One of the things I love about how CJ wrote The Cross Centered Life is how good he is at making massive theological concepts simple and clear. For instance, on pages 32-33, he explains the differences between justification and sanctification. You may know this already, but it’s worth reviewing:

• Justification is being declared righteous. Sanctification is being made righteous–being conformed to the image of Christ.
• Justification is our position before God. Sanctification is our practice. You don’t practice justification! It happens once for all, upon conversion.
• Justification is objective–Christ’s work for us. Sanctification is subjective–Christ’s work within us.
• Justification is immediate and complete upon conversion. You will never be more justified than you are the first moment you trust in the Person and finished workl of Christ. Sanctification is a process. You will be more sanctified as you continue in grace-motivated obedience.

CJ goes on to quote theologian Sinclair Ferguson on page 34:

Our greatest temptation and mistake is to try to smuggle character into God’s work of grace.

Which are you more aware of each day? Your status as justified before God? Or your attempts to grow in sanctification? Talk to your parents today about how you can keep justification front and center even while you seek to grow in sanctification.

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