The life of a disciple of Jesus is a journey marked by an initial declaration of righteousness through faith towards God (justification), an ongoing transformation into holiness (sanctification), and the future hope of resurrection, being made fully like Christ (glorification).
Each aspect of this Christian journey is a testament to God's Genesis 3:15 redemptive work and His ultimate plan for all those who go on believing. These three aspects—justification, sanctification, and glorification—are not only personal experiences but also integral to the broader message of the gospel of the kingdom. These works of redemption were, are, and will be the fulfillment of what God spoke to the serpent in the Garden: "He will crush your head and you will bruise His heel." This promise was God's mercy upon man to restore them back to a perfect state all through a man whom He would appoint to be the restorer of mankind.
All have come short of the glory of God and none was found worthy as there has not been a man who has stayed righteous consistently throughout their lives. So God sent His own Son to be the mediator of this promise of God, the salvation of man. Jesus lived a righteous and sinless life. He sacrificed His life for the sake of bringing man close to God again. The torn flesh of Jesus was the price paid to appease God's wrath upon all man. This act of mercy was done by God unconditionally and through this act of Jesus, all men can now be saved from the curse of sin and death. But it will cost a heavy price. There is a condition to obtain the grace of God. It begins with belief.
Justification aligns believers with God's righteous standard, which begins with a person's first move of turning from the patterns of this world to a complete trust in who God is and in His promise. We call this Repentance and Faith Towards God.
Sanctification transforms them into kingdom citizens which is enacted in water baptism where through the finished work of the cross, the power and authority of sin over a person is cut off and washed away, empowering them to walk according to the righteousness of God with the help of the Spirit of God. We call this the Doctrine of Baptisms and the Laying On Of Hands.
Glorification fulfills God's ultimate desire for Man in His eternal kingdom. Through the work of the Holy Spirit which is given as a seal and pledge of their redempted body, believers can now walk according to the Spirit of Life and not according to the desires of the flesh. This enduring walk of faith unto the end will result in a glorified body to be like Christ. At the second coming of Jesus, He will reward all who go on believing in obedience with the treasures of Heaven. We call this the Resurrection of the Dead and Eternal Judgement.
Each step is essential in living out the faith and belief in the gospel of the kingdom. Each aspect demonstrates the transformative power of Jesus' message and the hope of His coming reign.
What Is Justification? Brought Near To God
Justification is the divine act whereby God declares a sinner righteous through faith in Jesus Christ. This aspect of a…
