The Gospel Vs. Legalism - Part 2

What does the word “sanctification” mean? Merriam-Webster defines it, “1: an act of sanctifying; 2a: the state of being sanctified, b: the state of growing in divine grace as a result of Christian commitment after baptism or conversion”. The first two definitions of “sanctify” are, “1: to set apart to a sacred purpose or to religious use: CONSECRATE; 2: to free from sin: PURIFY”. In the Bible, we see that it means “to set apart unto God.” We see that believers are sanctified by God (set apart to God from sin at the moment He saved them – see last week’s post, “The Gospel Vs. Legalism”) and are being sanctified by God (this salvation is continually being worked out until glorification).

Last week’s post talked about the initial act of God saving sinners. This one-time event is seen in Ephesians 2:1-10, where spiritually dead people are brought to life in Christ. (Other passages speak of this as believers being “crucified with Christ” [Rom. 6; Gal. 2; Col. 2] and “raised up with Christ” [Col. 3]). They are securely saved forever (Jn. 10; 17). So sure is this salvation, that our final transformation, or, glorification is stated in the past tense (Eph. 2:4-7; Rom. 8:28-30). We’re not perfect yet though.

We are works in progress, and this process of setting us apart from sin is our sanctification. God is doing this! Among many others, there are a few passages in Romans and Hebrews to look at regarding this:

Romans. 5:8-11:

          8      But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
          9      Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him.
          10    For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.
          11    And not only this, but we also exult in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.

Romans 8:28-34:

          28      And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.
          29      For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren;
          30      and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified.
          31      What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us?
          32      He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things?
          33      Who will bring a charge against God’s elect? God is the one who justifies;
          34      who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us.

Hebrews 7:23-25:

          23      The former priests, on the one hand, existed in greater numbers because they were prevented by death from continuing,
          24      but Jesus, on the other hand, because He continues forever, holds His priesthood permanently.
          25      Therefore He is able also to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.

Finally, Hebrews 10:11-14:

          11      Every priest stands daily ministering and offering time after time the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins;
          12      but He, having offered one sacrifice for sins for all time, SAT DOWN AT THE RIGHT HAND OF GOD,
          13      waiting from that time onward UNTIL HIS ENEMIES BE MADE A FOOTSTOOL FOR HIS FEET.
          14      For by one offering He has perfected for all time those who are sanctified.

Notice Jesus, alive and interceding for His saints! Rather than working to be holy, let us live by faith in Him. Thanks be to Him (1 Cor. 15:57)! If you want to read more about sanctification, read Galatians. These people were struggling with legalism. We see a sampling here as Paul writes in 2:20-3:3:

    20      “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.
    21      “I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness comes through the Law, then Christ died needlessly.”

Chapter 3

Faith Brings Righteousness

          1      You foolish Galatians, who has bewitched you, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified?
          2      This is the only thing I want to find out from you: did you receive the Spirit by the works of the Law, or by hearing with faith?
          3      Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?
          4      Did you suffer so many things in vain—if indeed it was in vain?

Lastly, 2 Cor. 5:14-15 sums up believers lives well: “14 For the love of Christ controls us, having concluded this, that one died for all, therefore all died; 15 and He died for all, so that they who live might no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf.” What amazing love!

In response, I think of two hymns. “I need no other argument, I need no other plea. It is enough that Jesus died and that He died for me” (“My Faith Has Found A Resting Place”) and “On Christ the Solid Rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand…” (“On Christ The Solid Rock”).

Yes, we “work out our salvation with fear and trembling” (Phil. 2:12-13), but we fix our eyes on Jesus, "the author and perfecter of faith" (Heb. 12).

“If our primary goal is love Jesus, everything else will fall into place…when we’re tempted to let our failures overwhelm us, let us look at the greatness of Christ – He lived perfectly, and He died for us. When God looks at us, He sees Jesus, because He’s filling us.” - Rachel Clifford

To God be the glory!

For further reading see 1 Thess. 4:1-12; 5:23-25.


Merriam-Webster, I. (2003). Merriam-Webster’s collegiate dictionary. (Eleventh ed.). Springfield, MA: Merriam-Webster, Inc. 
New American Standard Bible: 1995 update. (1995). (Ro 5:8-11; 8:28-34; Heb 7:23-25; Heb 10:11–14; Ga 2:20-3:4; 2 Co 5:14-15). La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.