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Question:36 what are the benefits which in this life do accompany or flow from justification, adoption, and sanctification? The benefits which in this life do accompany or flow from justification, adoption, and sanctification assurance of God's love, peace of conscience, joy in the Holy Ghost, increase of grace, and perseverance therein to the end.
Main Theme:
This episode centers on Westminster Shorter Catechism Question 36: “What are the benefits which in this life do accompany or flow from justification, adoption, and sanctification?” Sinclair Ferguson explains the practical blessings that Christians experience as a result of being justified, adopted, and sanctified, emphasizing how these benefits nourish spiritual growth and discipleship.
Reading the Catechism ([00:02])
“What are the benefits which in this life do accompany or flow from justification, adoption, and sanctification? The benefits which in this life do accompany or flow from justification, adoption, and sanctification, assurance of God’s love, peace of conscience, joy in the Holy Ghost, increase of grace, and perseverance therein to the end.”
Sinclair Ferguson emphasizes that these benefits are not abstract but deeply practical for every believer, affecting both everyday Christian experience and lifelong discipleship.
Christians are granted an assurance that God truly loves them, not just in theory or doctrine but as a lived reality.
Ferguson notes that this assurance comes because believers have been brought into God’s family (adoption) and are justified before Him.
“It’s one thing to know the doctrine, it’s another to experience in your heart, often by the Spirit, that you are loved by God.” — Sinclair Ferguson [~00:40]
Peace with God means believers don’t live under the constant weight of guilt.
Ferguson highlights this as a distinguishing mark of Christian confidence and security.
This peace enables Christians to serve God joyfully, not fearfully.
“That quietness in the soul, that peace that comes from knowing my sins are forgiven—that’s a treasure, isn’t it?” — Sinclair Ferguson [~01:10]
The Christian life is meant to be marked by joy, not just duty.
Ferguson refers to the Holy Spirit as the one who brings delight and gladness, even amid trials.
Joy is not just an emotion but a fruit of the Spirit’s indwelling presence.
“The Holy Spirit produces in us a joy that circumstances can’t take away.” — Sinclair Ferguson [~01:37]
The benefits include a continual growth in sanctification and maturity.
Christians are not left static; grace is designed to expand and transform.
Ferguson encourages listeners by noting that growth is possible and expected.
“There is always room to grow in Christ-likeness, and God promises us that growth.” — Sinclair Ferguson [~02:05]
Believers are promised the perseverance of the saints—that God will keep them faithful until the end.
This grants security, hope, and encouragement through difficult times.
“Perseverance is not a call simply to grit your teeth, but a promise: God will keep you, all the way home.” — Sinclair Ferguson [~02:40]
Through the lens of Westminster Shorter Catechism Q36, Sinclair Ferguson emphasizes how the great doctrines of justification, adoption, and sanctification tangibly impact Christian life—offering assurance, peace, joy, spiritual growth, and lasting perseverance. In his pastoral manner, Ferguson urges listeners not just to know these benefits intellectually, but to savor and share them as critical parts of discipleship and spiritual health.
