When Does Sanctification Begin?

Why is it that in the preaching we are taught that sanctification begins at the time of regeneration while, according to God’s Word, justification precedes sanctification?

From this question it once again is evident that many misunderstandings exist concerning these fundamental articles of faith. Indeed, two solemn issues are discussed here which must be clearly differentiated but which may never be separated. Calvin in his Institutes states that separating justification from sanctification is equal to tearing Christ in pieces. Both benefits, justification and sanctification, are merited by Christ for His Church and therefore are received simultaneously. Just as these two are not separable in Christ, neither are they to be separated in the way His Spirit administers them (1 Cor. 1:30). In justification, the state of reconciliation which was broken by sin is restored. In sanctification, the depraved nature is renewed and cleansed of sin. Justification is a sentencing similar to that of a judge in court and sanctification is a renewing of the wholly depraved man.

Concerning the order in which they take place, we would comment that in our days there are many who in the practice of life place sanctification before justification and are ready to speak about new obedience without emphasizing that for this to be possible, it must be preceded by a change of state from being dead in Adam to the state of grace in Christ (and the Lord works distinguishingly here). For how shall man who is dead in trespasses and sin (Eph. 2:1), in truth bring forth of himself or desire to do any good which is pleasing to God?

Reverently speaking, because of the unimpeachable righteousness and immaculate holiness of God, justification must precede sanctification. Never can the Holy Spirit renew the heart of a sinner in the way of sanctification if the righteousness of God is not first satisfied in the way of justification. Even as guilt came first through our fall in our covenant head Adam from which the stain of sin came forth immediately (i.e., original depravity which has spread itself throughout the whole man), in the same way restoration into grace through the second Adam Jesus Christ, justification unto satisfaction for our guilt comes before sanctification (i.e., the renewing and cleansing of the whole man). This order can and may never be reversed.

After having explained that justification comes before sanctification, we now come to the question: “How is it possible that sanctification begins at the moment of regeneration?”

We must not understand justification as primarily referring to the benefit the Lord grants His people in the exercise of faith when they consciously receive acquittal of guilt and punishment and a right to eternal life on the ground of Christ’s intercession for them when they are cut off in the court of conscience by God’s justice. This is what Paul calls coming unto a perfect man in the unity of faith (Eph. 4:13). To become an adult, it is necessary to be born as an infant and then to grow up. Yet, at birth a child has received everything which will develop into adulthood while growing up.

What takes place when a sinner is made alive? In being made alive, such a one is translated from the state of death into the state of life through the imputing of Christ and His righteousness, and faith is planted in the soul. As a fruit of this work of the Holy Ghost, the sinner is declared righteous before God. Such a beneficiary does not know this immediately and cannot accept this by the implanted faith without further exercise of faith. There are steps in acceptance by faith. The catechism clearly speaks of this in accordance with the leadings of the Holy Ghost with His people. Contrary to this acceptance by faith, how often are there not deep impressions in the soul of the unimpeachable justice of God in which they know themselves to be guilty unto death! How heavily can the severe demand of the law — that law whereby we know our sin and which is the schoolmaster to Christ — make the soul of truly concerned ones to sigh with deep fear for many years, yes, sometimes their entire life because they clearly see their guilt before God’s justice and Christ remains so hidden. And they cannot meet God in this state.

This does not diminish the benefit of the Lord in the imputing of Christ and His righteousness, however. The lack of accepting this benefit, however, causes the comfort of it to be missed. In accepting, those made alive are dependent upon the administration of the Holy Ghost. They cannot help themselves with general conclusions, reasoning, or enlightenment Paul says, “That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all; but is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father” (Gal. 4:1-2).

Even though justification precedes sanctification, sanctification begins at the time of regeneration.

Concerning sanctification, we must attend to the fact that regenerated ones, in their change of state which we already have spoken of, do not receive Christ’s righteousness only, but also His holiness is imputed unto them since He is given to them unto righteousness and sanctification. Therefore, at the moment of regeneration sanctification, i.e., a setting apart unto God and a renewing after God’s image, takes place immediately. This renewing, which takes place in the way of sanctification through the Holy Ghost, though perfect in its parts, is not perfect in its steps. The remains of sin are in all the habits of the soul, “we know in part,” and “how to perform that which is good I find not” (see Romans 7). Yet the renewing takes place in all parts; not one part remains old. From the moment of regeneration, the understanding is enlightened and the will renewed, seeking to do God’s good pleasure. This is evident in the conversion of Paul on the way to Damascus. Immediately he cries; “Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?” (Acts (9:6). The affections also are directed differently and our walk becomes sanctified.

Those made alive by God no longer can find any pleasure in sin. The Lord calls and enables His people through His Spirit to sanctify themselves. Paul summons to this saying, “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord” (Heb. 12:14). Thus, true conversion is the mortification of the old man and the quickening of the new man, being a continuing process which is finished at the time of death. And these must learn to know their powerlessness in adding anything to their justification or sanctification in their own strength. Their strength lies not in the neglect of granted grace, but in taking refuge by faith in Christ who is the fountain opened for the house of David and given unto them by God not only unto justification, but also unto sanctification, yes even unto perfect deliverance. It is He who testifies, “And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth” (John 17:19).

Due to the importance of these matters, I have provided a detailed answer to this question. I hope that it has become somewhat clearer to the questioner that even though justification precedes sanctification, sanctification begins at the time of regeneration.

Rev. L. Rijksen (1902-1969) served the Gereformeerde Gemeenten at Leiden, Middelburg, and Rotterdam-West. For many years he was a theological instructor and editor of De Saambinder, from which this article was translated.

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