Results of Sanctification

Results of Sanctification

   What are the results of sanctification? Is there a purpose in the suffering, growing, trials, difficulties, falls, bumps, and bruises? Is there a reason for the soul-wrenching and heart-aching struggle to hate sin, wrestle the flesh to submission, be in the world but not of the world, and focus entirely on God when everything battles for our attention and affections? It is for a purpose. Sanctification is very difficult, but the end result is definitely worth the effort.

Glory to God

   First, a believers sanctification is for the glory of God. Anything else would be idolatry. When we struggle with sin, when we become more like Christ through suffering and pain, God is exalted. How? Our sanctification magnifies his grace, we learn dependence, our prayer life is strengthened, faith is increased, we witness for Christ, and God uses us and our circumstances for the comfort and benefit of others- all for his praise!

   God is glorified in other ways. Our sanctification results in good works which honor God. “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matt. 5:16). “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies- in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen” (1Pet. 4:10-11).

When Christians bear spiritual fruit God is glorified. “By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples” (Jn. 15:8). “To this end we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by his power, so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ” (2Thess. 1:11-12).

   Being united as believers also brings honor to the Lord. “May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Rom. 15:6). God is magnified when his children live pure lives. “You were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body” (1Cor. 6:20). When believers do the works of God and live life with the proper motives, God is glorified. “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1Cor. 10:31). And the Lord is worshiped by testimonies of his grace. “For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God.        By their approval of this service, they will glorify God because of your submission flowing from your confession of the gospel of Christ, and the generosity of your contribution for them and for all others...” (2Cor. 9:12-13). “And they glorified God because of me” (Gal. 1:24).

Christlikeness

   Another result of sanctification is Christlikeness. The goal of sanctification is the glory of God by our transformation into the image of the blessed Son. This is the plan of God for our salvation. “For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers” (Rom. 8:29).

   We were saved in order to become like Christ. Believers are slowly being transformed into the likeness of Christ. The Spirit does his work and we: suffer well, learn, grow, mortify sin, act righteously, talk purely, think properly, worship consistently, walk in holiness, etc. “And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit” (2Cor. 3:18).

   Sanctification never ends in this life because of our sinful flesh. However, believers know, trust, and anticipate seeing Christ and becoming fully like him. We long for the day when we will see Christ as he is and rid ourselves of this body of sin! Our sanctification will be complete and we will be glorified. “Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure” (1Jn. 3:2-3).

Fruit

   Another result of a believer's sanctification is spiritual fruit. The Holy Spirit works in our spirits to produce fruit for the glory of God, our continued sanctification, and the good of others. Some of these fruits are: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

   A result of the the Spirit's work is that we grow in love. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law” (Gal. 5:22-23). “...So that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith---that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God” (Eph. 3:17-19). “Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children.² And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God” (Eph. 5:1-2). “And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony” (Col. 3:14). “But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness” (1Tim. 6:11). “So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him” (1Jn. 4:16).

   Another fruit that is born in believers is joy. “More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance...” (Rom. 5:3). “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Rom. 14:17). “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice” (Phil. 4:4). “Rejoice always...” (1Thess. 5:16). “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing” (Jms. 1:2-4). “Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls” (1Pet. 1:8-9). “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed” (1Pet. 4:12-13).

   The Spirit bears peace within the hearts of believers. “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Rom. 5:1). “For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace” (Rom. 8:6). “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:7). “Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all” (2Thess. 3:16).

   Believers grow in patience as a result of being sanctified. “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer” (Rom. 12:12). “I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Eph. 4:1-3). “And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all” (1Thess. 5:14).

   The Spirit of God works kindness in the lives of believers. “Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor” (Rom. 12:10). “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you” (Eph. 4:32). “Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience...” (Col. 3:12). “For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love” (2Pet. 1:5-7).

Another fruit produced in believers is goodness. “So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith” (Gal. 6:10). “They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life” (1Tim. 6:18-19). “Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God” (Heb. 13:16).

   Faithfulness is generated in the heart's of God's children. “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain” (1Cor. 15:58). “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen” (1Pet. 5:6-11).

   Gentleness is still another fruit that the Spirit bears in the souls of believers. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law” (Gal. 5:22-23). “I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Eph. 4:1-3). “Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people” (Tit. 3:1-2).

   When a believer is growing more like Christ, self-control will grow with him. “Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions” (Rom. 6:12). “For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love” (2Pet. 1:5-7).

