Sanctification: A Lifelong Journey

"The growth of trees and plants takes place so slowly that it is not easily seen. Daily we notice little change. But, in course of time, we see that a great change has taken place. So it is with grace. Sanctification is a progressive, lifelong work."  - John Owen, English Puritan Nonconformist church leader, and theologian (1616-1683)

During the course of our lifetimes we can experience many major events that occur only once. Becoming a parent for the first time, getting married, graduating from a school or university, and buying a first home are some examples.

When it comes to our relationship with God, however, He is never finished working on, in, and through us. And so it is with our sanctification. In biblical terms, "sanctification" means being "set apart" for God's special use and made holy.

Our sanctification is a continual journey that starts after salvation, and is both lifelong and enduring. It is where a believer, in a slow, step-by-step change, is transformed into the likeness of Christ with the help of the Holy Spirit.

This evolution occurs in different phases, as briefly indicated below,

1. Positional (Past) Sanctification: This takes place at the moment of salvation when a believer is proclaimed to be righteous and "set apart" in Christ.
2. Progressive (Present) Sanctification: The process of growing (maturing) spiritually and becoming more holy with every day of our lives.
3. Perfect (Future) Sanctification: This is the final product, so to speak. It is the total, concluding sanctification occurring when believers receive their eternal bodies and are completely unified with Christ in heaven.  

As noted, sanctification is a process of growth and maturity. It may be gradual and even difficult to perceive, but the general trend should always show an advancement toward holiness.

In a nutshell, it develops through spiritual practices (disciplines) such as reading the Bible, prayer, and active participation in church. By our yielding to God, whereby we voluntarily submit our will to God and His will and trust the process.

There is also our spiritual growth, or the process where there is an increase in our faith, humility, and obedient self-control. Finally, the process is ultimately fulfilled when we are glorified and conformed to the image of God, becoming like Jesus.

As discussed, this dynamic process includes both divine initiative and human response. In the end, ongoing sanctification is a testament to God's faithfulness and a commitment on the part of the believer to grow in Christlikeness. 

I highly recommend that you explore this central and crucial doctrine in Christian theology further!

Scripture: John 17:17; 1 Thessalonians 5:23; 1 Corinthians 6:11; 1 Peter 1:2; 2 Timothy 2:21

Prayer: "Dear Lord, create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me, Amen. - Psalm 51:10 (NIV)

Yours in Christ,

Emily