Q
I have a question for you. I listened to a great sermon on Justification and Sanctification recently. Would you please define these two words for me?
A
The Greek word for justify (Romans 8:29-30) means to render righteous, to regard as though innocent. When the blood of Jesus is applied to our lives, it allows God to see us as if we’ve never sinned. This is what makes us a new creation (2 Cor. 5:17) as righteous as God Himself (2 Cor. 5:21).
The word translated sanctify (Hebr. 10:14) means to separate or set apart from profane things and dedicate to God. It comes from a root that means to be holy. God’s seal of ownership and His indwelling Spirit are the indications that we’re set apart for Him (2 Cor. 1:21-22) and through Him are made Holy.