Justified then Sanctified?

by Perry Hall

For those who don't consider baptism the point at which God grants us His grace but rather an outward sign of inward grace, some propose moving baptism from the justification column to the sanctification column. Here are two problems with that.

First, the scriptural problem considering Scripture is our authority. Notice how Paul does not separate justification from sanctification. Paul even lists sanctification first! "And some of you used to be like this. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God" (I Corinthians 6:11).

Second, are the logical arguments.

1. Can one be justified (i.e., declared innocent) and not be sanctified (i.e., made holy)? Doesn't one have to be made holy from sin first to be declared innocent of guilt?
2. If baptism sanctified after salvation, then are we saved but not holy (which is the meaning of sanctification)?
3. If one cannot be saved without being sanctified, are we lost before sanctification while being justified?
4. If one cannot be saved without both justification and sanctification, and baptism is when we are sanctified, then baptism is still essential. One cannot be finally saved without baptism. So, are we saved twice?

Can we see how making man-made columns leads to confusion?

Let's look at I Corinthians 6:11 again:

• And some of you used to be like this - lost sinners
• But you were washed - baptized
• you were sanctified - made holy
• you were justified - declared innocent
• in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ - the blood of the Son
• and by the Spirit - the Holy Spirit
• of our God - the Father

Notice how this fits as a combination of Matthew 28:19 and Acts 2:38:

"Jesus said, 'Go therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit'" (Matthew 28:19).

"Peter replied, 'Repent and be baptized, each of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit'" (Acts 2:38).

Have you been washed, justified, and sanctified? It all happens at the same time when baptized.