The Second Process of Salvation

SANCTIFICATION 

 

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The lifelong process of character development subsequent to conversion, in contrast with justification. The latter establishes a right relationship with God, one in which the process of character development, or sanctification, becomes possible. NT writers speak of this process variously as a matter of following after righteousness and fighting the good fight of faith (1 Tim. 6:11, 12), of walking in newness of life (Rom. 6:4), of growing up into Christ (Eph. 4:15), of growing in grace (2 Peter 3:18), of being built up, strengthened, established (Col. 2:6, 7), being transformed (Rom. 12:2), of partaking of the divine nature (2 Peter 1:4), of patiently running the Christian race (Heb. 12:1). The goal of this process is ultimate perfection of character, the restoration of the image of God in the mind and character of God’s people. Born-again Christians are perfect before God as a result of their acceptance of Christ’s righteousness to atone for their past sins (Rom. 5:1), and of their personal commitment to cooperate with the transforming grace and power of Christ now at work in the mind and life (Rom. 12:1; Gal. 2:20). But this is relative perfection—it is theirs only by virtue of their relationship to Christ by faith. Although we must be continually growing in grace through the power of the Holy Spirit (the process of sanctification), absolute sinless perfection of character—the Christian’s hope and ultimate goal—is attained only when the mortal nature puts on immortality (Phil. 3:12–15; 1 John 3:1). See also Faithand Works; Justification; Law; Law and Grace; Righteousness by Faith.