The Relation of Justification to Sanctification

Mrs. White often spoke of imparted righteousness, not as in contrast to the righteousness of God that is imputed, but as its fruitage in holiness of life. (Christ’s Object Lessons, 310-314.) She strongly denies that we are saved by good works, but she also taught that true sanctification in genuine deeds of willing obedience will be the fruit of righteousness by faith. justification is “imputed” righteousness, and sanctification is “imparted” righteousness. But both are by faith. She said:FSG 242.4

“Righteousness within is testified to by righteousness without. He who is righteous within is not hard-hearted and unsympathetic, but day by day he grows into the image of Christ, going on from strength to strength. He who is being sanctified by the truth will be self-controlled, and will follow in the footsteps of Christ until grace is lost in glory. The righteousness by which we are justified is imputed; the righteousness by which we are sanctified is imparted. The first is our title to heaven, the second is our fitness for heaven.”—The Review and Herald, June 4, 1895, page 353.FSG 243.1

Further quotations from the writings of Mrs. White on this topic cannot be given. Those who wish to read more will find righteousness by faith fully discussed in her many books. Salvation by grace alone is stated clearly not only in Steps to Christ but also in later works like The Desire of Ages, Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, and Christ’s Object Lessons. These books, as well as her many articles in our papers, helped to give this truth its proper place in the lives and teaching of the Adventist people. When we speak of the danger of formalism and dry theory that threatened us, it is helpful to remember how this same peril has ruined other churches, even leading them into complete apostasy. Many a religious movement has started well in the zeal of a first love and then grown cold and satisfied with fossilized doctrines. This state of nominal religion would have been fatal to the advent movement if it had not been for the revival brought in by the Spirit of prophecy. It has always been the experience of true believers that a mere profession of religion is one of the most insidious dangers which threatens the church member. That, we believe, is especially true today.FSG 243.2