   These are the results of God's glorious work in the hearts, lives, and souls of his children. This is the fruit of sanctification. Believers become more like Christ by growing in holiness, purity, and righteousness. Believers become less like themselves fleeing from sin, temptation, the wiles of the evil one, and the entrapments of the world. Less like our sinful selves and more like Christ- that is the doctrine of sanctification in a nutshell.

   Believers must be growing. If they are not growing, then they are dying. It is the role of the Spirit to see to it that we grow and mature in Christ. God cannot fail. He saved us and he will sanctify us. One magnificent day, all Christians will be glorified and presented to the Father. Christ's bride will be made perfect. We will be beautiful, without spot, blemish free, pure, and chaste. We will be holy as God is holy. Finally!

   That day cannot come quick enough. In the meantime, we have work to do. Be more like Christ. Grow more into his image every day. With the aid of the Spirit, put on Christ and walk in him.

Motives of Sanctification

Motives of Sanctification

   Why should a believer cooperate with God and strive to be like Christ? What motivates Christians to grow in holiness? Is it scriptural? Is it beneficial? Is it worth the pain and effort? Christlikeness comes at a cost. The Lord Jesus paid the ultimate price for our redemption. He satisfied the eternal justice of the Father and opened the floodgates allowing the Spirit and his gracious works to flow. Because we have been bought with a price, we now are to honor the Lord with our bodies and lives. This is partly achieved by growing in holiness and submitting entirely to Christ's lordship. He owns us. We are no longer our own. We belong to the Savior. And it is the Savior's will to conform us into his image.

   The desires of the saints are slowly transformed. We once desired sin and the satisfaction of the flesh. Now, we hate sin and the flesh and seek to satisfy our Lord. This is done by sanctification. This is the Spirit's work in us- convicting of sin and conforming into the image of Christ. We want to be holy and pleasing to God. We long to be free from the flesh and temptation. Something is driving us, motivating us. We know it is the Spirit. But, what if any, are our motivations for sanctification?

God-ward

   Just as anything else in the Christian life, we must begin with God. There are several godly motivations that drive us toward holiness and purity.

First, believers ought to be motivated to please God and demonstrate love for him. We do not try and pay God back for what he has done, but we do alter our lives and do good works in order to glorify him and show our love. Our lives are now lived for his glory and according to his will. This takes the sanctifying grace of the Spirit because we are still weak, sinful, facing temptations, and prone to wander.  (Jn. 14:15, 21; 1Thess. 4:1; 1Jn. 5:3)

   Second, blessings from God motivate believers to grow in Christlikeness. We do not merely do what pleases God in order to get blessed by him, however, they do move us in that direction. Believers desire the favor of God. We know what pleases him so we act accordingly and receive gifts from our great and glorious God. These gifts, these blessings, are wonderful but they are not our only focus or goal. We thank God for them and then use them for his glory. This is all sanctifying. By the Spirit's leading and prompting, we seek to be holy. We seek to please and obey our heavenly Father. He in turn blesses us and showers us with grace and gifts. We in turn show our gratitude, thereby worshiping and honoring him. This is growth. This is the Christian life. We do not do it perfectly and there is always room to grow. However, that is the process of sanctification.  (1Pet. 3:9-12)

   Third, another motivation to act like Christ is to avoid fatherly displeasure and discipline from the Lord. Since we are being transformed, we desire to please God. When we sin against God we can expect discipline. This discipline is, however, for our good. This chastening corrects, teaches, humbles, warns, guides, drives to repentance, and enlightens.

   It also shows and proves the love of God for us. He disciplines his children, those whom he loves. We benefit from the loving discipline of our Father. Albeit, Christians, do not like discipline or disappointing their Father. So, we are motivated to act accordingly and behave. In other words, we strive to be holy and Christlike so as to not displease God and merit discipline.  (2Cor. 5:9-11; Eph. 4:30; Phil. 2:12-13; Heb. 12:3-11)

   Fourth, believers are motivated to be sanctified in order to experience closer communion with God. The holier we are, the closer to God we become. The more we become like Christ, the more of God we will experience. Quite simply, Christians ought to desire to be as close to God as humanly possible. This is achieved by growing in holiness and Christlikeness. (Matt. 5:8; Jn. 14:21; Jn. 14:23; Jn. 17:20-24; 1Jn. 1:6-7)

   Fifth, our sanctification is the will of God. This is our proper motivation- we want what God wants. Part of sanctification, part of growing into the image of Christ is aligning our wills with the will of God. As we grow, it becomes less and less of what we want and becomes more and more of what God wants. (1Thess. 4:3; 1Thess. 5:23-24; Heb. 13:20-21).

