The Three Aspects of Salvation
Understanding Justification, Sanctification, and Glorification
Salvation is a central theme in Christian life, reflecting the journey of believers from sin to the fullness of eternal life in Christ. Out of a desire to discuss the importance of sanctification, I initially created a drawing that inspired this article. The drawing, and this article, are based on the realization that discussing sanctification without addressing the assurance of salvation that comes through understanding justification can lead to a works-based religion or the misconception that we can lose our salvation. Moreover, contemplating sanctification without the hope of glorification can lead to feelings of hopelessness. So, to truly grasp salvation – and for the purposes of this article, embrace sanctification – it’s essential to understand all three aspects: justification, sanctification, and glorification. Each stage represents different dimensions of our relationship with God and reveals His boundless grace in unique ways. Together, they paint a comprehensive picture of the Christian life from our initial redemption to our final transformation.
Justification: Being Declared Righteous
The first aspect of salvation is justification, a moment when believers are declared righteous before God. This marks the beginning of our journey, where God, in His mercy, acquits us of sin through faith in Jesus Christ. Romans 3:23-24 reminds us, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”
This declaration of righteousness is not earned; it’s a free gift given by God. As Romans 5:1 affirms, "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." Through faith in Christ, our standing with God is forever changed and we are no longer seen as guilty sinners, but as redeemed children.
In this act of justification, God also triumphs over sin and spiritual opposition. As Colossians 2:15-16 declares, Christ "disarmed the powers and authorities, making a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross. Therefore, do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration, or a Sabbath day." We are now free from the penalty of sin and from the accusations of the enemy, standing boldly before God as justified by Christ’s sacrifice.
Sanctification: The Process of Becoming More Like Christ
The second aspect of salvation is sanctification. This is the ongoing process by which believers are transformed, and molded to be more like Jesus. Sanctification is not instantaneous but an ongoing journey. As 2 Corinthians 3:18 reflects, "We all, with unveiled faces, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into His image from glory to glory."
Sanctification is a process rooted in God’s will for His people to live holy lives, free from the power of sin. As Paul exhorts in 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8, believers are called to grow in holiness: “It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality... For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life.” This underscores the active work of the Holy Spirit in shaping us into Christ’s likeness.
The sanctification process is also anchored in our continual surrender to God. In 1 Thessalonians 5:23, we are reassured of God’s role in this transformation: "May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul, and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ." This is the Spirit’s work, but the transformation calls for our cooperation, seeking after purity in heart and mind. Peter echoes this in 1 Peter 1:2, where he speaks of those "chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to be obedient to Jesus Christ."
Glorification: The Final Transformation
The final aspect of salvation is glorification, the future reality when we will be fully transformed and united with Christ in eternal glory. This is the ultimate culmination of salvation, where we experience the full victory of Christ and the complete restoration of our bodies and spirits. As Philippians 3:20-21 explains, “Our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables Him to bring everything under His control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like His glorious body.”
In glorification, the hope of believers is fully realized as we are finally freed from the presence of sin and receive resurrection bodies. Colossians 3:1-4 captures this powerful transformation: "Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God... For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory."
This future reality of being united with Christ fuels our hope. 1 John 3:2 reminds us of the incredible transformation we will undergo: "Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is." Glorification represents our ultimate hope as Christians – all the trials of this life will be eclipsed and overshadowed by a wondrous eternity with our Savior.
Understanding Salvation in Three Tenses
Throughout Scripture, salvation is spoken of in past, present, and future tenses. We have been saved (justification), we are being saved (sanctification), and we will be saved (glorification). This threefold understanding helps believers grasp the fullness of salvation. Justification is the foundation, sanctification is the ongoing journey, and glorification is the future reward.
Embracing the Journey of Salvation
The full scope of our salvation is not a singular moment but a transformative journey. Each aspect reveals God’s grace at work in our lives. Through justification, we are reconciled with God. Through sanctification, we are made more like Christ. And through glorification, we are fully restored and transformed to enjoy eternal life with Him. The assurance of salvation that comes through understanding justification and the hope of eternity that comes through understanding glorification should fuel our active pursuit of becoming more like Him through the Spirit-empowered work of sanctification. Understanding and embracing this journey strengthens our faith, encourages us to grow in holiness, and gives us hope as we look forward to our final transformation in Christ’s presence.
Editor’s Note: Check out a video version of this post here: https://youtu.be/1jMXwFzzsFU?si=jHBnfyj3BDdHxLi5