Once a person confesses with their mouth what they genuinely sincerely feel in their hearts- That Jesus is their Lord and savior, it is through this faith that justification becomes immediate.
"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith and this not from yourselves, it is a gift from God-not by works, so that no one can boast." Ephesians 2:8 NIV
To be Justified by God means to be rendered or declared innocent. It is a decision, and judgment by him exclusively.
Justification is given not based on the character of a person, but on the character of Jeus Christ. Jesus was born of man, and did so to satisfy the Law of God in order that man would be restored to him.
SANCTIFICATION- in simple terms means to be set apart. In the case of Christianity, to be set apart unto the Lord. In this process of sanctification, it in example is a way a believer lives for God.
"What shall we say,then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase?By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?We were therfore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raise from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life." Romans 2:1-4 NIV
"God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood. He did this to demonstrate his justice, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished-he did it to demonstrate his justice at the present time, so as to bejust and the one who justified those who have faith in Jesus." Romans 3:25-26 NIV
Justification and sanctification go hand in hand because once we believe we become justified and then immediately are called into living a new life. Sadly many Christians still try to get by on their confession of their belief in Jesus Christ alone, and have nothing else to fall back on in real times of great struggle and heartache. This causes the ever present suicidal tendencies to be subdued with medication and quick fixes and buring the problem all together which is always sin.
"For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin because anyone who has died has been freed from sin." Romans 6:2 NIV
I understand and quite painfully, that all though this seems very simple in terms, putting this thought and belief into action is a whole 'nother matter altogether. In fact, the act of sanctification is at times what may seem unbearable -some may endure their desert experience, undergo refining, falter through hardships and persecution-These all call us to stand in our faith, and it is our faith which is strengthened that sets us apart and draws us ever closer to our title as heirs to the throne or sons and daughters of God!
"Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jeus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand and we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.Not only so but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know the suffering produces perseverance, persevearnce, character, and character hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, who he has given us. " Romans 5:1-5 NIV
We have a freedom in Christ that sets us free. It allows us to be free from sin of all forms, but sadly those who still struggle with the ways of this world do not understand that sanctification calls us to come out of this world, for we may live in it, we are to take no part of it- through it's fantastic rituals and festivals- (holidays- Christmas,mardi gras, day of the dead, halloween, yes even Easter) even befriending those who deny Christ through action as well as confession, these things are what keep us with one foot pointed towards Christ and the other along with both eyes focused on the world.
Jesus tells us a house divided cannot stand and that is so very true. If it it wasn't, you would not be reading these messages and seeking out solice from the pain and torment that afflicts one struggling with suicide, or anyone struggling with sin for that matter.
"You who are trying to be justified by law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace. But faith we eagerly await through the Spirit the righteousness for which we hope. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision ( living by the Mosaic Law) has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love." Galatians 5:4-5 NIV
"You were running a good race. Who cut in on you and kept you from obeying the truth? That kind of persuasion does not come from the one who calls you." Galatians 5:7-8 NIV
One cannot live a successful life away from suicide away from Christ. Without Him, we have no victory and are slaves to this world and to Satan himself. Our lives will be like we have been handed over to him, and I am sure in times of suicide it must feel that way, but such is not the case. It is a powerful lie, but God has not given up on you and these are promises that any one can lean on in times of great sorrow and distress.
"Submit yourselves, then to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." James 4:7 NIV
"Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses." 1 Timothy 6:12 NIV
"...God chose you to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth. He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. So then, brothers, STAND FIRM and hold to the teachings we passed on to you." 2 Thessalonians 2:13-15 NIV
"For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to recieve salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Thessalonians 5:9 NIV
" For I am convinced that neither life...neither height nore depth,nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:38 NIV
Further reading: Romans, Galations, Hebrews