Man-ward

   Not only are we motivated to become more like Christ from a God-ward focus, but also a man-ward emphasis compels us. There is something inside us as believers that turns our attention to ourselves in the constant pursuit of holiness. We desire certain things and these motivate us to become more like Christ, to submit to the Spirit, to be righteous, to live purely, and to glorify God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength.

   First, we are motivated to be sanctified in order to have a clear conscience. There is something within us, including the Spirit, that now wants to be holy, righteous, and pleasing to God. When we sin we feel lousy. The Spirit convicts us and our hearts let us know that we have sinned. “Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God's wrath but also for the sake of conscience” (Rom. 13:5).

   Second, believers ought to desire to be effective workers. This should motivate one to grow in Christlikeness. Our drive ought to be to do all that we can for the Lord. This takes sanctification. We have to be like Christ in order to act like Christ. (Eph. 2:10; 2Tim. 2:20-21; Tit. 2:11-14)

   Third, another motivation is living pure before unbelievers. Believers should be beyond reproach. Our lives should be a testimony of the goodness and grace of God. We know that we are not perfect, however, we should live pure and upright lives and be an example of Christ. Christians need to persevere in sanctification. We need to grow more like Christ in order to be examples of Christ. (Matt. 5:16; 1Pet. 2:12); 1Pet. 3:1-2)

   Fourth, believers are motivated to grow more into the image of Christ to receive greater rewards. This is not our goal. However, we benefit from honoring and glorifying God by being sanctified. The rewards are great, but our desire is to be like Christ. The rewards are great and we are grateful for the gifts of God, but they are simply more fuel for our praise. (1Cor. 3:12-15) 

   Fifth, sanctification invites joy and peace. As we grow, we experience the fruit of the Spirit, which includes joy and peace. As we become more like Christ, we will have lasting joy and the peace of God that transcends this earth and our circumstances. We will learn to depend an God and trust him above all. Nothing will rob us of our joy. Nothing can steal our peace. “What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me- practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you” (Phil. 4:9).

   Are you motivated to become more lie Christ? I pray that you are. There are many good reasons to grow. Primary among them is that God saved us for a purpose. He redeemed us in order for us to be transformed into the image of his Son so that we might honor and glorify him in all things. He saved us to make us holy. Be holy. Grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Impacts of Sanctification

Impacts of Sanctification

   What, if any, are the impacts of sanctification? What is impacted? How are the intellect, affections, will, and body made holy and conformed to the image of Christ?

Intellect

   The intellect of the believer must be sanctified or grow in Christlikeness. Since the believer is a new creation, the new self must be renewed in knowledge after the image of Christ. Our thoughts make us what we are. They control us and govern our affections and wills. The mind of a believer must not be underestimated, ignored, polluted, or malnourished. The mind must be fed a steady diet of God's word in order to maintain the health of the body and soul. Neglect here is perilous. Disregard for the mind means disregard for the soul. What we feed our minds fills our hearts, warms our affections, and guides our wills.

   We are to think differently. “...The new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator” (Col. 3:10). Believers must grow in knowledge and discernment. “And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God” (Phil. 1:9-11).

   This is achieved by our cooperation with the Spirit as he transforms and renews our minds. “ Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect” (Rom. 12:2). The intellect is sanctified by increasing in knowledge of God. Simply put, we must learn all we can of God, his ways, and his works. “And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God” (Col. 1:9-10). Another way that are minds grow in holiness is by taking every thought captive. We must guard our minds and thoughts. “We...take every thought captive to obey Christ” (2Cor. 10:5).

Affections

   The affections are the passions, the heart, the emotions, the very being or center of a person. If the intellect is the mind, the affections are the soul. The Christian, then, is to mature in soul; to become more like Christ in the heart. When the heart or soul is transformed, this affects the entire life of a believer. The believer becomes more spiritual. Attitudes and dispositions are changed. There is joy in the soul, praise in the heart, and songs on the lips.

   Believers are to grow in the fruits of the Spirit. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires” (Gal. 5:22-24). These fruits are our inner being, our passions and affections.

