Justification, sanctification, and glorification are big words, but they describe the beautiful work of God in the life of every believer. They remind us that salvation is not something we begin and then try to finish on our own. From beginning to end, salvation is the gracious work of God.
Justification is what God has done for us. The moment we place our faith in Jesus Christ, God declares us righteous, not because we have earned it, cleaned ourselves up, or done enough good to outweigh the bad, but because of what Christ has done through His death and resurrection. Our sin is forgiven. Our guilt is removed. We have peace with God.
“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1 NKJV).
Sanctification is what God is doing in us. From the day we are saved, the Holy Spirit begins the lifelong work of making us more like Christ. We do not become perfect overnight, and we should not pretend that we do. But those who belong to Christ should be growing in faith, obedience, holiness, and love for Him.
“But we all… are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord” (2 Corinthians 3:18 NKJV).
Glorification is what God will do for us. One day, the work He began will be complete. We will be with the Lord forever, free from sin, sorrow, sickness, weakness, and death. We will see Christ face to face, and we will be made like Him.
“Beloved, now we are children of God… we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is” (1 John 3:2 NKJV).
A simple way to remember it is this:
Justification: I have been saved from the penalty of sin.
Sanctification: I am being saved from the power of sin.
Glorification: I will be saved from the presence of sin.
What a hope this gives us. God has justified us through Christ. He is sanctifying us by His Spirit. And one day, He will glorify us in His presence.
The God who began the work will finish it.
Truth to Carry
Salvation is God’s gracious work from beginning to end: He has saved us, He is changing us, and one day He will bring us safely home.
Foundations in Scripture 