Justification vs. Sanctification

[Fearful 1]

What is the difference between the terms "Justification" and "Sanctification" in Catholic Theology...and how can I explain this to a Protestant? If anyone could answer this one quickly I would greatly appeciate it!

[phatcatholic]

this is a severe oversimplification and it may require some refinement from others, but i have basically always understood "justification" to apply to the state of your relationship with God, and "sanctification" to apply to the state of your soul. so, for example, through the sacrament of penance, we are justified (or put back in right relationship with the Lord) and we are sanctified (or cleansed of all sin).

i hope that helps

pax christi,
phatcatholic

[phatcatholic]

anyone else? i would like to see how other people explain the difference.

[Cure of Ars]

I don't think there is much difference. It's like using terms confession, penance and reconciliation. It's just a different focus on the one reality.

[phatcatholic]

yea, but understanding the different aspects of that one reality can be useful.

[Cure of Ars]

I think how you explain it to Protestants is that God's word is efficacious (is that a word? I am getting too smart for my own britches). Basically, if God proclaims that we are righteous then we become righteous and therefore sanctified.

[phatcatholic]

yes "efficacious" is a word

[philothea]

Not invoking any particular Catholic meaning, I'd say "justification" would be the state of being considered innocent; not indebted to anyone.

"Sanctification" would be the state of being innately holy, as in having positive virtues.

[Cure of Ars]

[quote name='phatcatholic' date='Aug 7 2005, 10:04 PM']yes "efficacious" is a word
[right][snapback]676535[/snapback][/right]
[/quote]

That there is what I call a $2 word.