   As believers grow and mature, they must wage war on the passions of the flesh. “Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul” (1Pet. 2:11). We must, with the help of the Spirit, overcome the sinful desires of our flesh. This is achieved by growing in Christlikeness, or the fruits of the Spirit. Our godly affections increase stymieing and retarding our sinful passions- the flesh.

   What follows is a hatred for the world. “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him” (1Jn. 2:15). As we are transformed, we become more and more dissatisfied with the world and all the sin, godlessness, hatred, and impurities it contains.

   Along with these, as a believer's affections are made more like the Savior's, the heart desires to only obey God. “But thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed, and, having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness” (Rom. 6:17-18). Everything changes. The soul that once obeyed the lusts of the flesh now desires to submit to the Lord of glory.

   What all of this means is that a believer is transformed from the inside out. This results in the destruction of sinful passions. Our flesh becomes weaker and weaker, while our hearts grow in holiness and godliness. Our very natures are transformed- everything is different and made new.

Will

   When the minds and affections of believers are transformed, the will is stirred and aligned with the rest of the faculties. The will is our ability to choose. Once the will is impacted by the grace of God and the power of the Spirit, it becomes easier and more frequent to determine to live for godliness rather than sin. The soul, the entire person, is resolved to behave more like Christ.

   God works in the life of believers in order to impact their wills so that they will obey his. Our wills must be bent to desire to please and obey God. “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure” (Phil. 2:12-13). “Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen” (Heb. 13:20-21).

   The objective of our salvation is that those created new in Christ Jesus are to do good works. We are saved to do the works of God; saved to do his will. Our wills have got to be altered in order for us to accomplish this. “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them” (Eph. 2:10). “...Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works” (Tit. 2:13-14).

   Put simply, believers obey God and seek to do what pleases him. Since our natures have been made new in Christ, our wills have been radically transformed. Our lust for sin has been replaced by a love for godliness and holiness. Our natural bent to disobey the Lord has been altered so much so that we now are compelled to obey God. Christians are truly new creatures. We now serve God, in addition to what has already been mentioned, out of a sense of gratitude for all that he has done on our behalf. Believers demonstrate their appreciation of God for his salvation and amazing blessings by obeying him and seeking to glorify him by endeavoring to become more like Christ. It is now our aim in life to honor and serve our Lord.

Body

   The body of a believer must also come under the influence of the sanctifying power of God. Christians are not only to grow in Christlikeness in their intellects, affections, and wills, but their bodies too must be made holy. The flesh must be subdued and purified.

Believers are encouraged to keep their bodies sound and blameless. “Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1Thess. 5:23). The body of a believer is to be holy and cleansed of anything that defiles. “Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God” (2Cor. 7:1).

   In addition, the body is not to be used as an instrument for sin. “Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions. Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness” (Rom. 6:12-13). One way believers may do this is to flee from sexual immorality. “The body is not meant for sexual immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body” (1Cor. 6:13).

   The body of a believer is to glorify God. Our bodies are the temples of the Holy Spirit. “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body” (1Cor. 6:19-20). This means, among other things, that we are to care for our bodies. They, as well as our souls, have been redeemed by Christ. Therefore, we are to protect them, consume healthy food, drink plenty of water, get enough rest, abstain from damaging substances, exercise, and refrain from anything and everything that will harm, corrupt, poison, or weaken. Not only must we avoid sin, but we must also care for what God has given us. Sanctification includes our bodies being made into the image of Christ- growing in holiness and decreasing in sinfulness.

   The holiness of God touches every sphere of our lives and being. Nothing is left unaffected by the sanctifying influence of God. The minds, hearts, decisions, and bodies of believers are impacted. Nothing is the same. Salvation changes everything. Conformity to Christ in body and soul is now the sole driving force in a believer. We want to be like our Savior. We want to honor and glorify the King with the gifts that he has bestowed upon us. And, the chief gift is ourselves- our soul, life, intellect, affections, will, and body. May everything in us, including us, be conformed into the image of Christ, by his grace and for his glory.

Means of Sanctification

Means of Sanctification

   How does a believer grow in holiness? What means did God ordain in order for his children to be conformed more into the image of the Son? In other words, what can Christians do to assist in their sanctification?

