Transformative Power of the Gospel: Washed, Sanctified, Justified

 

Summary

In today's reflection, we explored the transformative power of the Gospel as articulated by Paul. The focus was on three pivotal theological terms: washed, sanctified, and justified. These terms are not just abstract concepts but are central to understanding the profound change that the Gospel brings into our lives. The Gospel is not merely about external influences or psychological support; it is about a deep, internal transformation that aligns us with God.

Paul's message to the Corinthians highlights that the Gospel is more concerned with our relationship with God than with our individual actions. It is about our eternal destiny and the profound change that occurs when we are washed, sanctified, and justified. Being washed signifies the cleansing of our sins, a purification that is only possible through the blood of Christ. This washing is not just a symbolic act like baptism but a real forgiveness and removal of guilt.

Sanctification, as discussed, means being set apart. It is a separation from our old life and a dedication to God. This transformation takes us out of the worldly realm and places us into God's kingdom, making us His people. It is a call to live a life that is distinct from the world, a life that reflects our new identity in Christ.

Justification is perhaps the most astonishing aspect of the Gospel. It is not only the removal of sin but also the imputation of Christ's righteousness to us. God sees us as if we have never sinned, clothed in the holiness and perfection of Christ. This is the miracle of God's grace, a complete transformation that changes our standing before God.

The Gospel does not merely address our problems by offering gradual solutions or psychological adjustments. Instead, it offers a radical transformation, a new identity in Christ that is immediate and complete. This is the power of the Gospel, a power that is available to all who believe and accept it.

Key Takeaways:

- The Gospel's transformative power is rooted in the concepts of being washed, sanctified, and justified. These are not just theological terms but represent a profound change in our relationship with God, emphasizing our eternal destiny over our individual actions. [30:15]

- Being washed signifies the cleansing of our sins through the blood of Christ. This is not merely symbolic but a real forgiveness and removal of guilt, making us whiter than snow and free from the stain of sin. [34:22]

- Sanctification means being set apart for God, a separation from our old life and dedication to a new life in His kingdom. It calls us to live distinctively, reflecting our new identity in Christ. [35:12]

- Justification is the imputation of Christ's righteousness to us, where God sees us as if we have never sinned. This is the miracle of God's grace, a complete transformation that changes our standing before Him. [37:42]

- The Gospel offers a radical transformation, not just gradual solutions or psychological adjustments. It provides a new identity in Christ that is immediate and complete, available to all who believe and accept it. [39:22]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [29:11] - The Unexpected Gospel
- [29:59] - Washed, Sanctified, Justified
- [30:31] - The Importance of Theological Terms
- [31:36] - The Gospel's Unique Way
- [32:24] - The Need for Washing
- [33:14] - Forgiveness and Cleansing
- [34:04] - Washed in the Blood
- [35:12] - Sanctification Explained
- [36:09] - Separation from the World
- [37:23] - Justification and Righteousness
- [38:21] - The Miracle of Transformation
- [39:11] - Immediate and Complete Change
- [40:06] - Living in the Kingdom of God
- [41:10] - Invitation to Believe

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. 1 Corinthians 6:11 - "And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God."
2. Psalm 51:7 - "Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow."
3. Revelation 1:5 - "To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood."

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Observation Questions:

1. In 1 Corinthians 6:11, Paul uses the terms "washed," "sanctified," and "justified." How does the sermon explain the significance of these terms in the context of the Gospel? [29:59]

2. According to the sermon, what is the difference between being washed in the blood of Christ and the symbolic act of baptism? [33:14]

3. How does the sermon describe the process of sanctification and its impact on a believer's life? [35:12]

4. What does the sermon say about the order of the terms "washed," "sanctified," and "justified," and why is this order significant? [30:43]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the concept of being "washed" in Psalm 51:7 relate to the transformative power of the Gospel as described in the sermon? [32:24]

2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that sanctification involves a separation from the world? How does this align with the idea of being set apart for God? [35:12]

3. The sermon describes justification as the imputation of Christ's righteousness. How does this change a believer's standing before God, according to the sermon? [37:42]

4. How does the sermon challenge the modern view of Jesus as merely a psychological support, and what does it propose instead? [29:40]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your own life. Have you experienced the cleansing power of being "washed" by Christ? How does this impact your daily walk with God? [39:53]

2. Sanctification involves being set apart for God. What are some practical steps you can take to live a life that reflects your new identity in Christ? [36:09]

3. Justification means being seen as righteous in God's eyes. How does this truth affect your self-perception and your relationship with others? [37:42]

4. The sermon emphasizes a radical transformation through the Gospel. Can you identify areas in your life where you need this transformation? How can you invite God into these areas? [39:22]

5. The sermon suggests that the Gospel offers immediate and complete change. How can you embrace this change in your current circumstances? [39:11]

