An Anglican Catechism (Expanded Version)

Question 352: Why are justification and sanctification important?

Question 352: Why are justification and sanctification important?

Justification and sanctification are essential because they together form the foundation and pattern of the Christian life. Justification grants peace with God by removing guilt and declaring me righteous in Christ; sanctification transforms my life as I grow in holiness through the Spirit. Without justification, I remain condemned; without sanctification, I remain unchanged. Both are the gracious work of God, inseparable in the life of every believer, and necessary for salvation and eternal life. (Romans 5:1, Hebrews 12:14, Titus 3:5–7, Ephesians 2:8–10, 1 Corinthians 6:11)

Full Scripture References​

“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” – Romans 5:1 (BSB)

“Make every effort to live in peace with everyone, and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.” – Hebrews 12:14 (BSB)

“He saved us… not by righteous deeds we had done, but according to His mercy… so that, having been justified by His grace, we would become heirs with the hope of eternal life.” – Titus 3:5–7 (BSB)

“For it is by grace you have been saved through faith… For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance as our way of life.” – Ephesians 2:8–10 (BSB)

“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.” – 1 Corinthians 6:11 (BSB)

Expanded Explanation of Catechism Question

Justification and sanctification are vitally important because they together describe the full scope of God’s saving work in us. Justification answers our need for pardon; sanctification answers our need for transformation. Bishop Charlie Masters (ANiC, Diocese of the Living Word) writes, “Without justification, we are guilty before God; without sanctification, we are still in bondage to sin. But in Christ, we are both declared righteous and made holy.” (Two Pillars of Saving Grace, 2022)

Justification gives us assurance—confidence that we are accepted by God, not because of our merit, but because of Christ’s righteousness. Sanctification gives us purpose—a new way of living in response to God’s mercy. Fr. Isaac Rehberg (ACNA, All Saints San Antonio, TX) explains, “Justification gives the believer peace; sanctification gives the believer purity. One brings security, the other produces fruit.” (The Gospel That Saves and Shapes, 2021)

These doctrines are essential not only for personal assurance, but also for faithful Christian living. Fr. Caleb Evans (Anglican Orthodox Church, St. Stephen’s Mission, GA) teaches, “Without justification, you strive in vain to earn God’s favor. Without sanctification, you dishonor the grace you’ve received. The true Christian life holds both—peace with God and progress in holiness.” (Grace that Works, 2020)

Together, they protect us from legalism on one side and lawlessness on the other. Fr. Thomas Buchan (Anglican Union, St. Mark’s Anglican Church, VA) writes, “Justification says ‘You are accepted in Christ’; sanctification says ‘Now become like Christ.’ This is the rhythm of grace—the gospel not only forgives, it transforms.” (Formed by Grace, 2021)

Canon George Grant (ACNA, Parish Presbyterian Church, TN) adds, “These two doctrines are the bedrock of Anglican piety and Reformation faith. To know we are justified is to rest in God’s mercy. To know we are being sanctified is to walk forward in His power.” (Recovering Anglican Piety, 2019)

Early Church Fathers On Catechism Question

“God justifies that He may sanctify; He forgives that He may renew. These are not two paths but one journey of grace.” – Augustine of Hippo, On the Spirit and the Letter, c. 412 AD

“Justification begins the life of faith, sanctification perfects it. Without both, no man shall see the Lord.” – Basil the Great, Homily on Faith and Holiness, c. 370 AD

“The righteous are justified by mercy and sanctified by power. Let none claim grace without growth, or pardon without purity.” – John Chrysostom, Homily on Romans 6, c. 390 AD

“Holiness and justification are twins of grace. One frees from guilt; the other from corruption. Together they prepare us for glory.” – Cyprian of Carthage, On the Renewal of the Faithful, c. 250 AD

An Anglican Catechism (Expanded Version)

An Anglican Catechism (Expanded) offers over 350+ Scripture-based answers to the core truths of the Christian faith. Each entry includes biblical texts, theological insight, and reflections from historic and contemporary Anglican voices. Rooted in the classical tradition, it is designed for teaching, discipleship, and spiritual formation.

DOWNLOAD A FREE EBOOK TODAY

An Ancient Worship Movement invites readers into the rich, historic worship of the early Church rediscovered through the Anglican tradition. This book calls believers into a deeper, Spirit-filled encounter with Christ through timeless practices.