  The primary means of sanctification is the word of God. Without the word there is no growth. It is in the Bible that we find the way of holiness and Christlikeness. Therefore, the Spirit of God uses Scripture to sanctify believers. “Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth” (Jn. 17:17-19). He teaches, illumines our hearts, gives us understanding, applies the word, convicts, conforms, challenges, and corrects.

   There are twelve kinds of passages that show Scripture to be the instrument in sanctification. First, some connect spiritual life with truth (Jn. 6:63, 8:32; Jms. 1:18). Second, others teach truths that promote obedience (Ps. 119:34, 43-44). Third, there are verses that ascribe quickening power to the word of God (Ps. 119:50, 93; 1Pet. 1:23). Fourth, some passages warn in an effort to prevent sin (Ps. 119:11, 104). Fifth, cleansing from sin is attributed to God's word (Ps. 119:9; 1Pet. 1:22). Sixth, Scripture produces hatred for sin (Ps. 119:104, 128). Seventh, the word of God demonstrates the power to lead to salvation (2Tim. 3:15-17). Eighth, the scriptures possess all things that pertain to life and godliness (2Pet. 1:2-3). Ninth, growth in grace is implied through the knowledge of God's word (Heb. 5:12-14). Tenth, an infant level of knowledge accounts for weakness and immaturity (1Cor. 3:1-3). Eleventh, the word is set forth as the sword of the Spirit (Eph. 6:17). And twelfth, the word announces that all the gifts for ministry are for the perfecting of the saints (Eph. 4:11-16).

   The word of God is the primary means of sanctification; the chief instrument used by the Spirit to perfect his own. But, there are other means that the Lord uses. The providence of God rightly apprehended and applied through the word may benefit believers. Good works induced by the word causes growth. Prayer made effective through the believer's comprehension of the word of truth fuels development. Worship and Bible study promotes spiritual health. The fellowship of believers in connection with divine truth where prayer, preaching, watchcare, discipline, and any other grace and comfort are observed and administered can only profit the Christian. The ministry of pastors and teachers who properly handle the word of truth will be effective in the sanctification of the sheep. Also, the ordinances of Baptism and the Lord's Supper convey the truth of the death, burial, and resurrection of the Lord and his eternal covenant made with believers which in turn, causes reflection, joy, examination, praise, anticipation, excitement, humility, etc. In a word, all of these means lead to sanctification or growth in Christ.

   Weekly, Christians gather to hear the word of God read, taught, and preached (well, at least they ought to desire to attend weekly worship!). But, do they hear? Do they listen? Have they been taught how to hear and listen? Or, more importantly, do they know how to prepare themselves to hear and listen to the very words of the Living God? What follows are some suggestions for believers in order to prepare themselves to listen to and hear the word of God.

Weekly Preparation

   The importance of preparation before coming to church must not be overlooked. It would benefit believers to prepare throughout the week to hear from God and not merely on Sundays or when they walk into the church. Begin by praying for your pastor (and teachers) throughout the week. “I appeal to you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God on my behalf, that I may be delivered from the unbelievers in Judea, and that my service for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints, so that by God's will I may come to you with joy and be refreshed in your company” (Rom. 15:30-32). “Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored, as happened among you...” (2 Thess. 3:1). Ask the Lord to bless him and illumine his heart and mind so that he may bring God's word to God's people. Pray for the growth and understanding of your pastor. Pray that your pastor remains faithful to the word of God and that God would strengthen him against attacks, discouragement, apathy, and depression.

Prepare Physically

   You, the hearer, must also prepare yourself physically to hear from God. Be well rested so that you may be attentive to the preaching of the word. Pray for yourself, that the Lord may grant you alertness and the ability to hear and understand the word of God and remove any distractions. Prepare by lessening your routine on Sunday mornings by making preparations for church the night before. You may prepare food and clothes ahead of time to avoid being rushed in the morning. This saved time could be used to pray and focus upon the Lord.

Prepare Personally

   Next, believers may prepare by being excited and expecting to hear from God through his word. Anticipate hearing from God. Do not just go through the motions. Pray that you will be challenged, convicted, and changed. Pray for clarity of thought, the removal of distractions, and peace of mind so that you can focus on the word of God and not the cares of this world. Be prepared to be confronted by the living God.

Prepare Spiritually

   Listeners expecting to hear from God through the preaching and teaching of his word must repent and confess known sin. This restores fellowship between God and the believer. Believers may also pray for purity of heart and the illumination of the Spirit in order to not only hear, but to also understand and apply.

