The Effects of Sanctifying Grace
The first effect of sanctifying grace is the justification of the sinner. Justification and sanctification are different aspects of the same operation. They involve one another and are inseparable. Justification is the removal of sins. God does not simply ignore, or overlook, or cover them up; He really removes them, and makes us actually just. "As far as the East is from the West, so far hath He removed our iniquities from us" (Ps. cii. 12). Yet some of the consequences of sin remain with us during this life, and even beyond it for a period. As soon as sin is banished God enters, and the soul is sanctified. This effect of justification and sanctification does not proceed from our repentance and good works as a cause; mere sorrow for our crimes and follies cannot undo them. Repentance is indeed a condition which enables God to work in us, but the true cause of our justification is the action of God which places our souls in a new condition called the state of habitual or sanctifying grace. This action, which destroys the virulent activity of sin in our souls is supernatural and beyond all our power of attainment by ourselves. Grace and sin are incompatible. As the state of grace is justification from sin, so one mortal sin expels habitual grace, destroys the higher life, and leaves the soul in a state of miserable ruin cut off from all participation in God. Give "thanks to God the Father . . . who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of His beloved Son" (Col. i. 12, 13). Let sin never approach your soul to ruin the marvellous work of God therein.
