Divine Paradoxes: Resolving Seeming Contradictions in Christian Theology
Category 3: Doctrinal Paradoxes in Salvation
1. Introduction
Christian theology affirms that believers are already saved through faith in Jesus Christ, fully justified before God (Romans 5:1). Yet the New Testament also teaches that believers are to be progressively sanctified, striving toward holiness (Hebrews 12:14). This paradox—salvation as a completed status versus an ongoing process—raises crucial questions about the nature of justification, sanctification, and Christian assurance.
2. Scriptural Foundations
2.1 Salvation Already Accomplished
- Ephesians 2:8 – “For by grace are ye saved through faith…”
- Romans 5:1 – “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God…”
- John 5:24 – “He that believeth… is passed from death unto life.”
2.2 Salvation Still at Work
- Philippians 2:12 – “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.”
- 2 Corinthians 7:1 – “Let us cleanse ourselves… perfecting holiness in the fear of God.”
- 1 Thessalonians 4:3 – “This is the will of God, even your sanctification…”
3. Theological Meaning
This paradox reflects the difference between justification (a legal declaration of righteousness) and sanctification (a moral and spiritual transformation). The believer is declared righteous once for all, yet is being made righteous progressively through the Spirit’s work.
4. Paradox Explained
| Salvation Aspect | Nature | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Justification | Legal, complete, positional | Already accomplished |
| Sanctification | Moral, ongoing, transformative | Still unfolding |
| Glorification | Future, perfect completion | Not yet realised |
5. Christ as the Fulfilment of Both Aspects
- Jesus secured justification by His atoning death (Romans 3:24–26),
- He also sanctifies believers through His Spirit (John 17:17; Hebrews 10:14),
- Christ is both our righteousness and our sanctifier (1 Corinthians 1:30).
6. Historical Theological Perspectives
6.1 Early Church
- Athanasius: Salvation is both positional in Christ and lived in the believer.
- Augustine: God justifies and continues to purify; grace works over time.
6.2 Reformation
- Martin Luther: Justification is by faith alone, but sanctification follows as evidence.
- John Calvin: Justification and sanctification are distinct yet inseparable blessings of union with Christ.
6.3 Post-Reformation & Modern
- John Wesley: Emphasised progressive sanctification toward Christian perfection.
- J.I. Packer: Salvation is a multi-phase reality: past (justified), present (being sanctified), future (glorified).
7. Doctrinal Implications
- Assurance rests on justification, not one’s level of sanctification,
- True justification will always result in sanctification (James 2:17),
- Salvation involves both status and transformation—one cannot be present without the other.
8. Devotional Applications
- Rejoice that you are already accepted in Christ (Ephesians 1:6),
- Pursue holiness as a fruit, not a condition of salvation,
- Be patient in the sanctification process—it is God who works in you (Philippians 2:13).
9. Summary Table
| Aspect | Description | Key Verse |
|---|---|---|
| Justified | Declared righteous in Christ | Romans 5:1 |
| Sanctified | Being made holy by the Spirit | Hebrews 10:14 |
| Saved (Past) | From penalty of sin | Ephesians 2:8 |
| Being Saved (Present) | From power of sin | 1 Corinthians 1:18 |
| Will Be Saved (Future) | From presence of sin | Romans 13:11 |
10. Conclusion
The paradox that we are already saved, yet still being sanctified, reflects the depth of God’s redemptive plan. Salvation is not merely a moment of decision but a lifelong journey of transformation. Justification is the unshakeable foundation, while sanctification is the unfolding structure. Together, they remind believers of God’s grace that both declares and transforms.
References
- The Holy Bible, King James Version (KJV)
- Augustine. On the Spirit and the Letter
- Athanasius. On the Incarnation
- Luther, M. The Freedom of a Christian
- Calvin, J. Institutes of the Christian Religion
- Wesley, J. A Plain Account of Christian Perfection
- Packer, J.I. Knowing God