Pay Attention

   To listen and hear effectively, do not look around. Focus intently on the preacher and his message. Do not engage in idle or worldly conversations before the service. This takes the focus off of the Lord and is terribly distracting and irreverent. Be a good steward of the short amount of time that you are blessed with to sit under the word. Take advantage of the gift that you have to hear the word proclaimed. Do not take this for granted. Another suggestion is to take notes. This will enhance your listening skills and study.

After the Service

   The service may only last for an hour, but the time that you have afterward is much greater and could prove very profitable if used rightly. Reflect on what was said. Read and reread the passage of Scripture that was preached and read any notes that were taken. Discuss the sermon with family members or a friend. Pray that the Lord will apply his truth to your heart. Finally, make it a point to think about the sermon throughout the week. Do not hear it and forget it.

Search the Scriptures

   After the service and sometime during the following week, read and study the text further. Read other passages that relate to the one that was preached. Compare the sermon with the word of God. Make sure that the pastor is handling the word accurately. This is not judgmental or even negative. No, listener, you are responsible before God. So, take notice of what is being spoken from the pulpit. Seek to apply the truth of God to your heart and life. Or, better yet, seek to apply your life to the truth of God.

   Sadly, we are no longer good listeners. We are a visual people. That is to our detriment. We need, no, we must become listeners again! We must train and prepare ourselves to hear and listen. Christians must ignore distractions and hang on every word that proceeds from the mouth of our great and glorious God. This is a discipline. Disciplines are not easy. They take hard work and effort. But, we serve a powerful God and by his grace and for his glory, he can transform us and mold us into good listeners. Oh Lord, give your people ears to hear!

Roles of Sanctification

Roles of Sanctification

   Are there differing roles in sanctification? What is God's role? Does man play a role in his own sanctification? If so, what is it? What must a believer do to grow in holiness and become more like Christ?

God's role

   Sanctification is primarily the work of God. The work of sanctification is ascribed to each member of the Trinity. As with everything done by the triune God, they work in concert. Everything accomplished had been planned since before the foundations of the world. This includes God's plan of redemption and the sanctification of God's elect.

   The Father is ascribed a part in the sanctification of his children. Several New Testament verses demonstrate this truth. The God of peace is said to sanctify. “Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1Thess. 5:23). Part of sanctification is godly discipline, which is attributed to the Father. The Father chastises his children in order to teach them their wrong and motivate them to repent, change, learn, and grow. “It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it” (Heb. 12:7-11).

   In short, the Father is at work in the heart and life of believers. “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure” (Phil. 2:12-13). Other verses are: John 17:17; Ephesians 2:5; 1Peter 1:1-2, 2:5; Jude 1.

   Sanctification is also assigned to the Son. It was Christ that earned the sanctification of his own. “And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption...” (1Cor. 1:30). The Lord Jesus plays another role, he is the example of holiness and suffering that every Christian is to emulate. “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God” (Heb. 12:1-2). “For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps” (1Pet. 2:21). “By this we may know that we are in him: whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked” (1Jn. 2:5-6).

   There are many other passages that tell of Christ and his role in our being conformed into his image. They include but are not limited to: Ephesians 1:1, 2:10, 5:25-27; Hebrews 2:11-14, 13:12; 2Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 6:15; Colossians 1:2, and 2:6-13.

   Finally, the Holy Spirit plays an enormous role in our sanctification. It is the Spirit that produces life in the life of believers. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law” (Gal. 5:22-23). The Spirit also leads and guides the believer's walk. “But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law” (Gal. 5:16-18). “For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God” (Rom. 8:14).

   As would be expected, there remain numerous other passages of Scripture that could be quoted to show the Spirit's role. They will simply be listed: 1Peter 1:2; 2Thessalonians 2:13; Romans 15:16; 1Corinthians 6:21; Titus 3:5; 2Corinthians 3:18; Ephesians 1:18-19; John 6:63, and 16:13-14.

Man's role

   The role of the individual Christian is his or her sanctification can be termed both passive and active. It is passive in the sense that the believer depends on God to do his sanctifying work (as discussed in the previous section). On the other hand, it is active in that the believer strives to obey God, grow in the grace and knowledge of Christ, and to become more like Christ.

