““In some denominations, "righteousness by faith" has traditionally been understood to include two things. (1) Being declared righteous (justification) and (2) being made righteous (sanctification—our status or standing with God by faith in Christ and our condition before God. By condition we mean the Holy Spirit in the life, the doing of good works, and the developing of character.) That, of course, is not the "righteousness by faith" of the New Testament. Never, never, never. In Paul's discussion on acceptance and in his discussion on justification, "righteousness" and "faith," "just" and "faith," are linked together thirteen times in thirteen verses. They are never so linked in his discussion on sanctification. It is so important to understand that sanctification, or being made righteous, is the fruit of the gospel. It is not the gospel. It is the result of the gospel. The gospel is the good news about the death and resurrection of Christ. Through faith in Christ, his perfect righteousness is imputed to us, and God accepts us—now. Sanctification—or working in cooperation with the Holy Spirit—is the fruit of the gospel.””
