As Christians, we commonly use the word salvation to mean being “born again.” We talk about being saved or not saved, but what does that really mean? In its most straightforward understanding, it means that by putting our faith or our trust in Jesus Christ, we are saved. Our faith is in Jesus alone, and as a result of that faith, we believe that His crucifixion, death, and resurrection purchased something that we could never obtain on our own. We believe that faith in Jesus has caused the following: our sins to be forgiven, a restored relationship with God the Father, His Holy Spirit to come live in us and that we will have eternal life with God in Heaven!
If the above is what you believe, then you are absolutely correct; however, there is more! These facts of being forgiven, in a proper relationship with the Father, and knowing you have eternal life are the beginning of understanding what being “born-again” means. As the term born again implies, you have been spiritually reborn, and this rebirth not only changes your spirit, but it also changes your soul and body. Show More
In the gospel of John chapter 3, Jesus tells Nicodemus that to see the kingdom of God, you must be “born again.” The key to successful living as a Christian is to see yourself as born again or a new creation. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17. As long as Nicodemus tried to understand with his mind what Jesus was saying, he remained confused. The key is not simply understanding what Jesus said; the key is to believe and then act as if you believe. In other words, to be a doer of the word is the definition of faith. Knowing something to be true is not the same as applying that truth to one’s life. For example, if I believe that I am forgiven of all my sins, then I should never allow guilt, shame, or condemnation to control me. I know that example may be difficult to apply, but I need to be moving in that direction of trust. As I like to say, “We are works in progress!”
Abraham of the Bible is called the father of faith, and it was accounted to him as righteousness. God told Abraham to leave his home and go to a place he did not know. When Abraham and his wife, Sarah, were old, God told them that they would have a child. The scriptures say that Abraham did not waver in faith but believed in God. Romans 4:19-22, “And not being weak in faith, he did not consider his own body, already dead (since he was about a hundred years old), and the deadness of Sarah’s womb. 20 He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, 21 and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform. 22 And therefore “it was accounted to him for righteousness.” Abraham believed in the Lord and did those things that demonstrated that he believed.
To see yourself as a new creation, it is helpful to understand that the concept of being born again is deeply intertwined with righteousness, justification, holiness, and sanctification, alongside the balancing ideas of grace, mercy, and justice. Together, these elements help us understand God’s redemptive work in us; God is at work in our spirit, soul, and body.
These mentioned terms are not simply theological precepts or concepts; in fact, they declare that we are standing in a new position with God. Once, we were separated from God, and now we are joined with Him. Now we must learn to walk by faith and not lean on our understanding.
God’s justice requires a sacrifice for sin, and Jesus became that sacrifice, once and for all, for those who would trust Him. Because God’s justice has been met He extends us mercy, withholding what we all deserve: Death! God’s gift of grace declares that you are righteous, justified, holy, and sanctified. These terms describe our new position in Christ. You see, it is not about how you feel or think; it is all about what Jesus has done and what God says about you. Justice, mercy, and grace all through Jesus Christ and Him alone!
Righteousness
Righteousness, in Christian theology, is the quality of being morally right or justifiable in the sight of God. People, according to Scripture, fall short of God’s standard of righteousness due to sin. Romans 3:23 says, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” However, righteousness is not achieved by human effort but is imputed to believers through faith in Jesus Christ. The word imputed means that God’s righteousness is credited or attributed to us as Believers. As Paul writes, “For our sake, He made Him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Corinthians 5:21). This righteousness is not earned or deserved but a divine gift, enabling believers to stand justified before God. Remember, Jesus paid the price for sin on the cross. At the same time, we should always choose the path of righteousness as a reflection of the righteousness God has given us.
Think of a clean white shirt or robe that has no stains. This is how God sees you after Jesus takes your sin away on the Cross of Calvary; Jesus takes away sin and replaces it with righteousness. Righteousness represents being pure and right in God’s sight.
- Isaiah 1:18, “Come now, and let us reason together, Says the LORD, ‘Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool.’”
