12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:12-14)
WLC: How do Justification and Sanctification Differ? Although sanctification is eternally tied to justification, they are different in the following ways:
1) God clothes us in Christ's righteousness in justification; in sanctification God seeps grace into us and enables us to use His grace.
2) In justification sin is pardoned; in sanctification it is subdued.
3) Justification perfectly frees us from God's wrath so we are not condemned; sanctification is not equally distributed in all, nor perfect in this life, but ever-growing toward the goal of perfect holiness.
Thoughts: Justification and sanctification are two different things in scripture. Justification is an instantaneous acceptance and pardon. Sanctification is a gradual process of growing in holiness. If we see them as the same thing- then we confuse getting in the race with running the race; or getting in the car with riding in the car. Both are parts of salvation. Paul says he presses on toward the goal- this pressing on toward the goal is sanctification. Some emphasize justification to the neglect of sanctification- as if we start but the Christian life and growth is meaningless; while others emphasize sanctification to the neglect of justification- as if the Christian life's start is not significant. Justification is almost a judicial declaration of non-guilt, but sanctification is growing in grace by dying to self and living to God.
Prayer: Lord, help me to press on toward the goal, growing in my sanctification.
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