------------------------------------------------------- **Cross Reference**: #theology, #sanctification, #adoption, #Christian_identity, #spiritual_growth, #justification, #reformed_theology # Sanctification and Adoption **Scripture Reference: [Romans 8:14-17](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+8.14-17&version=AMP)** The doctrines of [[Bible Study/Topics/Sanctification/Sanctification]] and [[Adoption]] are foundational to understanding the believer’s identity and spiritual growth in the [[Christian life]]. While [[Bible Study/Topics/Sanctification/Sanctification]] pertains to the process of becoming more like [[Christ]] through the work of the [[Holy Spirit]], [[Adoption]] speaks to the believer’s new status as a child of [[God]]. Together, these doctrines reveal the transformative and relational aspects of salvation, highlighting God’s active role in making us holy and drawing us into His family. ## The Meaning of [[Bible Study/Topics/Sanctification/Sanctification]] **Scripture Reference: [1 Thessalonians 4:3](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Thessalonians+4.3&version=AMP)** “[[Bible Study/Topics/Sanctification/Sanctification]]” comes from the Greek word *hagiasmos*, which means “to be set apart” or “to be made holy.” [[Bible Study/Topics/Sanctification/Sanctification]] is the process by which believers are progressively conformed to the image of [[Christ]], growing in [[Holiness]] and separating from sin. Paul emphasizes that this process is the will of God for every believer: “For this is the will of God, your sanctification.” It is both a positional reality, as believers are set apart in [[Christ]], and a progressive journey of becoming more like Him. ### Positional [[Bible Study/Topics/Sanctification/Sanctification]] **Scripture Reference: [Hebrews 10:10](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+10.10&version=AMP)** Positional [[Bible Study/Topics/Sanctification/Sanctification]] occurs at the moment of [[Justification]], when a believer is declared righteous and set apart for God’s purposes through [[Christ’s atoning sacrifice]]. This is a completed act that defines the believer’s standing before God. As the author of Hebrews writes, “We have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” This is the believer’s identity as “holy ones” (saints) in [[Christ]]. ### Progressive [[Bible Study/Topics/Sanctification/Sanctification]] **Scripture Reference: [2 Corinthians 3:18](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Corinthians+3.18&version=AMP)** Progressive [[Bible Study/Topics/Sanctification/Sanctification]] is the ongoing work of the [[Holy Spirit]] in the life of the believer, transforming them into the image of [[Christ]]. Paul describes this as “being transformed into the same image from glory to glory.” This process involves the believer’s cooperation, marked by obedience, repentance, and dependence on God’s grace. It is not perfection in this life but a continual pursuit of holiness. #### Call to Action: - Regularly examine your life to identify areas that need to be surrendered to God’s transforming power. - Pursue growth in [[Holiness]] by meditating on [[Scripture]] and seeking the empowerment of the [[Holy Spirit]]. ## The Role of [[Adoption]] **Scripture Reference: [Galatians 4:4-7](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians+4.4-7&version=AMP)** [[Adoption]] is the act by which God places believers into His family as sons and daughters through [[Jesus Christ]]. It speaks to the new identity and privileges that come with being a child of God. Paul writes, “But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth His Son… that we might receive adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, ‘Abba! Father!’” This passage highlights the intimate relationship between God and the believer, characterized by a personal and familial bond. ### Privileges of [[Adoption]] 1. **Sonship and Heirship**: Believers are not only children but heirs of God and co-heirs with [[Christ]] ([Romans 8:17](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+8.17&version=AMP)). This means that they share in the inheritance of God’s promises and have access to all spiritual blessings in [[Christ]]. 2. **Intimacy with God**: The cry of “Abba, Father” expresses the deep personal relationship that believers have with God. It is a term of endearment and dependence, indicating both reverence and familiarity. 3. **The Spirit of Adoption**: The [[Holy Spirit]] is called the “Spirit of Adoption,” affirming and bearing witness to our status as God’s children. He empowers us to live as sons and daughters and assures us of our place in God’s family. #### Call to Action: - Embrace your identity as a child of [[God]], approaching Him with confidence and dependence. - Reflect on the privileges of [[Adoption]] and seek to live in a way that honors your Father in heaven. ## The Relationship Between [[Bible Study/Topics/Sanctification/Sanctification]] and [[Adoption]] **Scripture Reference: [Romans 8:15-17](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+8.15-17&version=AMP)** [[Bible Study/Topics/Sanctification/Sanctification]] and [[Adoption]] are inseparably linked in the believer’s life. While [[Bible Study/Topics/Sanctification/Sanctification]] emphasizes growth in [[Holiness]], [[Adoption]] emphasizes the relationship and identity of the believer. Romans 8:15-17 illustrates this relationship by describing the [[Holy Spirit]] as both the agent of sanctification and the “Spirit of Adoption.” The Spirit not only conforms us to the image of [[Christ]] but also bears witness to our status as God’s children, prompting us to cry out, “Abba, Father.” ### Implications for the Believer 1. **Identity and Transformation**: [[Adoption]] gives the believer a new identity, which becomes the foundation for [[Bible Study/Topics/Sanctification/Sanctification]]. Because we are God’s children, we are called to “be imitators of God” ([Ephesians 5:1](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+5.1&version=AMP)). 2. **Motivation for Holiness**: [[Bible Study/Topics/Sanctification/Sanctification]] is motivated by the believer’s relationship with God as a loving Father. It is not driven by fear or legalism but by a desire to please God as His beloved child. 3. **Assurance and Security**: The doctrine of [[Adoption]] provides assurance of our place in God’s family, which fuels perseverance in [[Bible Study/Topics/Sanctification/Sanctification]]. Even in times of struggle, the Spirit’s witness reminds us that we are secure in [[Christ]]. #### Call to Action: - View your pursuit of [[Holiness]] as a response to God’s love and fatherhood. - Rest in the assurance that your identity as God’s child is secure, even as you strive to grow in [[Christlikeness]]. ## Practical Outworking of [[Bible Study/Topics/Sanctification/Sanctification]] and [[Adoption]] **Scripture Reference: [1 John 3:1-3](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+John+3.1-3&version=AMP)** John’s epistle provides a practical perspective on how [[Bible Study/Topics/Sanctification/Sanctification]] and [[Adoption]] work together: “See what an incredible quality of love the Father has shown us, that we would be called children of God; and so we are… Everyone who has this hope [set on Him] purifies himself, just as He is pure.” The reality of being God’s children should lead to a life of purity and growth in [[Holiness]]. ### Daily Application - **Renewal of the Mind**: Since [[Bible Study/Topics/Sanctification/Sanctification]] involves transformation, it requires the renewal of the mind through [[Scripture]] and prayer ([Romans 12:2](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+12.2&version=AMP)). - **Community and Accountability**: The family relationship of [[Adoption]] means that believers are not isolated in their growth. They are called to build up one another and live in [[Christian fellowship]]. - **Worship and Gratitude**: [[Bible Study/Topics/Sanctification/Sanctification]] and [[Adoption]] should lead to a life of worship, offering ourselves as living sacrifices and expressing gratitude for God’s grace. #### Call to Action: - Make use of spiritual disciplines like Bible study, prayer, and community engagement to grow in [[Bible Study/Topics/Sanctification/Sanctification]]. - Celebrate your status as a child of God through acts of worship and thanksgiving. **Related Concepts:** - [[Justification]] - [[Glorification]] - [[Effectual Call]] - [[Regeneration]] - [[Christian Holiness]] - [[Abba Father]] - [[Spiritual Adoption]] - [[Progressive Sanctification]] - [[New Birth]] - [[Union with Christ]]