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What’s the difference between justification and sanctification — and why does it matter? In this episode of Theologically Driven, host Phil Cecil sits down with Dr. Mark Snoeberger of Detroit Baptist Theological Seminary to unpack two of the most important doctrines in Christian theology and explore how different traditions relate them to one another.
Dr. Snoeberger begins by carefully defining each term. Justification is the one-time, legal declaration that a sinner is righteous before God, grounded in the imputed righteousness of Jesus Christ and received by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. Sanctification, by contrast, is the experiential process of being made holy — typically described in three phases: definitive (or initial) sanctification at conversion, progressive sanctification throughout the Christian life, and final sanctification or glorification.
From there, the conversation turns to the central question: how are justification and sanctification related? Dr. Snoeberger lays out three major positions:
The Roman Catholic view, which absorbs sanctification into justification through an ongoing process of infused grace, sacraments, merit, and a final justification at the end of life.
The Holiness/Keswick view, which divorces the two by inserting a “second work of grace.”
The Reformation view, which treats them as parallel, simultaneous benefits flowing from the believer’s union with Christ.
This episode focuses on a thorough examination of the Roman Catholic position — including baptismal regeneration, the role of the sacraments, venial and mortal sins, purgatory, and why the Reformers’ insistence on sola fide (faith alone) was such a watershed moment. Dr. Snoeberger also explains the “hopeful and causal relationship” Catholic theology draws between sanctification and final justification, and why this framework leaves believers without assurance.
Whether you’re a pastor, student, or curious listener, this episode offers a clear, accessible introduction to a doctrine at the heart of the gospel and the Protestant Reformation.
Topics covered:
Definitions of justification and sanctification
Imputed vs. infused righteousness
Definitive, progressive, and final sanctification
Union with Christ and the duplex beneficium
Roman Catholic soteriology, sacraments, and purgatory
Venial and mortal sins
Why Luther opposed the sale of indulgences
Theologically Driven is a podcast of Detroit Baptist Theological Seminary.