But since the question concerns only righteousness and sanctification, let us dwell upon these.  Although we may distinguish them, Christ contains both of them inseparably in himself.  Do you wish, then to attain righteousness in Christ?  You must first possess Christ; but you cannot possess him without being made partaker in his sanctification, because he cannot be divided into pieces.  Since, therefore, it is solely by expending himself that the Lord gives us these benefits to enjoy, he bestows both of them at the same time, the one never without the other.  Thus it is clear how true it is that we are justified not without works yet not through works, since in our sharing in Christ, which justifies us, sanctification is just as much included as righteousness. (Calvin, Institutes, 3.16.1 p. 797-798)
Once again, Calvin is quick to remind us that Christ cannot be divided into pieces, which is to say we cannot treat salvific benefits independently of each other. Â That being said, there are clear distinctions between the benefits (justification and sanctification in our immediate purview). Â Though we distinguish them, both are received simultaneously and inseparably in our sharing in (i.e. union with) Christ. Â Moreover, union comes prior to justification and the other benefits. Â We may say, union is the proper context for receiving the benefits since we “must first possess Christ.”
I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naïve. (Romans 16:17-18)