Bible Question:
Thank you for your post. I agree. However, I believe there is a difference in the "righteousness" of salvation and the "righteousness" of sanctification. It reminds me of a book I once read by Francis Schaefer called something like "How shall we Then Live". In other words, now that we have received the gift of salvation in Christ, having his righteousness "transferred" to our account, how do we live in order to fully appropriate the blessing He has bestowed? Are we not called? Are we not motivated? Are we not obligated to do as Jesus did, constantaly re-evaluating the things we hold dear in light of His presence and guidance in our lives? Are we not free, as saved people, to choose how we live and behave? Are we not free to immerse ourselves deeper into the "good life" Christ calls us to as well as free to listen with only have an ear and keep one foot in the world to make sure our retirements are secure? What do you think? Dave R. |
Bible Answer: Hello Dave If I may jump in. I would not say there is a "'righteousness' of salvation and the 'righteousness' of sanctification". Rather that there is a difference between initial and ongoing sanctification. As has been noted we are declared righteous when we believe (Rom 4:3-5), and yet there is an active working of righteousness in us (Rom 6:13). The same is true of sanctification. You are sanctified when you believe (1 Pet 2:9-10), yet there is the active working of sanctification in us (Rom 6:19). Romans 6 and 1 Peter 1:13-2:12 are two good sections regarding sanctification. You (or Schaefer?) ask several good rhetorical questions. It's the practical, godly working of a holy life that does these things well. Steve |