   Sanctification, in part, is passive. This means that the believer is at the mercy of the Lord pertaining to sanctification. Believers must trust and pray to the Lord that he develop holy affections. “Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness” (Rom. 6:13).        Also, it is the Spirit that kills sin. “For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live” (Rom. 8:13). Finally, the scriptures reveal that God is at work to accomplish his good pleasure- to finish what he began at regeneration. “...For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure” (Phil. 2:13).

   However, believers are to be active in their own sanctification. We are not to simply remain inactive or sit idly by. We play a vital role in our own growth and maturity. This is one of many tensions throughout Scripture- God and man are at work in sanctification. In fact, we cooperate with God in this work. With the constant aid of the Spirit, believers kill sin. “For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live” (Rom. 8:13). God moves, acts, and transforms, yet believers are commanded to work out their salvation with fear and trembling. “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure” (Phil. 2:12-13).

   The word of God is replete with texts that motivate believers to actively pursue their sanctification. Believers are challenged to: strive after holiness (Heb. 12:14), abstain from immorality (1Cor. 6:18; 1Thess. 4:3), purify themselves (2Cor. 7:1; 1Jn. 3:3), and grow in godliness (2Pet. 1:5). Other passages to contemplate are: Romans 12:1-13:14; Ephesians 4:17-6:20; Philippians 4:4-9; Colossians 3:5-4:6; and 1Peter 2:11-5:11.

In addition to these, Christians are to read and meditate on the word (Matt. 4:4; Jn. 17:17), pray (Eph. 6:18; Phil. 4:6), worship (Eph. 5:18-20), and fellowship (Heb. 10:24-25). All of these promote holiness and growth. All of these are avenues the Lord uses to communicate grace to his own. These practices and disciplines nourish God's growing children.

   Sanctification is a wonderful thing. It involves God and man, but there is also a corporate element. The process of being conformed more into the image of Christ is individual, but it likewise involves other believers- the church. We need other Christians to help us grow and mature. Much of the New Testament is written to churches and a good deal of the message is encouraging one another in Christlikeness. Merely read Hebrews 10:24-25; 1Peter 2:5-9; 1Thessalonians 5:11; and Ephesians 4:2-16 to see this truth. We need God and others. We cannot do this alone. We must not even try.

Stages of Sanctification

Stages of Sanctification

   What is sanctification? Our working definition has been, sanctification is that work of God and man where believers are made holy and Christlike progressively. It is the Spirit-induced pursuit of Christlikeness wherein believers strive to grow in holiness, love, purity, and righteousness. In other words, it is the process of growing holy and being conformed more into the image of Christ.

   The stages of sanctification can be narrowed down to three. They are: begins at regeneration, is progressive throughout the life of a believer, and is completed at death.

Sanctification begins at regeneration

   Regeneration changes everything. Spiritually dead sinners are made alive in Christ and become new creatures. The old nature is killed and believers are given the Spirit in order to subdue the remaining flesh and provoke growth in holiness. The believer is transformed and cannot habitually or continually live in sin. The power of sin has been broken. The relationship with sin has changed- it has been severed.

   Christians are dead to sin. “ So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus” (Rom. 6:11). Believers no longer love sin, nor are they dominated by it. “Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions. Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness. For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace” (Rom. 6:12-14). Having been freed from sin's bondage, believers are now slaves of righteousness. “Having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness” (Rom. 6:18). Christians serve a new master and can resist the temptation to sin because of the power of the Holy Spirit.

   Sanctification is positional. This means that a believer is sanctified in Christ. Believers are privileged to be holy due to their union with the sinless Son of God. “To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus..” (1Cor. 1:2). “And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God” (1Cor. 6:11). “And by that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all” (Heb. 10:10).

   The blood of Christ is said to sanctify believers. “Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish” (Eph. 5:25-27). “... Who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works” (Tit. 2:14). “ So Jesus also suffered outside the gate in order to sanctify the people through his own blood” (Heb. 13:12).

   What this means is that believers are sanctified in the sight of God because they are united to Christ. God knows the end from the beginning. So, there is a sense where believers are sanctified, however, in another sense, they still sin and are growing and progressing in holiness.

   Romans 8:30 explains this, “And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.” The key thing to notice is that believers are said to be glorified. This is in the past tense meaning that believers are as good as glorified because God cannot fail to accomplish what he began. Everyone whom God chose will be called. Those who are called will be justified. And those who are justified will be glorified. The same holds true for sanctification. Although sanctification is not mentioned explicitly in the verse, it is implied. Glorification implies sanctification. In order to be glorified, a believer must grow in holiness throughout life. Upon death, sanctification will be complete- the believer will be transformed in the twinkling of an eye and be like Christ.

