When it comes to viewing sin I really like how Richard Cecil states: “There are three things which the true Christian desires in respect to sin: Justification, that it may not condemn; sanctification, that it may not rein; and glorification, that it may not be.”1 Let’s take a closer look at his three desires with respect to sin for the Christian.
Justification, that sin it may not condemn
When we come to Christ through faith, the Bible declares that we are justified, or in other words we are declared righteous before God. Justification is a legal pronouncement in which divine justice is satisfied, and the Christian stands acquitted of all charges of sin. It is a glorious process in which we are no longer condemned but declared righteous before God. Justification takes place at the moment of salvation and is a free gift for all who put their trust in Christ. (Romans 8:1-2) says it so beautifully: “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.” So, Christian we should rejoice that we are justified in Christ!
Sanctification, that sin it may not rein
Sanctification refers to the process of being made holy or set apart for God’s purposes. The Bible speaks of three types of sanctification. We are positionally sanctified at the moment of salvation when we are declared holy though our faith in Jesus. We then spend the rest of our lives on earth in what is called progressive sanctification. This is an ongoing process of spiritual growth for the believer. Finally, there is ultimate sanctification, which occurs at the second coming of Christ, and is the time when Christians will be completely free from sin. As we become more holy and obey the commandments of the Lord we will see that sin no longer has to rein in our lives. Now that’s exciting!
Glorification, that sin it may not be
According to the website, Biblehub.com: “Glorification refers to the culminating work in the believer’s journey of salvation, as promised and accomplished by God. It involves a divine transformation in which those who are in Christ will ultimately share in His perfected state-free from sin, decay, and death. Scripture points to glorification as both a future hope and a secured promise. In the most direct terms, it is the final stage in the believer’s redemption, when the faithful will be raised in incorruptible bodies and dwell eternally in the presence and likeness of God.”2 In this state, we are forever free from sin, and can enjoy perfect fellowship with the Lord.
These three doctrines are foundational to understanding basic Christian theology in relationship to sin, and each of them are glorious and wonderful to behold!