Is the judicial act of God alone, done outside the sinner, but in Christ (Is. 53:11; Rom. 5:8-9; 2 Cor. 5:19)

Is that act of God within the sinner in which god works with the new man in a life-long process of restoration (Phil. 2:12-13; 3:112: Col. 3: 2-5; Titus 2:11-12).

Instantaneous Act of Divine Acquittal

When we are justified, it happens NOW! (Rom. 3:30; 5:18; Gal. 3:8, 28).

Gradual Process of Healing

Sanctification is a daily drowning of the Old Adam, a daily renewal of our life in Christ (Rom. 6:11-13; 2 Cor. 4:16; Col. 3:10).

Equal

We are all equally justified before God: before Him, there is no difference in salvation (Rom. 3:30; 5:18; Gal. 3:8, 28).

Degrees

Those who are justified are at different stages in displaying their sanctification (Rom. 12:6; 1 Cor. 7:7; 12:9,28; Eph. 4:7; 2 Tim. 2:20-21).

Complete

Justification was completed when God's wrath was satisfied on the cross of Christ. It is a completed act for us when we are brought into the family of God in our Baptism (Jn. 19:30; Rom. 5:18; 1 Jn.1:7).

Growth

We continue daily to grow in a faith-produced Christ-likeness (Ps. 92:12; 2 Cor. 8:7-8; Eph. 2:21; 4:1, 15-16; Phil. 3:16-17; Col. 2:7; 1 Thess. 4:1; 1 Pet. 2:2; 2 Pet. 1:5; 3:18).

Adoption

In justification, God graciously adopts us into His family because of the atoning sacrifice of Christ Jesus our Lord (Jn. 17:22; Rom. 8:15; 823; Gal. 3:26; 4:5; Eph. 1:5; 1 Jn. 3:1).

Family Life-Style

As members of God's family, we serve one another (Ps. 34: 11-14; Matt. 12:50: Eph.5:1; 1 Pet. 1:13-15).

Gift

Justification is a free gift of God, not dependent upon any good works that we do (Rom. 5:16; 6:23; Gal. 3:29; Eph. 1:5-6; Rev.22:17).

Response

Because of the joy of our salvation, we respond to God's unconditional love by serving one another (Matt. 7:16; Rom. 6:22; 1 Cor. 10"31; Eph. 2:10; 5:28,8; Col. 2:6; 1 Pet. 4:10; 2 Jn. 1:6; Rev. 3:20).

For Us

Christ accomplished our justification when He died in our place on the cross (Is. 53:11; Matt. 20:28; 1 Tim. 2:6; Heb. 10:19-20).

In Us

Christ works in us through our baptism into Him. This work in us b Christ is our sanctification (Jn. 14;17, 20; 15:5; Acts 6:3,5; 1 Thess. 1:5; 2:13; 2 Tim. 1:6, 14).

Victory

Justification credits to our account Jesus' victory over sin, death, and the devil (Is. 40:31; Rom. 6:9; 8:37; 1 Cor. 15:57; Gal 3:13; 5:1; 1 Jn. 5:4-5).

Battle

Sanctification is the daily battle between our Old Adam and our New Adam; between worldliness and heaven's goal for humanity (Rom. 7:15-21; 2 Cor. 5:4; 10:3; Gal. 5:17; Eph 6:11).

Standing

We can stand, assured of our salvation in Christ (Ps. 16:9; Rom. 5:1; Eph. 6:13; 2 Tim. 4:7-8; 1 Jn.

Walking, Wrestling, Running, Fighting

We fight the deceptions of Satan who would tell us we can only stumble and fall victim to his lies (Gen. 17:1; Deut. 26:17; Rom. 6:4; 2 Cor. 5:7;2 Tim. 1:14; Rev. 2:7).

When Jesus forgives sins, He also bestows new power. Jesus pronounces a paralytic justified: "Your sins are forgiven you" (Lk. 5:20). With that new standing in God's presence through Christ also comes the invitation to enjoy the blessing of sanctification: "Arise and walk!" (Lk. 5:24)