From Justification to Glorification

We are all aware that the Christian walk is just that – a walk (Col 2:6). A continual development and growth that sees us from the moment we are saved to the marvellous day where we shall, in the words of John, “be like him; for we shall see him as he is.” (1 Jn 3:2). 

The walk begins at that moment where we, who were unjust, were justified by Him who is just. This is explained in Romans chapter 3 (particularly in verses 24-26).

And the walk will lead us to that moment where we, who have been made just, will be glorified at the return of our dear Saviour. This is explained in Romans 8 (particularly in verses 29-30).

Justified and glorified. These two words ‘sandwich’ the life of the regenerate, with justification the start and glorification being the end. But what is this middle piece that really composes the life of the believer? Or to use a question that is often asked, ‘what is the will of God in my life?’ Well, we can turn to the words of Paul for a simple answer – “For this is the will of God, even your sanctification.” (1 Thes 4:3).

And it is this sanctification I want to think about. 

While we pilgrim through this desert place, walking steadfastly towards the Jordan, there is an expectation for us to: “Grow” (2 Pt 3:18), “be perfect” (2 Tim 3:17), “increase in wisdom” (Lk 2:52), “increasing in the knowledge of God” (Col 1:10) and so on…

These instructions can be summarised by this word sanctification – the process of being purified – made into the likeness of His Son. The distinction should be made that whilst we are currently, absolutely and 100% sanctified in the sight of God through the finished work of Christ at Calvary; we also, continue to be sanctified in a practical sense. This is spoken of in Hebrews 10:14.

But if you are like me, then you will admit that this is something that we not only find difficult but to our shame, at times fail to do. It is difficult, there is no doubt about it. In a sin-cursed world that is growing ever more evil and with the flesh that has neither been removed nor improved; how can we “present ourselves as a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God” (Rom 12:1)?

Well, first of all, it should be our desire, our prayer to be like Him. In the light of all that He has done for us, we should want to turn away from and mortify our sinful desires, not by our own strength (as this ALWAYS fails) but through the work of the Holy Spirit within us. And second, when we consider the imminent return of the Lord Jesus Christ, would He be pleased with the state we are in currently? Dwell upon the challenge presented to us by Peter, 

“what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness” (2 Pt 3:11)

And,

“Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless” (2 Pt 3:14)

How should we act upon such verses? Well, I think Peter gives us the answer in 2 parts.

First, in light of what has been done (our salvation and thus our justification), we are to with “all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.” (2 Pt 1:5-7). 

A brief summary of these follows:

• Virtue – Has the idea of moral standards. Peter doesn’t set an amount of virtuousness before you can stop adding it.
• Knowledge – How can we increase in knowledge? The continual reading of the Word of God.
• Temperance or self-control – We are to be those who are known for keeping our emotions in check but also the self-control required when temptations are presented before us.
• Perseverance –the idea is that of steadfastness. The literal description of the journey we are considering.
• Godliness – We are to have godly character. Enoch was a man that walked with God (Gen 5) and gets mentioned in Hebrews chapter 11 – described as one the pleased God.
• Brotherly kindness – Brotherly love; love shown towards the saints of the church. A care, concern, compassion, affection for those whom Christ died.
• Love – When we add to our faith an increasing love for God then the above will naturally fall into place.

Second, in light of what will be done (our eternal glorification), we are to “grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ” (2 Pt 3:18). How good it is to think of our future, when we will be with Him and be like Him! And there we shall know Him fully. But why linger around during our pilgrim journey when we can begin to ‘grow in the grace and knowledge of Him’. It should be the natural process that as we grow in His grace and in the knowledge of Him, we become more like Him, we become … sanctified. May God give us help as we seek to walk ever closer by His side.