From Justification to Righteousness: The Path of a True Christian
“Alive to God. Dead to Sin. Living by Grace, Not by the Flesh.”
When we come to faith in Christ, the journey doesn’t end at belief; it begins there. Salvation isn’t just a moment; it’s a transformation. It starts with being made right with God (Justification), continues with being made holy (Sanctification), and bears fruit through living rightly (Righteousness).
Yet, as the Apostle Paul warns in Romans 6 and 7, even after being justified, we must guard our hearts. The battle between flesh and spirit is real. If we are not careful, sin, doubt, or apathy can creep back in. So how do we walk this road faithfully, and not lose heart?
Justification — The Foundation of Faith
Justification is where it all begins. It is the divine declaration that you are righteous before God, not because of what you’ve done, but because of what Christ has done for you.
When you put your faith in Jesus, your sins are forgiven, and His righteousness is credited to your account. You are no longer condemned, but free. As Paul wrote:
“Having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 5:1)
For the new believer, justification means:
You have been forgiven, completely and eternally.
You no longer stand guilty before God.
You are accepted, loved, and adopted into His family.
But Paul issues a warning in Romans 6: “Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not!” (Romans 6:1-2). Grace doesn’t permit us to sin; it gives us the power to overcome it. When temptation calls, remember, your old life is gone. You were crucified with Christ. You now live for Him.
Hold fast by:
Refusing to live as though sin still owns you.
Remembering daily that you’ve been made new.
Thanking God not just for forgiveness, but for freedom.
Sanctification — The Process of Becoming Like Christ
Justification makes us right with God. Sanctification makes us more like God. Sanctification is the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in the believer’s life. It’s the process of being purified, reshaped, and refined to reflect Jesus’ heart. Paul writes:
“Do not let sin reign in your mortal body… but present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead.” (Romans 6:12-13)
Unlike justification (a moment), sanctification is a lifetime. It requires our cooperation with the Holy Spirit and our willingness to say “yes” to His conviction, His teaching, and His direction. Paul admitted his own struggle in Romans 7:
(Romans 7:19)
“For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice.”
Even the Apostle wrestled with sin, but he did not give up. He cried out, “Who will deliver me from this body of death?” and then answered his own question: “I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord!” (Romans 7:24-25). That’s sanctification, a daily dependence on Christ, trusting His Spirit to keep shaping you even when you stumble.
To stay true in sanctification:
Confess quickly. Don’t let sin linger.
Read the Word, it renews and protects your mind.
Stay in fellowship with other believers.
Pray for strength before the battle begins.
You will fall at times, but don’t despair. God’s grace not only saves you; it sustains you.
Righteousness — The Fruit of Transformation
Righteousness is the visible evidence of an invisible change. It’s how the world sees Christ in you. When justification roots your faith and sanctification grows your spirit, righteousness blooms as the fruit. It shows in your choices, your integrity, and your compassion.
Paul says it clearly:
(Romans 6:18)
“Having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness.”
To live righteously means to walk daily in obedience, humility, and love. It’s not perfection, it’s direction. It’s the consistent pursuit of God’s heart.
Righteous living means:
Your faith influences your actions.
You forgive freely and love deeply.
You seek to serve rather than be served.
Righteousness is not about rule-keeping; it’s about relationship. When Christ’s love fills you, holiness naturally follows.
How These Work Together
The Christian life follows a divine progression:
Justification — You are made right with God.
Sanctification — You are being made holy by God.
Righteousness — You live rightly before God.
Each part flows into the next. Justification leads to sanctification; sanctification leads to righteousness. And together they produce a life that honors God and blesses others. Romans 6 and 7 remind us that the flesh will always try to pull us back. The key is to remember who you are in Christ, a new creation. You are no longer under law but under grace. Stay vigilant. Stay humble. Stay grateful. The same grace that saved you will keep you.
How to Stay True to the Faith
Paul’s letters offer not only theology but survival instructions for the soul. To remain strong in faith:
Remember the Cross Daily — It’s your anchor when guilt, doubt, or pride arise.
Renew Your Mind with Scripture — The Word is your defense against deception (Romans 12:2).
Walk by the Spirit — Don’t rely on willpower; rely on divine power (Galatians 5:16).
Stay in Community — Isolation weakens faith. Fellowship strengthens it.
Confess and Repent Quickly — Don’t hide sin; let grace cleanse it.
Keep Heaven in View — The hope of glory gives strength for today (Romans 8:18).
When the world presses hard, remember faith is not the absence of struggle, it’s the presence of perseverance. You are not saved because you’re strong; you’re strong because you’re saved.
The Goal — Becoming Like Christ
The ultimate purpose of your salvation is not just forgiveness, but transformation.
Justification secures your standing.
Sanctification changes your heart.
Righteousness shows your witness.
And all of it flows from one source, and that is Jesus Christ, our Lord.
(Philippians 1:6)
“He who began a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.”
When doubts come, remember your justification.
When temptation rises, walk in sanctification.
When life tests you, live in righteousness.
This is the path of a faithful Christian, faith that begins in grace, grows through surrender, and shines through obedience.
A Prayer
Lord Jesus,
Thank You for justifying me by Your grace and calling me to walk in holiness.
When I am weak, remind me that Your Spirit is strong within me.
Teach me to die daily to sin and live fully to righteousness.
Keep my heart tender, my faith steady, and my love sincere.
Let my life reflect You in word, in deed, and in devotion.
Amen.