Sanctification is a central theme in the life of a believer. It is more than simply trying to live a better life—it is the work of God in transforming us to reflect the image of Jesus Christ. Let’s explore what sanctification means, how it works, and why it is vital for every follower of Christ.
What Is Sanctification?
Sanctification, as defined in Easton’s Bible Dictionary, is the process of being united with Christ. Galatians 2:20 expresses this union: “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ lives in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.”
This union with Christ draws believers into a close relationship with God’s truth. It leads us to obey His commands, listen to His warnings, and embrace the promises He has for both this life and the life to come.
Hodges emphasizes that sanctification is not just about reforming our character. It is the work of the Holy Spirit, gradually transforming our whole nature. It builds on what God begins at regeneration, shaping every part of our being according to His will.
Presenting Ourselves as Instruments of Righteousness
Sanctification is practical and involves our choices. Romans 6:13 says, “Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.”
Through the Spirit, we are empowered to live holy lives. 2 Corinthians 4:6 reminds us, “For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” And Colossians 3:10 encourages believers to “put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him.”
Sanctification is therefore both a work of God and a responsibility of the believer. We cooperate with the Spirit as He shapes our actions, thoughts, and attitudes.
The Role of Faith in Sanctification
Faith is essential for sanctification. 2 Thessalonians 2:13 says, “We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth.”
Faith in God’s Word and trust in His promises allow the Spirit to work in us. While God calls all believers to grow in holiness, perfect sanctification is not achieved in this life. As Leviticus 19:2 reminds us, “Ye shall be holy: for I the LORD your God am holy,” we are called to pursue holiness while acknowledging our human limitations.
The Bible repeatedly reminds us that no human is completely free from sin:
Proverbs 20:9 – “Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin?”
Ecclesiastes 7:20 – “Surely there is not a righteous man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.”
James 3:2 – “For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.”
The only perfect man is Jesus Christ.
The Reality of Sin in a Believer’s Life
Sanctification does not remove the reality of sin immediately. 1 John 1:8 says, “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” Believers are saved but still being transformed.
Paul describes this struggle in Romans 7:14–25, where he shares the tension between desiring to do good and being hindered by sin:
“For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I…But now it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me…O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.”
This passage captures the ongoing battle in every believer’s life and shows why sanctification requires reliance on Jesus. It is not achieved by effort alone but through the Spirit’s work and God’s grace.
Pressing Toward Growth in Christ
Sanctification is a journey, not a destination. Philippians 3:12–14 captures the process:
“Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”
Even Paul, the great apostle, recognized that sanctification is ongoing. 1 Timothy 1:15 reminds us of the need for humility: “This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.”
Sanctification is therefore a lifelong pursuit, involving growth, struggle, and transformation. It calls us to continually cooperate with the Spirit, pressing on toward Christlikeness, and depending fully on Jesus for deliverance from sin.
Conclusion
Sanctification is God’s work and our journey. It begins with salvation and continues as the Spirit transforms every part of our lives. It involves faith, obedience, and humility, and it recognizes the reality of sin while pursuing holiness.
Through union with Christ, reliance on the Holy Spirit, and daily submission to God’s Word, believers can grow into the image of Jesus Christ, becoming instruments of righteousness and reflecting God’s glory before the world.
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