The Rev. Matthew Fenn presented this paper on the classical Lutheran doctrine of sanctification at the 2023 annual AALC Pastors' Conference in St. Paul, MN.
It was great to hear this wonderful presentation for a third time (I first had the privilege of hearing it as Pastor Fenn's roommate at this year's pastor's conference, then I got to hear it a second time at the conference itself).
I like how Bavinck puts it. Justification deals with our status. We are saved from the penalty of sin. Sanctification deals with our condition. We are saved from the pollution of our sin.
What is the Lutheran understanding in the distinction between sanctification and continually being justified (for instance by partaking in the Lords Supper)?
Could you elaborate on your question? Because I'd say from one perspective, the means of grace (Word and Sacraments) work to incorporate us into Christ/'s Body, the Church. "Justification" is a continual reality rather than punctiliar due to the fact that it is a 'legal verdict' of righteousness placed upon Christ and received by those who are in the state of being united to Him -- its dynamic and continual rather than static and one-time, if that makes sense? That's why we'll say that Justification is primary and causative of the mystical union (and Sanctification), which is progressive and growing. The state of grace (continual and dynamic in our relationship to it, though perfect and completed insofar as Christ is concerned) is nevertheless foundational for growth in grace (progressive and transformative -- though non-constituative for our standing before God). All of that is explanatory, but from an experiential level, forgiveness through sharing in justification is the key to growth in sanctification -- once we have faith in the gospel and are thus fully saved, that same Holy Spirit begins the work of renewal and we begin to cooperate.
