The Journey of the Soul: Stages of Salvation
Being a Christian does not mean to live in a static state of belief but to journey continually on a path of transformation — a pilgrimage from sin to sanctity, from brokenness to divine union with God. Along the path of growing closer to God and reforming the self, the soul undergoes several profound stages: justification, affliction, mortification, vivification, glorification, and for some — the purifying fire of purgatory.
Justification - Being Made Right with God
Justification marks the beginning of grace. It is the act by which God pardons sinners and counts them righteous through faith in Jesus Christ. It is a a change of relationship from alienation to adoption.
Since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ - Romans 5:1
Through baptism and faith, the soul is cleansed of sin and infused with sanctifying grace. It is not earned by works but given freely, initiating the lifelong process of becoming conformed to Christ.
2. Affliction - Sharing in Christ’s Suffering
Affliction is not punishment, but it is a means of deeper union with God through sharing the trials, sorrows, and suffering that Jesus endured, leading up to the crucifixion on the cross. They help purify the soul and detach it from worldly desires and false securities.
You have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith … may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. - 1 Peter 1:6-7
3. Mortification - Dying to Sin
Once justified, the believer begins the difficult but necessary task of mortification - the putting to death of the old self. This involves resisting sinful inclinations, disciplining the body and mind, and detaching from worldly desires. Through performing habits such as fasting, repenting, confessing sins, pious kneeling, prayer, and Bible study, the believer chooses to love God and crucify what separates him/her from God. It is through an act of love for God that the believer denies and abstains from the sinful and the worldly to choose the luminous, pure sanctity of God.
If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily. - Luke 9:23
4. Vivification - Living in the Spirit
Vivification is the counterpart to mortification. As we die to sin, we rise to new life in the Spirit. This stages involves cultivating virtue, embracing prayer, performing works of mercy and growing in the fruit of the Holy Spirit. The soul begins to reflect the virtue of Christ and his life and character.
5. Purgatory - The Final Purification
For souls who die in God’s friendship but who still are attached to sin, purgatory is the state of purification, the completion of sanctification, and the preparation for the vision of God. Nothing unclean will enter heaven (Revelation 21:27). In purgatory, the soul is cleansed of the remnants of sin and perfected in love until it is ready to enter into eternal glory.
6. Glorification — Union with God in Eternity
Glorification is the final goal — the transformation of the soul into perfect likeness with Christ, both in body and spirit. In heaven, the faithful behold God face to face, freed from sin and suffering, clothed in immortality. Glorification is the fulfillment of the lifelong longing for Christ.
When Christ appears, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. - 1 John 3:2
The Christian journey is that of continual transformation. Justification begins it, mortification and vivification sustain it, affliction, refines it, purgatory perfects it, and glorification completes it.
Through every stage, God’s grace is the guiding force, drawing the soul closer to divine union with Him. Through Him, we are created, redeemed, and sanctified.