- Romans 3:22, “Even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe.”
Justification
Justification is the act by which God declares a sinner to be righteous. It is a legal term meaning clearing from guilt and sin. In Christian theology, justification is achieved solely through faith in Jesus Christ, not by works. As Ephesians 2:8-9 states, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” Through the sacrificial death and resurrection of Christ, believers are justified and reconciled to God, marking the beginning of their journey in faith.
For example, picture a courtroom where you are guilty of breaking the law. The judge, instead of declaring you guilty, says, “You’re free to go—your debt is paid.” Jesus paid your debt and took the punishment you deserved upon Himself. Justification in Christianity is being declared righteous before God because Jesus paid the penalty for sin. As it says in Romans 5:1, “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Holiness
When we think of holiness, we often think of those who are pious, saintly, or religious. That is NOT the scriptural definition of holiness. Holiness refers to the state of being set apart for God’s purposes. It is both an attribute of God and a calling for His people. In Leviticus 19:2, God commands, “You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy.” For Christians, holiness is not merely about moral purity but a life devoted to God. This involves transforming character and conduct, aligning one’s life with God’s will. This transformation takes place when we partner with the Holy Spirit and learn how to be led by the Spirit of God.
For example, think of a special, beautiful plate or bowl set aside for important occasions—it’s not for everyday use. In the same way holiness in Christianity means being set apart for God and living a life that reflects His character. 1 Peter 1:15-16 says, “But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.’”
Sanctification
Sanctification is the ongoing process of being made holy, a work of the Holy Spirit in a believer’s life. Unlike justification, which is a one-time act, sanctification takes place over time. It involves daily growth in grace, faith, and obedience as believers are conformed to the image of Christ. Philippians 1:6 captures this idea: “And I am sure of this, that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” Sanctification equips Christians to live in a manner that reflects God’s character and furthers His kingdom on earth.
For example, imagine planting a seed and watching it grow into a strong, fruitful tree over time. In the same way, sanctification is the process of growing spiritually and becoming more like Jesus with the help of the Bible and the Holy Spirit. We are all “works in progress.”
The apostle Paul says in 2 Corinthians 3:18, “And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.”
Grace, Mercy, and Justice
Grace is God’s unmerited favor, freely given to humanity. It is through grace that salvation is made possible, as demonstrated in Christ’s atoning sacrifice. As the Bible states, “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men” (Titus 2:11). The person is not only forgiven but also given an unexpected gift. Grace is God giving us eternal life and blessings we don’t deserve.
Mercy, on the other hand, is God’s compassion in withholding the punishment that sinners deserve. Lamentations 3:22-23 declares, “Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.” The person deserves punishment but is forgiven instead. Mercy is God withholding the punishment we deserve.
Justice reflects God’s righteousness and the need of addressing sin. As Isaiah 30:18 states, “For the Lord is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for Him.” At the cross, these three attributes come together: God’s justice is satisfied through Christ’s sacrifice, His mercy is displayed in forgiving sinners, and His grace is extended in offering eternal life. As Ephesians 2:8-9 clearly proclaims, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.”
Conclusion
The Christian belief in salvation is a deep expression of God’s love and sovereignty. It includes righteousness, justification, holiness, and sanctification, each revealing a side of God’s redemptive plan. Through the relationship of grace, mercy, and justice, salvation is made available to all who place their faith in Jesus Christ. However, knowing that the Bible says that you are righteous, justified, holy, and sanctified is not the same as seeing yourself that way.
Seeing yourself as righteous will strengthen your relationship with the Righteous one, Jesus. Seeing yourself as justified will prevent the devil from trying to heap guilt, shame, and condemnation upon you. Recognizing that you are holy in God’s eyes will keep you mindful of His plans and purposes for your life. Finally, seeing yourself as being sanctified will help you realize that the Holy Spirit is doing a lifetime work that will produce the character and nature of Jesus. This transformation journey will lead you into deeper communion with God, shaping you to reflect His glory and preparing you for eternity in His presence.
