------------------------------------------------------- **Cross Reference**: #theology, #Christian_identity, #Gods_grace, #sanctification, #Holy_Spirit, #Christian_living, #salvation, #church, #discipleship, #prayer, #justification # [[Bible Study/Topics/Sanctification/Sanctification]]: Growing in Holiness and [[Christlikeness]] ## The [[Triune God]] at Work in [[Bible Study/Topics/Sanctification/Sanctification]] [[Bible Study/Topics/Sanctification/Sanctification]] is a central theme in the Christian life. It refers to the **ongoing supernatural work of [[God]]** through which justified believers are progressively transformed to become more like [[Christ]]. This process involves both an inward transformation of the heart and an outward expression of righteous behavior, made possible by the **power of the [[Holy Spirit]]**. [[Bible Study/Topics/Sanctification/Sanctification]] is not a one-time event but a lifelong journey of growth in holiness and good works as believers are conformed to the image of [[Christ]]. ### 1. **[[Bible Study/Topics/Sanctification/Sanctification]] and the [[Father]]’s Will** The [[Father]] desires that His children live holy lives, set apart from sin. He calls them to be holy just as He is holy. - “[1 Thessalonians 5:23](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Thessalonians+5.23&version=AMP)” – "May [[God]] himself, the [[God]] of peace, sanctify you through and through." ### 2. **[[Bible Study/Topics/Sanctification/Sanctification]] through the [[Son]]’s Sacrifice** [[Jesus Christ]]’s atoning sacrifice provides the foundation for [[Bible Study/Topics/Sanctification/Sanctification]]. Through His death and resurrection, believers are set apart and empowered to live in righteousness. - “[Ephesians 5:25–27](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+5.25-27&version=AMP)” – "Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word." ### 3. **[[Bible Study/Topics/Sanctification/Sanctification]] by the [[Holy Spirit]]’s Power** The [[Holy Spirit]] is the agent who applies this work of sanctification in the life of the believer. By dwelling within believers, the [[Holy Spirit]] empowers them to resist sin and grow in holiness. - “[Romans 8:13](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+8.13&version=AMP)” – "For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the [[Spirit]] you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live." The [[Holy Spirit]] enables believers to bear fruit that reflects the character of [[Christ]] ([Galatians 5:22–23](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians+5.22-23&version=AMP)) and equips them with [[Spiritual Gifts]] for the **building up of the church** and for service to the world ([Romans 12:6–8](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+12.6-8&version=AMP)). ## The Relationship Between [[Justification]] and [[Bible Study/Topics/Sanctification/Sanctification]] While [[Justification]] and [[Bible Study/Topics/Sanctification/Sanctification]] are closely related, they are distinct aspects of salvation. In [[Justification]], believers are declared righteous because of [[Christ]]’s work on their behalf. In [[Bible Study/Topics/Sanctification/Sanctification]], believers are **made righteous** as they grow in holiness. ### 1. **[[Justification]]: A One-Time Act** [[Justification]] happens at the moment of salvation. It is an **instantaneous legal declaration** where [[God]] credits the righteousness of [[Christ]] to the believer’s account. [[Justification]] is **entirely the work of [[God]]**. - “[Romans 3:28](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+3.28&version=AMP)” – "For we maintain that a person is justified by faith apart from the works of the law." ### 2. **[[Bible Study/Topics/Sanctification/Sanctification]]: An Ongoing Process** [[Bible Study/Topics/Sanctification/Sanctification]], on the other hand, is an **ongoing process** that happens throughout the believer’s life. It involves both **[[God]]’s work** and the **believer’s active participation** in the pursuit of holiness. While [[God]] initiates and sustains this transformation, believers are called to cooperate by exercising faith, obedience, and spiritual discipline. - “[Philippians 2:12–13](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians+2.12-13&version=AMP)” – "Continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is [[God]] who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill His good purpose." The result of [[Bible Study/Topics/Sanctification/Sanctification]] is a **transformation of character**, where the believer’s life increasingly reflects the holiness of [[God]]. Over time, [[Bible