Questions
- Did Jesus Fight Satan to Take Back the KEYS of Death and Hell?
- How Did the Wise Men Know This Was the Messiah and KNOW TO FOLLOW HIS STAR?
- What do the 12 stones UNDER the JORDAN River mean? (Joshua 4)
- Jesus' Last Days TIMELINE: The Cross and The Crucifixion
- How Many MIRACLES Did Jesus Do?
- Is Leonard Cohen’s “HALLELUJAH” a Christian Song?
- Where did OT Saints go at death? ABRAHAM'S BOSOM?
- SIN, INIQUITY, TRANSGRESSION? How are they different?
- What are the NAMES of JEHOVAH Hidden in Psalm 23?
- Jesus in the Gospels: What are the Four Different Presentations of Jesus?
- If BAPTIZED as an Infant, Do I Need to Be Re-Baptized?
- Why Did God Create Man Knowing MAN WOULD SIN?
- What Did Jesus Say About HEAVEN (and HELL)?
- What are the “I Will ” STATEMENTS of Satan, God, and Jesus?
- Was MARY a LEVITE Making Jesus both a Priest and King?
- Why Was a RAM SACRIFICED in Genesis 22 Instead of a Lamb?
- Is Satan’s Real Name LUCIFER?
- Can Jews go to Heaven without knowing Jesus?
TOP TEN Videos from Reasons for Hope* Jesus
- Memorial Day BAGPIPES TRIBUTE: Amazing Grace
- RISE AND SHINE and Give God the Glory, Glory!
- WERE YOU THERE When They Crucified My Lord?
- PAUL HARVEY: THE BIRDCAGE
- PRESIDENT RONALD REAGAN: A SOLDIER'S PLEDGE
- Hark! the Herald Angels Sing -- CHARLIE BROWN Christmas
- JOHN WAYNE ~ WHY I LOVE AMERICA
- Jimmy Stewart - Nativity Scene Prayer: Mr. Krueger's Christmas
- THE LEGEND OF THE CANDY CANE - A Christmas Story to Share
- Not by Might, Not by Power, But BY MY SPIRIT says the Lord (Zechariah 4:6)
- Erwin Lutzer - We Will Not Be SILENCED
*****************