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Host Phil Cecil continues his conversation with Dr. Mark Snoeberger on one of theology's most debated distinctions — the relationship between justification and sanctification. After reviewing the Roman Catholic view from last week, they turn to Holiness theologies, tracing their roots through Wesley. Dr. Snoeberger unpacks Wesley's "sequence of graces," the concept of a second work of grace, and why that framework falls short of the Reformation view — which holds justification and sanctification as distinct but inseparable benefits of union with Christ, both received at the moment of regeneration. A clear and accessible walk through a topic that matters for how every believer understands the Christian life.Learn more about the DBTS summer schedule here.

Preorder McCune's Systematic Theology of Biblical Christianity here. What's the difference between justification and sanctification — and why does it matter? In this episode of Theologically Driven, host Phil Cecil sits down with Dr. Mark Snoeberger of Detroit Baptist Theological Seminary to unpack two of the most important doctrines in Christian theology and explore how different traditions relate them to one another.Dr. Snoeberger begins by carefully defining each term. Justification is the one-time, legal declaration that a sinner is righteous before God, grounded in the imputed righteousness of Jesus Christ and received by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. Sanctification, by contrast, is the experiential process of being made holy — typically described in three phases: definitive (or initial) sanctification at conversion, progressive sanctification throughout the Christian life, and final sanctification or glorification.From there, the conversation turns to the central question: how are justification and sanctification related? Dr. Snoeberger lays out three major positions:The Roman Catholic view, which absorbs sanctification into justification through an ongoing process of infused grace, sacraments, merit, and a final justification at the end of life.The Holiness/Keswick view, which divorces the two by inserting a "second work of grace."The Reformation view, which treats them as parallel, simultaneous benefits flowing from the believer's union with Christ.This episode focuses on a thorough examination of the Roman Catholic position — including baptismal regeneration, the role of the sacraments, venial and mortal sins, purgatory, and why the Reformers' insistence on sola fide (faith alone) was such a watershed moment. Dr. Snoeberger also explains the "hopeful and causal relationship" Catholic theology draws between sanctification and final justification, and why this framework leaves believers without assurance.Whether you're a pastor, student, or curious listener, this episode offers a clear, accessible introduction to a doctrine at the heart of the gospel and the Protestant Reformation.Topics covered:Definitions of justification and sanctificationImputed vs. infused righteousnessDefinitive, progressive, and final sanctificationUnion with Christ and the duplex beneficiumRoman Catholic soteriology, sacraments, and purgatoryVenial and mortal sinsWhy Luther opposed the sale of indulgencesTheologically Driven is a podcast of Detroit Baptist Theological Seminary. Learn more at dbts.edu.

Today, we are joined by Ben and Wendy Russell to discuss how churches can serve kids with disabilities. Learn more about DBTS at https://dbts.edu

In this episode, we talk with Dr. Kyle Dunham about the syncritistic tendencies of worship in ancient Israel. Learn more about DBTS at https://dbts.edu

Today on the podcast, we talk with Dr. Ryan Meyer about holding fast in the book of Hebrews. Learn more about the Master of Divinity program at DBTS at https://dbts.edu/mdiv

In this episode, we talk with Dr. Kyle Dunham about leadership in the book of Joshua. Learn more about DBTS at https://dbts.edu

Join us for a moderated debate exploring two influential approaches within biblical counseling: Historic Biblical Counseling (Marshall Adkins) and Trauma-Informed Biblical Counseling (Brad Hambrick). This debate will clarify key similarities and differences in how each framework understands Scripture, human suffering, trauma, sanctification, and the local church’s role in care. Our aim is a charitable, rigorous dialogue that equips pastors, counselors, educators, and lay leaders to serve wisely and compassionately.For more info visit https://dbts.edu/rice

In this episode, we talk with Dr. Ryan Meyer about Paul's view of homosexuality. Learn more about DBTS at https://dbts.edu

We talk with Jeremy Pittsley about the importance of learning the biblical languages in seminary.Learn more about DBTS at https://dbts.eduLearn more about the Rice Lecture Series at https://dbts.edu/rice

In this episode, we talk with Kyle Dunham about the nature and fulfillment of the Davidic Covenant.