Study/Topics/Sanctification/Sanctification]] brings about growth in love, humility, patience, and other virtues that are evidence of [[God]]’s work within. ## Means of Grace in [[Bible Study/Topics/Sanctification/Sanctification]] While [[Bible Study/Topics/Sanctification/Sanctification]] is primarily a **work of [[God]]**, believers are called to **actively participate** in their growth in holiness. [[God]] has provided **means of [[Grace]]** that enable believers to grow in [[Bible Study/Topics/Sanctification/Sanctification]]. These include: ### 1. **Prayer** Prayer is essential to [[Bible Study/Topics/Sanctification/Sanctification]] as it connects believers to [[God]]’s power and wisdom. Through prayer, believers seek the strength to resist temptation and the guidance needed to live holy lives. - “[Ephesians 6:18](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+6.18&version=AMP)” – "And pray in the [[Spirit]] on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests." ### 2. **Scripture** The [[Word of God]] is foundational to [[Bible Study/Topics/Sanctification/Sanctification]]. **Reading, studying, and meditating on Scripture** transforms the mind and heart, aligning them with [[God]]’s truth and will. - “[John 17:17](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+17.17&version=AMP)” – "Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth." ### 3. **Fellowship and the [[Church]]** Fellowship with other believers provides encouragement, accountability, and support in the journey of [[Bible Study/Topics/Sanctification/Sanctification]]. The [[Church]] community is a place where believers help one another grow in [[Christlikeness]]. - “[Hebrews 10:24–25](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+10.24-25&version=AMP)” – "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together." ### 4. **The Sacraments** The sacraments of **[[Baptism]]** and the **[[Lord’s Supper]]** are outward signs of the inward grace of [[Bible Study/Topics/Sanctification/Sanctification]]. They serve as reminders of [[God]]’s work and our call to live as His holy people. - “[Romans 6:4](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+6.4&version=AMP)” – "We were therefore buried with Him through [[Baptism]] into death in order that… we too may live a new life." ## The Challenge and Promise of [[Bible Study/Topics/Sanctification/Sanctification]] [[Bible Study/Topics/Sanctification/Sanctification]] is a **lifelong process** that requires perseverance and faith. It can be challenging because believers still face the reality of sin in their lives. However, [[God]]’s promise is that He will complete the work He has begun. ### 1. **Perfectionism vs. Progress** Some traditions teach that entire [[Bible Study/Topics/Sanctification/Sanctification]], or **[[Christian perfection]]**, can be achieved in this life. This view holds that believers can reach a state where sin no longer holds any power over them. Others believe that **complete [[Bible Study/Topics/Sanctification/Sanctification]]** will only be realized in eternity when believers are glorified. - “[1 Thessalonians 5:23](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Thessalonians+5.23&version=AMP)” – "May your whole spirit, soul, and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord [[Jesus Christ]]." ### 2. **Good Works and Salvation** While [[Bible Study/Topics/Sanctification/Sanctification]] involves good works, it is important to recognize that **good works are the fruit**, not the cause, of salvation. Believers are saved by grace through faith, but that faith naturally leads to a life of obedience and good deeds. - “[Ephesians 2:10](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+2.10&version=AMP)” – "For we are [[God]]’s handiwork, created in [[Christ Jesus]] to do good works, which [[God]] prepared in advance for us to do." [[God]] calls His children to a life of good works, not as a means of earning salvation but as evidence of the **transforming power of His grace**. ### Call to Action: - Seek [[God]] daily in prayer for strength and wisdom to resist sin and grow in holiness. - Engage deeply with Scripture, allowing the truth of [[God]]’s Word to shape your thoughts, attitudes, and actions. - Be active in [[Christian Community]], finding encouragement and accountability from fellow believers. - Embrace the sacraments as means of grace that remind us of [[God]]’s ongoing work in our lives. - Reflect [[Christ]]’s love and righteousness in your daily life, knowing that [[God]] is working through you to display His character to the world. - ### Related Concepts: [[Bible Study/Topics/Sanctification/Sanctification]]