6. Consider the idea of being separated from the world. What worldly influences do you need to distance yourself from to grow closer to God? [35:12]

7. The sermon challenges the notion of Jesus as a super psychologist. How can you deepen your understanding of the Gospel beyond seeking external support? [29:40]

Devotional

Day 1: The Gospel's Transformative Power
The Gospel's transformative power is rooted in the concepts of being washed, sanctified, and justified. These are not just theological terms but represent a profound change in our relationship with God, emphasizing our eternal destiny over our individual actions. The Gospel is not merely about external influences or psychological support; it is about a deep, internal transformation that aligns us with God. This transformation is immediate and complete, offering a new identity in Christ to all who believe and accept it. The power of the Gospel is available to everyone, and it is this power that changes our standing before God, making us His people. [30:15]

Ephesians 2:4-6 (ESV): "But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel distant from God? How can you invite the transformative power of the Gospel into that area today?


Day 2: Washed Clean by Christ's Blood
Being washed signifies the cleansing of our sins through the blood of Christ. This is not merely symbolic but a real forgiveness and removal of guilt, making us whiter than snow and free from the stain of sin. The washing is a profound act of grace that purifies us and restores our relationship with God. It is a reminder that no matter how deep our sins, the blood of Christ is sufficient to cleanse us completely. This cleansing is a foundational aspect of the Gospel, emphasizing the depth of God's love and mercy towards us. [34:22]

Titus 3:5-6 (ESV): "He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior."

Reflection: Think of a sin or guilt you have been holding onto. How can you embrace the cleansing power of Christ's blood and let go of that burden today?


Day 3: Set Apart for God's Kingdom
Sanctification means being set apart for God, a separation from our old life and dedication to a new life in His kingdom. It calls us to live distinctively, reflecting our new identity in Christ. This transformation takes us out of the worldly realm and places us into God's kingdom, making us His people. It is a call to live a life that is distinct from the world, a life that reflects our new identity in Christ. Sanctification is an ongoing process that requires us to continually align our lives with God's will and purpose. [35:12]

1 Peter 2:9 (ESV): "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light."

Reflection: What is one habit or behavior from your old life that you need to leave behind to fully embrace your new identity in Christ? How can you take a step towards that change today?


Day 4: Justified by Grace
Justification is the imputation of Christ's righteousness to us, where God sees us as if we have never sinned. This is the miracle of God's grace, a complete transformation that changes our standing before Him. Justification is not only the removal of sin but also the imputation of Christ's righteousness to us. It is a declaration of our righteousness before God, made possible through faith in Jesus Christ. This aspect of the Gospel highlights the depth of God's grace and the completeness of the transformation He offers to those who believe. [37:42]

Romans 5:1-2 (ESV): "Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God."

Reflection: How does knowing you are justified by grace change the way you view yourself and your relationship with God? What is one way you can live out this truth today?


Day 5: Embracing a New Identity in Christ
The Gospel offers a radical transformation, not just gradual solutions or psychological adjustments. It provides a new identity in Christ that is immediate and complete, available to all who believe and accept it. This new identity is not based on our past or our actions but on the finished work of Christ. Embracing this identity means living in the freedom and fullness of God's love and grace. It is an invitation to live a life that reflects the character and values of Christ, impacting the world around us with His love and truth. [39:22]

2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV): "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."

Reflection: What is one way you can embrace your new identity in Christ today? How can this new identity influence your interactions with others and your approach to daily challenges?

Quotes


Such were some of you but ye are washed I haven't realized I need to be washed but you are sanctified but we are Justified theology Doctrine terms here they are in front of us who would ever have imagined it that's the gospel way and it must be the gospel way because the gospel is more interested in us than in the things we do it's more interested in our relationship to God than it is in our particular delinquencies it's because it's concerned about our Everlasting destiny that it puts it like this. [00:29:59]

My friend let me be quite Frank and brutal, almost if you tell me that you're not interested in theological terms like sanctification and justification well all I can say to you is this you'll never know the power of the Gospel into salvation there's nothing more pathetic or more fatuous than the way the Modern Men and our last the modern Church far too often has said we need to get rid of these terms all we need is the strength and the power that the living Christ will give us and they don't get it and they never will get it the gospel Works in its own way and this is the way this is Paul's way of describing to us the benefits that we derive from the Lord Jesus Christ the son of God who came into this world in order to taste death forever men him who came from Heaven to Earth in order that he might bear our sins in his own body on the tree and be made sin for us though he knew no sin that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. [00:31:36]

Washed and isn't that the thing we need first let me take you back again to David in the 51st Psalm what does he cry out for did you notice how he repeated it twice wash me he say I'm dirty I'm vile I'm foul I'm be spattered and be smed by the foulness and the vness of it all oh God he says I can't stand before you until I'm washed I'm defiled he's like that Wandering Jew who goes down the centuries crying out unclean the leprosy of sin he's seen it at last he's foul and God is Holy he needs to be washed. [00:32:24]