   Even though positionally a Christian is sanctified in Christ, actually they remain sinful and imperfect. This is the ongoing tension and struggle known as the Christian life. We continue to dwell in sinful flesh. “For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. So I find it to be a law that when I want to do right, evil lies close at hand. For I delight in the law of God, in my inner being, but I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members” (Rom. 7:18-23).

   Believers are at war. There is a battle raging inside each and every Christian. The flesh battles the Spirit, and the Spirit wages war against the flesh. “For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do” (Gal. 5:17). “Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul” (1Pet. 2:11). However, the Spirit gives strength to overcome sin. Christians may lose ground or suffer small defeats and the flesh may prevail for a short time, but the Spirit will ultimately gain victory.

Sanctification is progressive

   Sanctification is a process that begins at regeneration and continues throughout the life of the Christian. Believers continually grow in holiness and conformity to the Lord Jesus Christ. Sin, the enemy of holiness, is slowly killed and its reign defeated. “Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions. Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness” (Rom. 6:12-13). Believers, who once grew in sin, now strive to grow in righteousness. “I am speaking in human terms, because of your natural limitations. For just as you once presented your members as slaves to impurity and to lawlessness leading to more lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves to righteousness leading to sanctification” (Rom. 6:19).

   Much of the New Testament is spent on instructing churches, which are comprised of individual believers, on how to grow in Christlikeness. Many passages simply reveal how Christians are to act.

   Some of these passages are: the Sermon on the Mount (Matt. 5-7), what defiles a person (Mk. 7:14-23), suffering for Christ (Lk. 9:23-27), humility and service (Jn. 13:12-17), devotion, growth, charity, love, and fellowship (Acts 2:42-47), do not be conformed to the world... (Rom. 12:2), flee from sexual immorality (1Cor. 6:18), do all things for the glory of God (1Cor. 10:31), examine yourself (2Cor. 13:5), walk by the Spirit (Gal. 5:16), put off the old self (Eph. 4:22-24), work out your salvation (Phil. 2:12), seek the things that are above (Col. 3:1), abstain from evil (1Thess. 5:22), do not grow weary in doing good (2Thess. 3:13), pursue righteousness, godliness, faith... (1Tim. 6:11), be strengthened by grace (2Tim. 2:1), be devoted to good works (Tit. 3:8), obey and submit to leaders (Heb. 13:17), be doers of the word (Jms. 1:22), be sober-minded and watchful (1Pet. 5:8), make calling and election sure (2Pet. 1:10), do not love the world (1Jn. 2:15), keep yourself in the love of God (Jude 21), and let the righteous do right (Rev. 22:11).

   The word of God teaches us that sanctification is necessary. In fact, there is no Christian life without it. If the Lord has caused you to be born again, then you will grow- you have to grow. God does not fail. The Spirit will make you like Christ. Sanctification is necessary: for our fellowship with God (1Jn. 4:8, 16, 19; Heb. 12:28-29), corresponds to what God has done for us in election, redemption, effectual calling, justification, adoption, and glorification (Eph. 1:4; Tit. 2:14; Jn. 17:15-17; Acts 26:18), demonstrates obedience to the will of God (Matt. 22:37-40; Rom. 6; Eph. 4-6; Jms. 1), expresses gratitude to God for his mercy (Lk. 1:74-75; Rom. 6:1-2, 15), shows fruit and evidence of union with Christ (Col. 2:6; Jms. 2:17-24), testifies to a lost world (Tit. 2:10; 1Pet. 2:9), and is preparation for heaven (Rom. 2:7-10, 8:6-13; Gal. 5:22-23; Heb. 12:14; 1Jn. 3:2-3).

Sanctification is completed at death and glorification

   Upon death, the soul of every believer is set free from indwelling sin and made perfect (Heb. 12:23; Rev. 21:27). Even this is incomplete until the Lord returns and believers receive their resurrected bodies (Rom. 8:30; 1Cor. 15:23, 49; Phil. 3:21; 1Thess. 4:14-16). Then, for all of eternity, believers will be like Christ- we will be completely sanctified (Phil. 3:20-21; 1Jn. 3:2). We will be holy. We will be unable to sin. We will finally be able to the love the Lord our God with all of our being!