Catechism 32

What do justification and sanctification mean?

Justification means our declared righteousness before God, made possible by Christ’s death and resurrection for us. Sanctification means our gradual, growing righteousness, made possible by the Spirit’s work in us.

(New City Catechism)

 

First, declared –

            altogether

                        undeserved.

First a righteousness which comes

            from above

in shower, blood,

            avenging love.

                        First the gavel’s pound upon

            the bench declares

                        salvation.

 

Then the change –

            “As you are, and

                        have been called –

now be each day. Now live a life

                        worthy of

this calling, worthy

            of this Life.”

                        First the calling, first New Life,

            then life transformed

                        by Spirit.