"The righteousness by which we are justified is imputed;
the righteousness by which we are sanctified is imparted.
Both our title to heaven and our fitness for it are found in the righteousness of Christ.
When through repentance and faith we accept Christ as our Savior,
the Lord pardons our sins, and remits the penalty prescribed for the transgression of the law.
The sinner then stands before God as a just person; he is taken into favor with Heaven, and through the Spirit has fellowship with the Father and the Son.
Then there is yet another work to be accomplished, and this is of a progressive nature. The soul is to be sanctified through the truth. And this also is accomplished through faith. For it is only by the grace of Christ, which we receive through faith, that the character can be transformed."
E.G.W.
the righteousness by which we are sanctified is imparted.
The first is our title to heaven,
the second is our fitness for heaven.
Both our title to heaven and our fitness for it are found in the righteousness of Christ.
When through repentance and faith we accept Christ as our Savior,
The sinner then stands before God as a just person; he is taken into favor with Heaven, and through the Spirit has fellowship with the Father and the Son.
Then there is yet another work to be accomplished, and this is of a progressive nature. The soul is to be sanctified through the truth. And this also is accomplished through faith. For it is only by the grace of Christ, which we receive through faith, that the character can be transformed."
E.G.W.