Moralism vs. Sanctification

by Pastor Jeremy

What is the difference between religious moralism and Christian sanctification? In other words, how do you take your actions and behavior seriously without becoming all legalistic about it? I once came across the following story that really helped me in trying to answer this question.

One day after a church service had ended, a gentleman approached the late Dr. Martyn Lloyd Jones with an urgent question. He said, "Dr. I don't understand. All I want to be is a holy person. It's all I think about. My one focus is growing in my personal holiness, but I can't seem to make any real progress. What's my problem?" Lloyd Jones said, "Man, that is your problem. Your problem is that you are preoccupied with your own character and goodness instead of growing in your fellowship with God."

The pastor went on to explain that the difference between moralism and sanctification has everything to do with our focus and aim. With moralism, our focus is the rules on the wall. It's a mechanical ethical challenge that's disconnected from our walk with God. But with sanctification our focus is on our fellowship with God. Our one concern and aim is to walk in step with our Heavenly Father and Friend. See, moralism is about us; sanctification is about God. Moralism is about getting more boxes checked so that we can feel better about ourselves; sanctification is about doing the things that will enhance our intimacy with God.

We see this in the beginning of the verse from 1 John. It doesn't say "If we say we are holy people." Rather, the thing we are claiming to have and focussing on is fellowship with God. That must be our aim–walking intimately with God and not wanting anything to disrupt that fellowship. When we drift into a moralistic way of thinking, we start thinking about what we can "get away with" or the bare minimum requirements. But when we find ourselves asking, "Will this please God? Will this hinder or help my fellowship and intimacy with God?", then we can know that we're on the grace-laden path of Christian sanctification.  

Dear Father, I want to walk in step with you today. I want to be close with you. Help me to focus on our fellowship together. Keep me in tune with your will and if I slip back into the moralistic way of looking at my actions, help me to remember that it's all about you, not me. It's all about our relationship together not the rules on the wall. Amen.