Justification and Sanctification: Divergent Understandings Among Evangelicals and Catholics
> The doctrines of justification and sanctification are central to the Christian understanding of salvation and spiritual growth. However, there are distinct differences in how these concepts are understood within evangelical Protestantism and Roman Catholicism. Evangelicals emphasize justification by faith alone and view sanctification as a separate, ongoing process, while Catholics see them as more closely interconnected.
This article will explore the evangelical perspective on these doctrines, supported by Scripture, historical theology, and scholarly resources.
Evangelical Perspective on Justification
Justification is a legal term that refers to the act of God declaring a sinner to be righteous on the basis of Christ’s righteousness. Evangelicals draw from passages like Romans 5:1, which states, “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” This verse underscores the evangelical belief that justification is by faith alone (sola fide), apart from works. It is an instantaneous legal declaration that occurs when a person places their faith in Jesus Christ.
Martin Luther, the Protestant Reformer, famously said, “We are justified by faith alone but not by a faith that is alone.” This quote encapsulates the evangelical conviction that true faith will inevitably produce good works, but these works are not the basis for justification. Rather, they are the evidence of it. Justification is entirely a work of God’s grace, received through faith, and not something earned or merited by human effort.
Differences from Catholic Understanding
In contrast, the Catholic Church teaches that justification is not only a declaration but also involves the actual infusion of grace that makes a person righteous. This process begins at baptism and continues throughout the believer’s life. Catholic doctrine holds that good works, enabled by grace and performed in faith, contribute to a person’s justification.
Sanctification from an Evangelical Viewpoint
Sanctification, for evangelicals, is the process by which a justified person is made progressively holy. It is the work of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer, conforming them to the image of Christ. Sanctification involves a cooperative effort between God and the believer—God supplies the grace, and the believer responds in obedience.
Sanctification is understood as distinct from justification, though both are aspects of the broader work of salvation. Justification is a one-time event with ongoing effects, while sanctification is a continuous process that will not be completed until the believer reaches glory.
Catholic Perspective on Sanctification
Catholics, on the other hand, often view sanctification as part of the broader process of justification. They believe that through the sacraments and cooperation with grace, a person grows in righteousness, which also has justifying effects. Sanctification, therefore, is not only about growth in holiness but also about growing in justifying grace.
Theological and Practical Implications
The evangelical understanding of justification by faith alone has profound implications for assurance of salvation. It provides believers with the confidence that their standing before God is secure, based solely on the finished work of Christ. Sanctification, as a separate process, encourages Christians to pursue a life of holiness and obedience, empowered by the Spirit, without fear that their failures will jeopardize their justified status.
Conclusion
Evangelicals and Catholics hold to different views of justification and sanctification, with evangelicals emphasizing the former as by faith alone and the latter as a distinct, ongoing process. These differences stem from divergent theological traditions and interpretations of Scripture.
For those seeking a deeper understanding of the evangelical position on justification by faith alone, “Justification by Faith Alone” by R.C. Sproul is an invaluable resource. This work delves into the biblical, historical, and theological underpinnings of the doctrine, offering clarity and insight into one of the defining tenets of evangelical Christianity.
