Exploring the Scripture
Conversion, being born again, or being saved is summed up in two words: justification and sanctification. We must talk about both words. In the first days of Community of Christ, we received this guidance:
And we know that justification through the grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, is just and true; and we know, also, that sanctification through the grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, is just and true…to all those who love and serve God with all their mights, minds, and strength…
What do these two Latin-based words, justification and sanctification, mean in simple English? Think of salvation as a journey.
Beginning the journey of discipleship—this is justification: finding out for the first time that God loves you no matter what. Justification is an idea and an experience of peace, grace, and God’s love being poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit.
Remember the first time you sensed the Holy Spirit, felt the Holy Spirit in your heart. You experienced at that moment a peace, a rest, coming home to a love greater than that of the most loving parent. You felt loved, right? You experienced grace, not condemnation.
When another Christian asks, “Are you saved?” it often is an awkward moment for many of us in Community of Christ. We know this experience well. I think our Christian friend is asking, “Do you understand and know justification, this beginning moment of justification, grace, forgiveness, peace?”
Today’s passage is about the wonderful beginning of the journey of salvation. Salvation has a glorious beginning. We realize deep forgiveness. Perhaps later, we understand this is deeply connected with the cross.
The second part of the journey of salvation is sanctification. This word is not used in this passage, but the idea focuses on developing a Christian character through the continuing journey of following Jesus, even through suffering.
Sanctification means change on life’s journey as a disciple, letting God’s love change you. Love releases the power to love. This is sanctification, the progressive change of our character from sinner to saint and the continuing healing of our soul, so we become more like Jesus. (For Bible passages about sanctification, see 1 Thessalonians 5:23 and Galatians 5:22–23). Sanctification happens through the difficulties of this life, but hope grows in our souls. Baptism is part of this journey.
It also is helpful to look up salvation in the church’s Basic Beliefs. It begins with these words:
The gospel is the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ: forgiveness of sin, healing from separation, brokenness, and the power of violence and death. This healing is for individuals, human societies, and all creation.
We believe in God’s big salvation, summarized by the “cause of Zion.” God’s salvation and healing are more than individual salvation. They include the healing of societies and all creation.
God is committed to this great process of salvation: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; Creator, Redeemer, and Presence. We affirm God as Trinity.
Project Zion Podcast
Hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith consider how this week's scripture connects to our lives today.
Central Ideas
- Romans 5:1–5 is a masterful summary by the Apostle Paul of Christian salvation that begins with justification and continues with sanctification.
- Justification is the first encounter with God’s love.
- Sanctification is the continuing change of character possible through God’s continuing love, grace, and the work of the Holy Spirit as we follow Jesus through life’s difficulties.
- Salvation is an idea and an experience to which all are invited. God’s big salvation includes people, societies, and Earth.
Questions to Consider
- What was your first experience of the Holy Spirit, your first sense of God’s love?
- Who might be in the congregation that perhaps still has to experience in a personal way this moment of being touched by God’s love and discovering God’s deep peace?
- Who might be struggling, suffering, and needing encouragement that God will not let us go, even through the darkest times? Who might need assurance that a growing hope is promised?
- How can I suggest through story and testimony that God’s salvation is a big salvation that includes people, our village or city, and Earth itself in the climate crisis?
- How can I communicate that changed people can change the world? Is it proper to offer an invitation to baptism?