Justification declares the sinner righteous.
Sanctification makes the sinner righteous.
Justification is a once-and-for-all act.
Sanctification is a continuous work.
Justification causes salvation.
Sanctification is the result of salvation.
Justification deals with the Christian’s standing before God.
Sanctification deals with the Christian’s experience in life.
Justification is objective.
Sanctification is subjective.
Justification removes the guilt and penalty of sin.
Sanctification removes the growth and power of sin.
Justification changes a person’s position before God.
Sanctification changes a person’s nature and character.
Justification, again, changes a person’s position before God.
Sanctification changes a person’s disposition in relation to God.
Justification deals with the imputation of righteousness.
Sanctification deals with the impartation of righteousness.
Justification is for the sinner.
Sanctification is in the saint.
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7 comments:
How do you know Paul sharply distinguishes justification from sanctification or that he's even switching topics in Rom 6? He uses the Greek term for justify in 6:7. Elsewhere he puts sanctification before justification, eg 1 Cor 6:11.
Nick,
Thank you for your comment. I was just speaking to the general movement of the text. I understand that Romans 6:7 "For one who has died has been set free from sin." or has "been justified" (dikaiovw)is used by Paul. Again speaking to the flow of the text I suggest this outline. Feel free to comment on the following outline:
Romans Outline Chapter 1-8
- Paul’s Greetings and longing (1:1-17)
Paul’s Greetings (1:1-7)
Paul’s Desire to Visit Rome (1:8-17)
- Sinfulness of Jews and Gentiles (1:18-3:20)
Gentile Sinfulness (1:18-32)
Jewish Sinfulness (2:1-3:8)
Universal Sinfulness (3:9-20)
- Salvation for Jews and Gentiles (3:21-8:39)
Justification (3:21-5:21)
By Faith Alone (3:21-31)
Abraham’s Example (4:1-25)
Benefits of Justification (5:1-11)
Christ: The New Adam (5:12-21)
- Sanctification (6:1-8:39)
Sin’s Dominion Broken (6:1-23)
Struggling With Sin (7:1-25)
Living By The Spirit (8:1-39)
I'm not sure what you mean by "general movement of the text." I don't see how you make such sharp distinctions.
I'll comment on your outline now:
"Paul’s Greetings and longing (1:1-17)"
I agree with this.
"Gentile Sinfulness (1:18-32)"
I believe 1:18-2:16 is regarding all men, both Jew and Gentile (hence 2:9-10).
"Jewish Sinfulness (2:1-3:8)"
I believe 2:17-3:8 is covering Jews/Judaizers only.
"Universal Sinfulness (3:9-20)"
I agree here.
"Salvation for Jews and Gentiles (3:21-8:39)"
That is a long span of Scripture, but overall I agree.
"Justification (3:21-5:21)"
I agree, but I don't make a sharp distinction between justification and sanctification, thus I don't make a sharp cut at 5:21.
"By Faith Alone (3:21-31)"
I disagree here. Paul is opposing "works of the Law," that is the Mosaic Law. That is not the same as any and all good works. Thus you cannot say faith is all that's left, because that's not Paul's point.
"Abraham’s Example (4:1-25)
Benefits of Justification (5:1-11)
Christ: The New Adam (5:12-21)"
Agreed.
"Sanctification (6:1-8:39)"
I disagree here, because the term "justify" and "righteousness" appear in this span. It is about sanctification, but I don't believe there is a sharp distinction warranted.
"Sin’s Dominion Broken (6:1-23)
Struggling With Sin (7:1-25)
Living By The Spirit (8:1-39)"
Agreed, but likely not for the same reasons. Note Rom 8:1-2 for example, it says there is no condemnation BECAUSE the Indwelling of the Holy Spirit set us free. Often I see people quote 8:1 alone and say it's justification (distinct from sanctification), but that's cutting off Paul mid thought.
I do like this approach of yours though, because it makes it easy to zoom in on where we disagree.
I wasn't trying to make an absolute statement that Paul stops mentioning justification from chapter 6 on. For our purposes, in the class, I was discussing how when chapter 6 comes to a close. I see three things that become increasingly clear. It seems clear to me that our condition as humans is not just that we are guilty because of sin and in need of forgiveness and the righteousness of Christ to enter into relationship with God, but we also are in slavery to sin and need to be freed from its power as well as its punishment.
And it becomes increasingly clear that this deliverance (this "sanctification") is the work of God, and then, dependently, our work. We must do it. But we cannot do it unless God enables us to do it.
Thirdly, it becomes increasingly clear that this eternal life depends not only justification, but also on sanctification. What I mean is, if a person says, "Oh, I am saved by faith and I don't need to fight sin and pursue holiness," that person is probably not saved. And without being freed from that slavery to sin, he will not inherit eternal life.
Romans 6:20-22
1) All of us are enslaved to sin - we don't rule sin; sin rules us.
2) God alone is the deliverer from this slavery, and our part, which is important, is dependent on his. 3) Without this rescue from the rule and slavery of sin without a new direction of righteousness and holiness in our lives we will not inherit eternal life.
I was talking to the students about the need to mortify the flesh and vivify the spirit. Also how
God has dethroned sin, but has not yet destroyed sin. Salvation is still in process in that sense. We have been saved from the punishment of sin (Justification) we are being saved from the power of sin (sanctification) and we will one day be save from the presence of sin (glorification).
What is funny is that I largely agree with your reasoning on this last response, I just don't see the need or distinction for justification and sanctification.
Nick,
I'm curious as to where you live. No I don't want to stalk you. If you're anywhere close to south florida it would be great to grab lunch sometime. If not it has been great communicating with you. This will probably be my last comment on this thread. Thanks again for your input.
Unfortunately, I live on literally the other end of the nation. I have wanted to visit Florida though, all of it!
I don't mind having this talk cut short, there is no need to repeat ourselves. I'm just glad you were open to talk.
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