Let’s look into Justification, Sanctification, and Glorification through the analogy of a marathon while endeavouring to keep it Scripturally accurate!
Justification: Stepping into the Starting Blocks
Imagine the athlete stepping onto the track, getting ready to race. This moment represents Justification … the point where we receive the righteousness of Yeshua through faith and are declared righteous before Yehovah. Picture the runner crouched in the starting blocks, the tension in their muscles as they prepare for the starter’s gun.
In spiritual terms, it’s that decisive moment when a person first believes in Yeshua. Justification is a declaration of “not guilty”, not an achievement! Romans 5:1 captures this moment: "Being therefore justified by faith, we have peace with Yehovah through our Lord Yeshua the Messiah." The runner has not yet run the race, but their place at the starting line is secured.
It's like saying, "Congratulations! You've got the running shoes, you're on the track, and guess what? You’re already declared righteous"
Sanctification: The Race Itself
Now the starter's pistol fires, and the race begins. This is Sanctification … the long, gruelling, but rewarding marathon of growing in holiness. The athlete faces obstacles, maybe the wind is against them, or the competition is fierce, or they have a nagging injury, but they push on, sometimes stumbling but always moving forward.
Sanctification is a process, a marathon that we run daily as we become more like Yeshua. Philippians 2:12-13 speaks to this journey: "Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is Yehovah who works in you both to will and to work for His good pleasure." We strive, but ultimately Yehovah is the one empowering us to grow and eventually to win our own personal marathon.
Imagine a runner constantly reminding themselves, "One foot in front of the other! And maybe I’ll avoid the snack table at the halfway point this time..." It’s like trying to run a marathon while balancing a doughnut on your head … keeping focus while resisting temptation!
Glorification: Standing on the Winner’s Podium
At the end of the marathon, the athlete stands victorious, receiving their medal or trophy. This is Glorification … the final stage when believers are transformed into the likeness of Yeshua, free from all sin and weakness. It’s the moment when we receive our heavenly reward, fully united with Yehovah.
1 Corinthians 15:51-52 describes this glorious transformation: "We will all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye ... the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we will be changed." Just as the runner reaches the podium and lifts the trophy, so too will believers receive their final reward … eternal life in Yehovah’s presence.
Picture the athlete finally standing on the podium, exhausted but thrilled, and saying, “I knew I could do it...thanks to all the carb loading!” And maybe they have a teammate whispering, "Yeah, but it was the Coach who carried you most of the way..."
The Marathon of Faith: From Justification to Glorification
Justification is the starting line, Sanctification is the marathon, and Glorification is the finish line and the victory celebration. We are justified by faith (Romans 5:1), we are being sanctified as we run with endurance (Hebrews 12:1), and we will one day be glorified with Yeshua (Romans 8:30). Each phase is part of Yehovah’s plan, and all require His grace and strength.
Notice that the whole word “RACE” is contained in the word “GRACE!”
Just remember, in this marathon, you’re not competing against anyone else. It’s not about who gets to the finish line first … it’s about finishing. And when you get to the podium, you’ll realise you had a divine Trainer the whole way. And He made sure you didn’t get lost at the snack table!
This analogy helps us see the full scope of salvation, from start to finish, and brings a little levity to the serious and wonderful truth that Yehovah is with us through every step of the journey!
Following Paul's Example
The Apostle Paul frequently uses the motif of running a race to illustrate the journey of faith. This vivid imagery encourages us to approach our spiritual walk with dedication and perseverance. Let’s look at Paul’s use of this metaphor and discover how we can follow Paul’s example in our own lives.
1 Corinthians 9:24 - "Don’t you know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run like that, so that you may attain it."
Galatians 2:2 - "I went up by revelation, and I laid before them the gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately before those who were of repute, lest by any means I should be running, or had run, in vain."
Philippians 3:14 - "I press on toward the goal for the prize of the high calling of Yehovah in Messiah Yeshua."
These passages offer valuable insights into how we should conduct ourselves in our spiritual journey. Paul’s imagery of a race highlights several key aspects of the believer’s walk:
Purposeful Striving: Just as athletes train and compete with a specific goal in mind, we are called to pursue our spiritual goals with purpose. Our race is not aimless; it is directed towards attaining the prize of eternal life and a closer relationship with Yehovah. We should run with intention and clarity, setting our sights on the ultimate reward.
Discipline and Training: Running a race requires rigorous training and discipline. Similarly, our spiritual journey demands that we cultivate virtues, study the whole of the Scriptures, and seek a deeper understanding of Yehovah’s will. Just as an athlete must adhere to a strict regimen, we must commit ourselves to spiritual practices that strengthen and refine our faith.
Perseverance: A race is not won without endurance. Paul’s metaphor reminds us that the Christian walk is not always easy. There will be obstacles, setbacks, and moments of weariness. However, perseverance is crucial. We must press on, just as Paul did, maintaining our focus on the prize despite the challenges.
Integrity and Sincerity: Paul’s concern about running in vain reflects the importance of sincerity in our efforts. Our race is not just about outward appearances or achievements; it’s about genuine devotion and integrity in our pursuit of Yehovah. We should run our race with an honest heart, striving to live out our faith in all sincerity.
Eternal Perspective: Lastly, the race Paul describes is not merely about temporal rewards but eternal ones. Our efforts are not in vain because the prize we seek is of eternal value. Keeping this eternal perspective helps us stay motivated and focused on the true goal of our faith.
As we reflect on Paul’s use of the race metaphor, let us commit ourselves to running our spiritual race with purpose, discipline, perseverance, and sincerity. By emulating Paul’s example, we can navigate our journey of faith with confidence and dedication, ever mindful of the eternal prize that awaits us.
May we all strive to finish our race strong, running with the assurance that our efforts are both meaningful and rewarding in Yehovah's eyes.
‘eBed Doulos N.D.P.