Washed and I shall be whiter than slow and what had happened to the Corinthians says Paul is but you're washed you've been washed you were washed it has happened to you don't bother whether it's baptism or not it isn't in essence baptism is only a figure in any case what he means is this they've been forgiven the guilt has been washed away the stain is gone the defilement has been removed they're cleansed they're washed and now you see why I read that great passage to you from The Book of Revelation listen the messages from Jesus Christ who is the faithful witness and the first begotten of the dead and the prince of the kings of the earth unto him that loved us and washed us from our sins in his own blood. [00:33:14]

That's why he died that's why he had to die there's nothing that can wash away sins and the stain of sins but blood water isn't enough it must be blood and he's washed Us in his own blood and has made us whiter than the snow The Cry of David comes out of the heart of humanity was me and the Christian replies and says I am washed in the blood of the Lamb he are washed he died for your sins he's born the punishment God forgives you the stone is removed it's gone it's banished. [00:34:04]

Sanctified what's it mean oh I hope to go on with this God willing next Sunday night let me tell you in summary what it means it means set apart and that's why it comes before Justified Sanctified here means separated separated separated in what way in this way these people at Corinth have been separated from their old life you see that was the company they kept that was a sort of circle in which they turned that was their life that was their pleasure that was their everything they lived in yet the life of the world they've been taken out of it separated from that from the drunkenness and the adultery and the fornication and the idolatry and the covetousness and all the rest of it taken out of it moved away from it out of the world into the kingdom of God taken out of this Dominion of sin and of Satan and positively separated unto God put into God's kingdom the they belong to God they are citizens of his kingdom indeed they've become his people they're his children they are Saints Paul addresses them as Saints separated people set apart now that is Christianity it takes you out of that worldly life and puts you into a new one you're quite different you're in a new realm you're Sanctified set apart for God no longer living in that old life and the victim of the next Temptation that meets you around a corner never knowing how you're going to go home what's going to happen to you separated out of all that made a new man in a new world a new creature Sanctified from to and lastly Justified. [00:35:12]

What does this mean well this is the most marvelous thing of all here are these people in Corinth guilty of these foul and repellent and bestial sins oh what filth yes but you see as the is result of the Gospel which Paul preached to them and its power in the Holy Spirit Christ has washed them in his own blood he separated them the stain of the past is gone it's been washed out by Christ's blood it's not there the defilement has been removed they're now God's children separated unto God but you know it even goes further justification means this that Christ's own perfection and righteousness and keeping of the law is attributed or imputed to them God according to this teaching puts the righteousness the Holiness of Christ's life upon these people whom he justifies so that God looks at them as if they' never sinned in their lives now do see this it isn't merely that the filth and the stain have been washed away God looks at the Justified person as if he'd never at all he sees him in Christ as a holy person he is not nearly washed he is clothed and covered by the righteousness and the Holiness and the Perfection of Christ what a change that's the gospel that's what it does that it had done to these people such were some of you but you've been washed you've been Sanctified you've even been Justified the Lord God Almighty who knows everything now looks at you as if You' never been guilty of those things he sees you in Christ as a child of his own and as one who is positively righteous and holy that's how the the gospel deals with a modern problem that is how it deals with your problem my friend whatever it may happen to be tonight I'm preaching to everybody in this congregation whatever it is that gets you down that's how the gospel deals with it he doesn't concentrate on this thing itself and say now what can I do you better develop a friendship with this kind of person you better not go to certain places then I'll give you a c and I'll gradually train your mind and wean it from that and will sublimate your nothing of the sort it does it here and now the miracle of God's Redeeming Grace is this that he deals with you washes you changes you puts you over there sanctifies you separates you to God makes you a child of God and puts this Holiness and righteousness of Christ upon you. [00:37:23]

Have you been washed do you know you've been washed you can't be washed in the blood of Christ without knowing it it's the only thing you it's the thing of which you boast of which you're proud you give him the credit for it all have you been washed have you been Sanctified have you been taken out of that world and its hell and its subtlety and its innuendo and its entic enticement and lust and passion have you been moved out of it and put into the kingdom of God and separated have you become one of God's people that's what Christ does as it happened to you and do you know tonight that you even as you are are covered by the righteousness of Christ so that if you had to die tonight you won't be afraid you know that God will see you in Christ and will receive you unto himself it is offered to you freely my friend it asks you to do nothing but just to recognize that you have sinned against God not against yourself not against Society not against the laws of Great Britain but against God and that that's the terrible thing and you're now anxious to be right with him and you go to him and confess it all and admit that you Haven a plead and then believe his own message about his own son and ask him by your spirit to make it plain and clear to you and he has promised to do so. [00:39:11]

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Transcript
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