We
understand what forgiveness means, but how clear are we about terms
such as redemption, salvation, justification, righteousness, and
sanctification, or the statement, "Jesus Christ died for all,
but not all will be saved"? Since these are terms we encounter
when we read the Bible or discuss our faith, a brief explanation of
each can help.
Our
redemption was brought about by Jesus' passion, death, and
resurrection. It was the series of events that makes salvation
possible. When our first parents sinned, lost paradise and some of
the preternatural gifts originally possessed, as representatives of
all mankind they affected the entire human race, not just themselves.
What Jesus as both fully God and fully man was able to do was to
restore the relationship between God and man and make it possible for
us to enter heaven. Thus all mankind has been redeemed.
Salvation, the goal of our faith, is eternal life with God.
It is the fulfillment of God's promises and His gift to us. It is a
process that first required our redemption, which then made possible
forgiveness of sin, sanctification, and justification (used
interchangeably with righteousness), which are steps along the road
to salvation. While the sacrifice of Jesus brought about redemption
for all mankind, our salvation depends upon our cooperation with His
work. Thus St. Peter could tell us to work out our salvation with
fear and trembling, an effort not everyone is willing to make. Note
also that reaching our goal is an on-going process that St. Paul
indicates has past, present, and future connotations: "For by
grace you have been saved" (Ephesians); "through it
[the gospel] you are also being saved" (1 Cor.); "For
our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed"
(Romans). It is not just a moment in time.
Sanctification and justification (righteousness) are other terms we
often encounter. To be sanctified is to be set apart as holy
or for holy purposes; to be consecrated. St. Paul uses this
terminology several times in his letters when he mentions the conduct
of the believers. Justification is the act of becoming right
with God. To be justified is to become "just-as-if-I’d"
never sinned. Believers are justified in many ways: by grace,
faith, the blood of Jesus, works, etc.
Understanding the distinction between the various terms used in the
language of our faith can clarify what has been done for us and what
is required of us to obtain eternal salvation. We need to make the
valiant effort to achieve it.
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