Sanctification: A Lifelong Journey of Holiness in Christ
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ!
Today, we reflect on one of the most crucial, yet often misunderstood, aspects of the Christian life: sanctification. Many believers embrace salvation but stop short of pursuing the daily transformation that God desires. To walk in victory and reflect Christ’s character, we must understand and actively engage in the process of sanctification.
1. What Is Sanctification?
Sanctification is the process by which believers are progressively made holy—set apart for God’s purposes and transformed into the image of Christ. While justification happens instantly when we believe in Jesus (Romans 5:1), sanctification is an ongoing process throughout the Christian life.
“For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality…”
(1 Thessalonians 4:3, ESV)
There are three phases of sanctification in biblical theology:
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Positional Sanctification – We are made holy in God’s sight the moment we believe in Christ (Hebrews 10:10).
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Progressive Sanctification – We grow in holiness daily through the power of the Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 3:18).
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Ultimate Sanctification (Glorification) – We will be made perfectly holy when Christ returns (1 John 3:2).
2. Who Is a Saint?
According to Scripture, every believer is a saint—not by human recognition, but by God’s declaration. The Greek word hagios (ἅγιος), translated “saints,” means “holy ones” or “those set apart.”
“To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints…”
(1 Corinthians 1:2, ESV)
A person becomes a saint not through years of religious deeds, but through repentance, faith in Jesus, and receiving the Holy Spirit. From that point, they are called to live out their holiness daily.
3. Why Sanctification Matters
Many Christians wrongly believe that once they are saved, no further change is required. But Scripture teaches that without sanctification, a believer’s spiritual life will stagnate—or even wither away.
“Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.”
(Hebrews 12:14, ESV)
This is a sobering truth: holiness is not optional. It is the evidence of true salvation and the path to eternal fellowship with God.
4. The Danger of Neglecting Sanctification
Jesus warned that in the last days, many would fall away and return to sinful living. The pursuit of holiness must be continuous, or we risk spiritual decline:
“Let the evildoer still do evil, and the filthy still be filthy, and the righteous still do right, and the holy still be holy.”
(Revelation 22:11, ESV)
Just like a battery that dies when left uncharged, the soul that neglects sanctification becomes spiritually powerless.
5. How Do We Pursue Sanctification?
A. The Word of God
God’s Word is the primary tool for sanctification. As we read and obey, the Spirit transforms our minds and hearts.
“Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.”
(John 17:17, ESV)
“Now that you have purified your souls by your obedience to the truth…”
(1 Peter 1:22a, ESV)
Daily engagement with Scripture renews our minds (Romans 12:2) and equips us to resist sin.
B. Prayer and Fasting
Prayer sustains our spiritual connection with God, and fasting weakens the flesh so the Spirit can lead. Together, they produce spiritual strength and discernment.
“Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
(Matthew 26:41, ESV)
Fasting reminds us that man does not live by bread alone, but by every word from the mouth of God (Matthew 4:4).
C. Godly Discipline and Righteous Living
Sanctification requires intentional effort. Just like athletes train their bodies, we must train ourselves in righteousness.
“Train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way…”
(1 Timothy 4:7–8, ESV)
Walking in obedience becomes easier as godly habits are formed.
D. Serving God and Evangelizing
Sanctification flourishes when we serve others and share the gospel. As we pour out, the Holy Spirit continually fills us.
“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.”
(1 Peter 4:10, ESV)
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…”
(Matthew 28:19, ESV)
Evangelism reminds us of our mission and deepens our dependence on the Spirit.
6. The Final Goal: Christlikeness
God’s ultimate goal is to conform us to the image of His Son:
“For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son…”
(Romans 8:29, ESV)
As we grow in sanctification, we reflect Jesus more clearly to the world. This glorifies God and draws others to Him.
Conclusion: Remain in the Journey
Sanctification is not about perfection, but direction. It is about daily yielding to the Spirit, obeying God’s Word, and pursuing Christ with all our hearts.
“For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
(2 Peter 1:8, ESV)
Let us not be passive in our faith. Instead, let us press on toward holiness, knowing that Jesus is coming soon.
Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus!